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Deep in the Night Ch. 01

By: KimMarie



 This is the first chapter of a female romance story woven in with a crime story. Each chapter builds onto the next chapter like a novel. Romance is the primary focus with some thrills and suspense thrown in. There are sexual moments too, of course, but they are a natural part of the narrative. If this interests you, then I hope you will be rewarded with a good read. So to those who want to take their time, please enjoy. 

 Chapter 1  A Sheriff Asks a Female FBI Agent For Help

William Hagan was startled from a dead sleep by a ringing phone. In the darkness, he rolled over in his bed and groped for it. "Hagan," he mumbled into the receiver.

An excited voice exclaimed on the other end, "Sheriff, we've got another one!" 

Hagan paused a moment to let the grim news sink in; he knew exactly what the voice was referring to. Another mutilated body had been found; the victim of a savage killer. 

After getting the location, he replied, "I'll be there in 10 minutes." He replaced the phone and rose wearily from the bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. 

"What is it, Bill?" his wife asked groggily. 

"It was Jimmy." He replied, "They found another one. It's Christy Davis." 

"Oh, no!" she exclaimed. Evelyn Hagan sat up and switched on the bedside lamp, "That poor woman! What in the world is going on? Do you want me to make you some coffee while you're getting dressed?" 

"No, I don't have time." He answered, "Don't worry, just go back to sleep." After quickly donning his uniform, Bill Hagan, Sheriff of Shawnee County, climbed into his unmarked cruiser on a muggy August night and hurriedly drove to a gruesome scene.

Shawnee, population 9,300, was just east of Albuquerque, located along U.S. Rt. 40. Travelers rarely stopped there though, unless they decided not to go on to the city or way into Texas the other way. A sleepy little town, it was the perfect model of small town America nestled in the middle of the high plains. 

Everyone knew everyone else and their business. But, they also looked after each other and would do anything for a neighbor. A meat packaging plant, five miles north of Shawnee, employed sixty percent of the town's working population. Most of the other forty percent were either ranchers or held blue collar positions such lawmen, teachers, waitresses, ranch hands, etc... 

Miles of prairie and scattered clumps of pine forests surrounded Shawnee. A couple of Indian settlements were nearby, but nothing much happened there. At this time of year the rain hardly ever fell and most of the crops had been harvested and used as food for cattle. Life was slow paced and quiet. People could keep their doors unlocked at night. Children played on the streets while the old folks watched them from their rockers on their front porches. 

Hagan was really troubled about this latest murder; it was the third one in eight months. The three homicides represented the first time that first-degree murder had been committed in Shawnee. The manner of death they usually dealt with was either accidental or acts of passion. 

Like when the town drunk, Elmer Potts, stumbled out of the Ranch Pub at 1:00 a.m. and onto Rt. 40 where he was run over by an 18-wheeler. Or, the Cobb brothers who fought to the death in a knife duel over a woman. Or, 10 year old Tommy Philips who snuck into his father's gun cabinet and accidentally shot his best friend with a Winchester rifle. 

No, these new murders were planned, grisly acts. A monster was lurking in Shawnee. It also angered him that the killer was arrogant enough to repeat his crime twice in a region where his identity couldn't be hidden for long. Surely, this deranged individual knew he would be in the spotlight. He killed three times by night and most likely was walking the streets of Shawnee by day. 

Hagan's thoughts returned to the present as he rolled to a stop in front of Christy Davis' house. Yellow tape stretched across the yard to keep the bystanders out. Going inside, he shook his head despairingly as he surveyed the bedroom of this latest victim, thirty one year old Christy. 

A single mother, she was a bartender at the Ranch Pub and lived with her 12 year old son. Michael had been sleeping over at his grandparent's house and was spared the horror that occurred in his home. When Christy didn't report for work, the manager of the pub had called her home and got no answer. It wasn't like Christy to not show up. He went into the house, saw her dead, and called 911.

Now Hagan looked down at her nude body lying on the floor, slashed to ribbons with a ½ inch thick pool of clotting blood covering a ruined carpet. Drying blood was also splattered in little drops on all four walls, the bedding, the furniture, and the ceiling. It was a repeat of the previous two murders with one exception; they were getting bloodier. He carefully backed out of the crime scene leaving the way he came.

Stepping outside again he noticed all of the deputies were at the scene now, along with what seemed every inhabitant of Shawnee gathered on the street. A chill spread down Hagan's spine and for the first time in his career he felt fear as he contemplated the character of the individual who was capable of causing such savage destruction to another person. 

His newest deputy had been the first to arrive. He took a quick peak into the bedroom and hastily retreated from the house and lost his dinner in the bushes. The other deputies had buttoned up the place, not wanting to disturb the crime scene anymore than possible. They were not used to dealing with such crimes and Hagan had noticed the distressed look on their faces. 

He organized them together, disguising his own apprehension and worry. He had to maintain command and authority so that the crime scene wouldn't be contaminated and that his deputies wouldn't lose their composure. There was evidence to be collected, neighbors to interview and photographs to be taken.

Hagan began making the necessary calls to Albuquerque for the crime scene unit to be sent. Shawnee couldn't afford a crime scene van and he borrowed the neighboring force's unit for cases such as this. Dawn came and the sun rose high in the sky before the night's distasteful duties were finished. Another van from the Medical Examiner's Office arrived and two technicians took the body away after Hagan gave the okay. 

* **

No progress had been made in the investigation in a month, but Hagan was sure the same person committed the three murders. Each victim was female, between the ages of 23 and 31, and had been stabbed and slashed in their homes at night. He poured over the reports and scene photos; the images disgusted him. 

Hagan had put on a few pounds since his rookie days and his hair was starting to thin, but at 6'5", he presented an imposing figure. At 52, he took his duty very seriously and considered it his personal responsibility to protect the citizens of Shawnee.  

Sheriff Hagan was a professional law officer by the standards of others doing the same job in rural counties. When he was elected five years ago he already had the required law enforcement training and only had to take command training. He had kept up with refresher courses and tried to maintain current by reading journals and attending conferences. 

Fortunately, violent homicides were unheard of in Shawnee, until now. So, despite his 25+ years enforcement, Hagan was inexperienced with solving first-degree murder investigations and he knew it. He didn't necessarily attribute the town's quiet lifestyle to his performance as a lawman, but he had simply assumed that Shawnee was one place where people were still good. 

He had asked the State Police to step in to assist with the investigation and they sent two detectives, a male and female homicide team. It was obvious neither was too happy to be involved in the small town investigation. They preferred the excitement of the city, but they had little choice in the manner when their captain had given them the assignment. As such they provided backup help to his shorthanded department, but no ideas on solving the crimes. 

All standard procedures had been followed, reviews of the deputies' reports, review of photos and autopsy reports, fingerprint checks on the NCIC database, everything they knew. They best they came up with was that the force be more on the alert for "strange" characters. Hagan needed help.

Life was continuing in Shawnee in the weeks that followed, only now the women were a little more cautious, and a lot more nervous. A killer hiding in any town would be a huge source of anxiety and gossip. But, in a town where these kinds of things didn't happen, people were terrified. Stories circulated concerning the killer's identity that ranged from an anonymous drifter to an escaped mental patient. Hagan did his best to calm the citizen's fears while at the same time urging women to use caution. Not surprisingly, guns sales were up.

*** 

Around mid-morning, on a late September day six weeks after the last murder, deputy sheriff Jimmy Watson knocked on the sheriff's office door. 

"Sheriff, take a look at this. I found something that I think could help us," Jimmy said as he entered. 

Jimmy handed Hagan 'The Albuquerque Journal'. The local section contained a news brief in regard to an FBI profiler giving a lecture at the University's Health Science Center that very day. Hagan's interest went up. He read the short article and decided to make the most of the opportunity presented. He beeped his office assistant on the phone. 

"Barbara, Jimmy and I are heading to the city this morning. You know how to reach me if you need me." Looking up at Jimmy, he stated more than asked, "You ready for a road trip, partner?" 

"Sure Sheriff." Jimmy readily replied. 

Hagan quickly called his wife to inform her where he was headed and that he wouldn't be home for lunch. Then after checking his holster for his gun, pager and cell phone, he grabbed the keys to his cruiser, left the other two deputies on duty in charge and nodded to Jimmy.  

They sped westward arriving a little over an hour later at the university campus. After driving around for several minutes, they found the lecture hall. With dismay, they realized they missed nearly all the lecture. The hall was nearly filled to capacity with law enforcement and psychology types as well as students. Hagan and Jimmy quietly took seats in the back row of the theater style auditorium and listened to the closing comments from the smartly dressed brunette behind the podium down below. 

She fielded questions from the audience and subsequently received their ovation. As the audience filed out, Hagan, followed by Jimmy, made their way down the carpeted steps to the front of the auditorium where the woman was replacing her notes into a briefcase.

"Ma'am", Hagan said as he approached her. 

The woman turned to find two men standing in front of her dressed in tan uniforms holding western style hats. In one swift glance she knew she hadn't seen them before or during her lecture series this week, that their heavily tanned faces and light hairline meant they worked outdoors with hats, that their Sam Brown belts were rigged western style, that the shoulder patch and star shaped badge on their shirts meant they were county, not city officers. 

The big man with a silver star pinned to his collar meant he was a top ranking officer, probably the Sheriff himself, and finally their dusty western boots meant they were from some rural location and had arrived this morning after driving an hour or two. 

"May I help you?" she said, offering her hand in a confident manner to the man in front of her wearing the star. 

Hagan was slightly surprised at her strong handshake and appearance. He would never have guessed that the pretty woman standing before him was a profiler for the FBI. Her nametag said "Special Agent Jordan Conner". 

Hagan took her in with one glance too. She was dressed in a navy women's business pantsuit with matching navy pumps. Her dark chestnut hair fell below her shoulders and framed an attractive, almost beautiful face with intelligent, deep blue eyes. She was probably in her early thirties and had on an amount of makeup that would be acceptable in a conservative office. She had a trim figure and, despite her medium height compared to him, she almost seemed petite. 

Her self-assured manner suggested a subtle sexiness that both men found appealing. Adding to that appeal were the unfastened top two buttons on her blouse. Hagan tried to ignore that, but it was difficult.

"May we have a few words with you, Agent Connor?" he asked and went on to explain, "We desperately need your help." 

Now it was Jordan's turn to be surprised. Not because the man looked her over, which happened all the time, but for another reason. Since she was so good at masking her emotions, she covered it up. Never before had a law enforcement official ever claimed that they needed her help. As a federal agent, her presence at investigations was resented. Whether it was because she was a woman or the fact that her position was perceived as an intrusion, the good old boys of local law where usually less than cordial toward her.

"And you are?" 

"I'm Sheriff Bill Hagan, we're from of a county east of here, Shawnee. This is one of my deputies, Jimmy Watson. We have had a series of murders that are related. It is my first experience dealing with a serial killer. Our town has been very safe and, frankly Agent Connor, I'm not sure exactly who we are dealing with." 

Jordan was amazed at the candor coming from the small town sheriff. 

"It's Jordan," she corrected him. "What makes you think the murders are committed by a serial killer?" 

Looking her in the eyes, he said, "That is the obvious part. Same M.O. each time. All young, pretty women with multiple knife wounds. I guess you are a busy wom...well," he caught himself, "I know you are busy. But, I would be grateful for any advice you could give us. It should only take a few days." 

Jordan took an instant liking to the sheriff; it made her job so much easier when other agencies worked with her. She had an uncanny ability to size up people instantly. This intuitiveness was a huge plus in her line of work. The sheriff seemed genuinely interested in catching the killer, but she also noticed his interest in her too. He apparently did not perceive it as an insult to his masculinity to ask a woman fed for assistance. She took his word that the killings were related. 

He never would have taken the trouble to beg for her help if there was not substantial reason to do so. She hadn't any current assignments that were important and this case could be interesting. It could also help her get additional research on serial killers, her specialty.

"I would have to have a look at your case files and all evidence Sheriff. Will you pardon me for a moment?" Turning from the two men, she stepped away from them a few feet while she pulled a cell phone from her purse where she kept it a pocket next to her gun. Hagan heard the end of the conversation after she punched in a number. 

"Joanne, what does my schedule look like for the next few days?" She listened a few moments nodding with the phone. She continued, "Listen, go ahead and postpone them, we will have to reschedule later. I am going to be staying on awhile. I'll be in...," turning back to the officers; she tilted the phone away from her mouth, "Where did you say you were from?" 

"Shawnee," 

Hagan answered with a small smile, hoping the gesture concealed his slight defensiveness at having to repeat the name of his small town and the huge county that surrounded it. 

Replacing the phone to her mouth, she spoke into it, "I'll be in Shawnee, it's east of Albuquerque. You can reach me at this number as usual and I will give you additional info when I arrive." After another moment, she finished, "Okay, thanks Joanne...Bye. All right, Sheriff, I'm all yours for a week. Lead the way." 

Hagan was startled and pleased. He never expected the agent would actually become involved with the case. "I very much appreciate what you are doing for us." 

Jordan dismissed it, "These lectures I can do in my spare time when I am not actively hunting a killer. If there is indeed a serial killer in Shawnee, then your situation is priority." 

"Would you like to ride with us? Can we buy you lunch?" Hagan inquired, hoping for more time with the attractive agent.

"No, I have a rental car and I'd rather not waste time." She informed him. "Plus, I have to pack my things and check out of the hotel. I can meet you in Shawnee." 

"Good enough." He replied, resigned to the fact it would be all business with this woman. "Just follow U.S. Rt. 40 east and take the Shawnee exit. It's a little over an hour from here, you can't miss it. The sheriff station is a flat-topped brick building on the left on the main street. It has our name on it. When can we expect you?" 

Jordan glanced at her watch, it was 1:00. "I should make it before 3:00."

Hagan and Jimmy turned to go, "Fine, we will see you then, and thank you again."

Jordan called after them, "Oh, by the way, Sheriff, please keep my arrival quiet. I don't want anyone in town to know who I am." 

Hagan began to chuckle softly and Jimmy snickered, "Ma'am...I mean Jordan...I'm sorry, but I can guarantee you that your arrival is probably already spread all over town." 

"Damn." Jordan muttered under her breath, then she spoke authoritatively, "In that case, you may want to post deputies at the main roads, in case he decides to run. Have them check any cars leaving town." Hagan noted the irritated expression that crossed Jordan's face. Her friendly demeanor had faded and it already confirmed his suspicion that there was a lot more than meet the eye beneath her pretty figure.

Jordan changed her shoes into more comfortable ankle boots, put her travel bags into her rental BMW, and checked out of the hotel. She turned on the air conditioner and a classical music station and munched a banana as she drove to Shawnee. The cool interior and the soothing music were calming and helped her to think since the adrenalin was beginning to rush through her veins. The prairie blurred by her as she organized her thoughts about the type of killer who would strike in small town, USA.

*** 

Jordan Connor already had a bachelor's degree in psychology when the FBI hired her. She went on to finish a Master's in criminal psychology by taking classes at night while working Federal homicide cases. She had always wanted to work in the behavioral science division of the FBI and was elated when she was promoted into the division. 

Now, she had nearly five years experience as a profiler under her belt. She loved her job, but there was an inevitable downside to it. She had seen the horrible, destructive damage one human could inflict on another and she had to carry those images around in her memory forever. 

On more than one occasion, she had been jolted awake from a nightmare with her heart pounding and a cold sweat soaking through her bedclothes. 

Her profession had also cost her a dear relationship. Jordan had learned through the years to conduct her job objectively, to not get emotionally involved, and to stay cool and detached. After all, there was nothing she could do for the victims anyhow, except to see that justice was done. 

Despite the heinous nature of their crimes, the perpetrators fascinated her. Each case was a puzzle to Jordan. Every killer left his own distinct mark at the crime scene and it was her job to piece together the clues to come up with an assessment of his personality. A crime scene told her volumes about his habits, his methods and his behavior; and this frequently enabled her to predict his next move. Then the true hunt began and nothing thrilled her more then hunting the most feared of American criminals, the serial killer. 


Deep in the Night Ch. 01



Jordan knew she was getting close to Shawnee. Houses started to dot the landscape and became more prevalent as she neared town. She exited the Interstate and it turned into Main Street. She quickly came upon the Shawnee Sheriff's Office and jail on the west side of town. She pulled up in front just before 3:00 p.m. The street was fairly busy. As she got out of the BMW she took a long stretch. 

Jordan, always on the alert, took everything in. Stretching gave her an excuse to discreetly scan her surroundings from behind her dark frames, a habit that became automatic to her whenever she was in a new location. She was not oblivious to the looks she was getting from mother's pushing strollers on the sidewalk, kids riding their skateboards and old folks who blatantly stared out the window from the diner across the street. Most had never seen a classy looking woman step out of an expansive sedan in Shawnee wearing makeup during the daytime. 

It seemed too quiet, even for a small town. The onlookers didn't wave or smile; they knew why she was there. Despite the afternoon's heat, she sensed a chilling fear underlying the solemn town. 

She entered the glass doors and allowed her eyes to adjust to the light after removing her glasses. A desk was situated in the center of the lobby with hallways extending toward the back of the building on either side. Offices branched off both hallways and the lock-up was located in the extreme rear of the building. A simple radio console was built into the wall behind the desk and a young, perky, strawberry blonde served as a receptionist and dispatcher for the small force. 

She immediately displayed her western hospitality and smiled broadly at Jordan, saying, "You must be that FBI woman. Welcome to Shawnee." 

Jordan sighed. She knew this was going to happen and thought the herself.  How can you get work done when your arrival is front page news?  

"I'm Special Agent Jordan Connor. Sheriff Hagan is expecting me." 

"Of course, he is, honey. I'm Sarah and if you just follow me, I'll take you to his office." She rose from her chair and began to walk around the desk, taking a good look at Jordan as she did so. But she didn't have to escort Jordan anywhere. Bill Hagan had heard Sarah's voice and came out of his office. 

He had on his western hat and looked even taller than he did earlier that morning. He took all of her into one look too. Just as earlier that day when he met her she looked classy and self-assured, but she was taller now too. Her 5'6" was now good 5'8" in those boots. He found it hard to look her in the eyes without blinking at her obvious attractiveness.    

He finally managed to say, "Hello, Agent Connor. Glad you found your way. I took the liberty of booking you a room at the motel. It's lucky number 7. Raven has it ready for you." He tossed her the room key attached to a gigantic, gaudy, orange plastic key ring. 

Jordan caught the key, "Thanks and call me Jordan," she replied turning the key over in her hand, "Why do they always make these things so inconvenient?" Not like a simple card you get at a fancy hotel in the major cities, she thought to herself. 

Looking back at Hagan, she asked, "Who's Raven?" 

"She owns and manages Shawnee's only motel." Hagan informed her, "I'm sure you will meet her before long." 

In her no-nonsense matter, Jordan delved right into the matter, "Very well. I'd like to get started right away."

"Sure Agent Con.., Uh, Jordan. Uh, why don't you follow me?" Hagan started down the left hallway to the first door when two plainclothes officers exited from one of the other doorways. 

He stopped, "Oh, Jordan, these are detectives Matthews and Samson from the New Mexico State Police. They have been assigned to assist with the case." Turning to the two officers, he introduced Jordan, "This is Special Agent Connor. She had been kind enough to come and lend her expertise. I expect you to cooperate fully with her." 

As they looked up, their expression changed from boredom to wonder to something else. On first glance she was the best looking woman either had seen outside of a fashion magazine cover, then the reality of who she was sank in. 

Jordan shook hands with them, but sensed their resentment towards her, either jealous of her looks or because of her title. Same old thing, insecure macho types, she thought. They always think I have come to take over because they are incompetent.  

"I would be interested in hearing what you have come up with so far," she told them. Actually, she had no such intentions. She didn't want to prejudice her perception of the evidence beforehand. But, she had a knack for reading people, for sensing their moods and she used it to her advantage. She then felt the eyes of both the male and female officer roving over her body again. 

Detective Gary Matthews was tall and dark with a thick mustache. He was a good dresser and sported a muscular physique. He rarely had to expel much energy in picking up women. They came on to him everywhere he went. He had developed an air of arrogance and expected every woman he met to fall all over him. He was beginning to feel a bit put out when the hot-looking FBI woman hardly gave him a second glance. 

His female partner, Detective Casey Samson, was also tall with short curly blond hair. She had an athletic body and while she wasn't exactly butch, she certainly wouldn't be classified as feminine either. She dressed more casual than her partner in jeans, a golf shirt and Nike running shoes and she liked to cram as many items onto her gun belt as she possibly could. As they turned to leave, she traded smirks with her partner. She considered the agent to be definitely worth a shot, among other things.  

"Now that introductions are out of the way, here's the room I set aside for you Jordan." Hagan showed her into the first doorway off of the hallway. It was a small, neat room with a conference table surrounded by chairs. There was a phone on the wall next to the door and a whiteboard and corkboard on the right wall. He added, "I'll have Jimmy gather everything up for you and bring it in. Here is the key so you can keep it locked up." He poked his head out the doorway and nearly knocked into Sarah who was lurking outside the doorway, determined not to miss anything. "Sarah, why don't you bring some coffee for Jordan?" 

"Sure thing, Sheriff," she bubbled, glad to be included in the proceedings. 

Hearing the exchange, Jordan interrupted, "Actually, I'd prefer bottled water, if you have it." 

Sarah retrieved an Evian from a small fridge in the kitchenette and handed it to Jordan with a smile, adding as she did so, "Sheriff, Terrell Grant called again. He is complaining that you won't return his calls." 

Hagan sighed with exasperation, "I can't accommodate every do-gooder in Shawnee." He headed back to his office, calling over his shoulder, "Jordan, as soon as you're finished..."

She interrupted him, "...I will be sure to give you my assessment."

Jimmy gathered up the case files, photographs and bags of evidence and brought them to the conference room. "Anything else you need?" he asked, trying to find some way to linger in her presence.

"I'll let you know." she informed the eager, young deputy. "I would prefer to not be disturbed. I promise to fill you in on my findings as soon as I am finished." 

"No problem." Jimmy answered. "Just give a holler if you need anything." He exited the room closing the door behind him. Damn, she's good looking.. 

Jordan removed her blazer and tossed it over the back of a chair. She opened a black leather bag with a shoulder strap that she had brought in with her and pulled out a laptop. It contained various powerful, but classified programs that allowed her to conduct sensitive searches with its wireless capabilities. But now she opened the Lotus Notes program so she could type notes as she worked. She organized the paperwork and evidence in front of her into three piles for each of the murders. Then, she sat down and took a deep breath before diving into her momentous task. 

(To Be Continued)



Deep in the Night Ch. 02



 This is one chapter of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks. .

 Part 2 Agent Connor Meets Some Resentment

Jordan began with the photos. She was visually oriented and wanted to get a grasp of the scene before reading the files. The images spoke to her, presenting to her a moment of death and violence captured forever on the glossy paper. They were similar to so many others she had seen before, but unique in their own way. 

Once she finished with the photos, she moved on to the autopsy reports. She finished with the deputies' reports, which she found impressive for a small force. They were thorough, detailed, and organized chronologically. 

Nothing had been stolen from the victims' houses, nor had they been sexually assaulted.

Other items included bags of labeled evidence containing the victims' bloody clothing, underwear, shoes, hair samples, and carpet fibers. 

Unfortunately, Shawnee lacked the funds (and the precedent) to allocate money toward sophisticated crime scene tests, such as DNA, chemistry, and toxicology. Nor did they have the specialized software to organize and analyze their data. Jordan would have to make do with the paperwork that she had before her and use the databases on her laptop when feasible. 

She was beginning to develop an initial impression of Shawnee's slaughterer, however, something wasn't right and for the moment and Agent Jordan Conner couldn't put her finger on it.

She had been brought into the case earlier that day when Sheriff Hagan had come to Albuquerque where she was lecturing and asked her to help him with a bad case. Her job in the FBI was profiling and this crime was perfect for her. She did a lot of public speaking, but this was a chance to get back into fieldwork, which she found fascinating in an intellectual sort of way.

Meanwhile, across town at the El Rancho Taberna, New Mexico State Police detectives Gary Matthews and Casey Samson were each sipping a cold Budweiser and checking out the women who came into the bar. Casey trusted her partner and felt comfortable around him. He was a womanizer and had a new girlfriend every week. Casey didn't like the way he perceived women as objects, but she was comfortable enough to confess to him that she liked women as more than just friends. Gary had sort of suspected it for a long time since she never talked about men or seemed to go on dates with them. 

He had tried on more than one occasion to fix her up with some of his buddies, but she always came up with some excuse why she couldn't keep the date. So he hadn't been surprised when she admitted her preferences one evening two years ago during a boring stake out. He had teased her about it for a while, hinting around about having a threesome, but he stopped when that got him nowhere. Casey was a good cop and he respected her skills. 

A bond existed between them that had grown from their experience on the streets together and Casey seemed like a male buddy to him now. Her height and size made her almost as strong as a man and Gary knew he could depend on her, so her personal choices were not a problem for him. 

Now, as Garth Brooks sang about low places and whiskey on the jukebox, they ordered a second draft. 

Casey turned to Gary with a mischievous grin on her face, "Hey partner, what did you think of that gorgeous Fed?" 

He gulped his brew and sputtered, "Hell, that bitch wouldn't give you the time of day!" He recalled the rebuff that had occurred that afternoon when the agent wasn't enthralled with him. 

Casey laughed in his face, "What's the matter, did poor Gary get his ego crushed?" 

Gary retorted, "Listen, that woman doesn't know a good thing when she sees it."

Casey was still laughing when she answered, "Yeah, but you got to admit, she looked VERY nice. I'll bet she looks even better under that suit." 

Gary scoffed, "You'll never know. She only bats one way."

"And how would you know?" Casey was indignant. 

"Just look at her." Gary argued, "Besides, if she didn't even look at me, what makes you think she'll like you?"

"Gary, you are a conceited bastard. Maybe she didn't look at you because she likes women." 

Gary dismissed Casey's statement, "She don't like nobody." 

Casey leaned in closer to him, "Are you up for a little wager, partner?"

"The winner is...whoever sleeps with her first."

Gary slammed down his beer, "Bring it on, partner. This will be a heroic conquest! I'll fill you in on all the intimate details." He seemed almost jubilant. 

"Don't be so arrogant." Casey corrected him. "With the way you two started, you don't have a chance."

"That's all going to change when I turn on my charm. She won't be able to resist me." He suddenly feigned concern, "It doesn't seem fair for you, though."

"You just make sure you have the cash ready to pay me." Casey replied confidently. "I am the one who will be bragging to you about all the luscious details!" 

They downed the rest of their beers and finished with a shot of Captain Morgan, toasting to the challenge of the bet before calling it a night. The sheriff had told them earlier that tomorrow they would be starting a job for Jordan. She wanted the 2000 census for Shawnee to establish a database to obtain as many statistics as possible for every male over 16 years of age. They were less than thrilled about a deluge of paperwork or working for a smart-ass pretty FBI agent.

It was nearly 11:00 p.m. when Jordan finished her initial profile of Shawnee's killer. Reclining in her chair, she rubbed the back of her neck. Her stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten since the banana on her drive from Albuquerque. Jordan had a one-track mind and when she was involved with a case, she devoted all of her energy to it, often skipping meals and losing track of time. She packed up her laptop and straightened up the files, wondering if she would have to resort to fast food at the late hour. 

A deputy was sitting in Sarah's chair with his feet propped up on the desk. "Good evening Ma'am." He nodded to Jordan as she was locking the office behind her. 

"Know of anywhere to eat this time of night?" she asked him. 

"Diner's right across the street. Open twenty-four hours. Tell them Dale sent you." 

"Thanks. I suppose the Sheriff went home?" 

"Yeah, long ago. But, he told me to call him when you finished." 

"No need to call, if he comes in before me tomorrow morning, tell him I will brief him on what I have when I arrive." Jordan instructed him.

"Will do. You have a good night, Agent Connor." 

Jordan tossed her laptop into the BMW and crossed over to the diner. She walked in and was met with the usual stares. There were only two booths occupied, but Jordan walked to the right and sat at the last booth with her back to the wall. That way she could have a view of the entire restaurant and it satisfied that old law enforcement rule, never sit with your back to the door. 

A gum chewing fake blonde with far too much makeup, sauntered over and asked, "What'll ya have, sugar?" 

"Coffee and the grilled chicken Caesar salad." 

The blonde returned shortly with the coffee and placed it in front of Jordan. She didn't seem in any hurry to leave Jordan's table, especially since they weren't busy. 

She bent close to Jordan and almost in a whisper asked, "You're that secret FBI agent, aren't ya? You here to catch that psycho killer?" 

Jordan motioned for the waitress to come closer. 

As the blonde leaned in, Jordan whispered back, "I'll let you in on a secret. I'm really here to investigate aliens." 

Her eyes grew wide and her mouth fell open. She looked around her very seriously and replied, still whispering, "You know, I've been hearing stuff about that Raven being an alien. I didn't believe it until now." Straightening back up, she continued, "Well shit, I knew there was something weird about that mystery woman." 

Jordan was trying to suppress a chuckle because in this part of the country aliens were definitely believable. Roswell was only a couple hundred miles away. 

A gruff male voice growled from the kitchen, "Dammit woman! Quit your yapping and get your butt over here and pick up!" 

She sighed, yelling back, "Why don't you just shut the hell up, Eddie! I've been on my feet all day. We're talking aliens here. I don't want to put up with your shit!" 

Jordan laughed to herself as the woman sashayed to the kitchen. Her curiosity was also stirred.  Why was Raven such a mystery? She was the owner of the motel where the Sheriff had booked her room and he seemed to like her. 

The waitress returned with Jordan's salad, "By the way, I'm Sherie. Give a holler if you need anything." 

Jordan watched as Sherie chatted in hushed tones to the patrons in the other booth. She glanced at her watch and wished there was a way to time how fast a new rumor could be spread. She wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow's edition of the paper carried the headlines, X-files Case Opened in Shawnee. She looked down at her salad; the lettuce was turning brown, oh well.

Jordan walked back to her BMW in the Sheriff's lot and drove it three blocks to the Shawnee Inn. It was a small motel, with about 30 rooms all single stories arranged in an open square around a large attractive landscaped swimming pool. 

The pool was a huge draw for a motel in a town with no tourism. Tired, hot drivers stopped when they saw it, cutting short the trip to Albuquerque. The townspeople could pay a dollar to swim all day. At midnight, it was now closed, but was a refreshing scene with its green underwater lights.

Jordan drove past it to a small lot between the pool and the inn and backed into a space in front of #7. She popped the trunk and unloaded her bags into the room. It was small, but neat and clean with its two double beds, a wooden bureau, a table with four chairs and a small refrigerator and microwave. 

Peeling off her clothes, she laid her gun belt on the bedside table. She plugged a charger into the wall and checked her voice mail before connecting the charger to her cell phone. Her secretary had cleared her schedule for the next week, her supervisor had ordered her to check in more often and her best friend, Taylor, was wondering why she hadn't called. It's too late to call her now, Jordan thought, yawning, it would be even later on the east coast. 

She stepped into the shower and let the hot water hit her neck and shoulders. That felt soooo good. She was glad that Raven woman had put in the fancy showerheads with five settings. She took the small bottle of shampoo and noticed it was L'Occitane brand. Ummmm, that was unusual to find that high a grade of toiletry in a highway motel. 

She lathered up her shoulder length thick hair and put some between her legs as well. The shower accessories included a big loofa, which Jordan also lathered up with the separate bottle of L'Occitane body wash. The scent of the soap was wonderful and she thoroughly covered her trim athletic body with the lovely fragrant sudsy concoction. 

She was feeling better now after the long day sitting a desk. She reached up to the shower ceiling and then down to her toes. Her mid-sized breasts hardly moved as she stretched. They were so firm she really didn't need to wear a bra in normal situations except to cover her prominent nipples, which would show unless she wore extra material. 

She rinsed off and grabbed for a towel. It was unusually large, thick and soft. Again, a high-quality item in strange contrast to the motel's overall perception of a well kept, but aging property. Jordan wondered if every room was like this. 

She changed into a sleeping T and shorts and tucked herself into the bed. The mattress was firm, but soft, great for her tired back. The sheets and blanket were soft and not scratchy at all. Probably a high thread count. More quality here too. In the comfort of some small luxuries in the middle of the high plains, she quickly fell asleep.

*** 

Jordan was at the Sheriff's office by 8 a.m. 

Sarah was bright and cheerful as ever, "Good Morning, Jordan. Sheriff Hagan wanted me to let know that they are all over at the diner." 

"Thanks, Sarah." 

Jordan walked across Main Street and entered the bustling diner. Clanging silverware and loud chatter greeted her ears as waitresses hurried past with plates heaped with hot eggs, bacon, sausage and home fries. Hagan spotted Jordan and called to her. Between the day shift deputies and the two detectives, they occupied three booths. Jordan squeezed in across from Hagan. 

"Howdy Jordan. How was your night?" Hagan inquired. 

"Fine." Jordan answered, flipping her chestnut colored hair off of her face, an act that caught all their attention. 

Hagan tried to read Jordan's face to see if her expression belied her findings from yesterday's activities, but her look was void of emotion. 

He decided to come right out and ask her, "So, Jordan, what have you found?" Just then a redheaded waitress arrived, balancing three plates of food on each arm. 

Jordan waited until she finished serving everyone. As the waitress was leaving Jordan looked thoughtful and kept her voice low, "I have a theory, but I am not convinced. This one is bizarre. There is something about the murders which is strange. There is more to this case then what the scenes are revealing." She asked the waitress over, "Can you please bring me some coffee and a toasted bagel?" 

The deputies were chowing down and Jordan continued with her voice quiet, "I'd like to bring the task force together for a briefing. I can explain my theory and get everyone's input. Then we can execute a plan for catching him." 

Gary overheard. He snickered quietly at another booth as they listened to Jordan's choice of words and mouthed to his partner, "Damn Feds." 

Casey just shrugged. She was attracted to Jordan and she didn't share Gary's attitude of "love 'em and leave 'em." 

Then she turned angry at Gary's next statement; he looked over at Jordan and announced, "I think your plan is excellent, babe." 

Jordan shot him a bored look and replied to him sarcastically, "Do you detective? I'm soooooo glad I have your approval. And my name is Agent Connor, not babe." 

Casey smiled to herself at Jordan's comment, silently thinking, you go girl! While Gary may have thought of her as nothing more than a conquest, Casey saw other possibilities. Jordan was different from other women she had known or had picked up in the lesbian bars in Albuquerque. She was intelligent, confident and shrewd; no doubt she could be tough when she needed to be. But, she was also classy and feminine and Casey thought she was extraordinarily sexy. 

This morning especially. Jordan wore a blazer with a matching skirt that ended just above her knees. The skirt rode up her thigh when she had sat down and had a slit open on the side; Casey had a first hand view of the exposed thigh from across the aisle. She imagined what it would be like to touch Jordan's firm, smooth leg. 

Most of the night Casey spent tossing and turning in her motel room wondering how she was going to get Jordan to go out with her. She had to assume the worst case scenario – that Jordan was straight. Casey wanted to play it cool and not screw things up. She took the bet seriously and was determined to win and more. Maybe, by some miracle, she could actually get the attention of the gorgeous agent.

Jordan poured some cream in her coffee and spread raspberry jelly on her bagel. She switched the conversation to a lighter topic and before taking a bite of the crisp bagel, asked Hagan, "So what is the story with this mystery woman, Raven?" 

"Didn't you meet her last night?" Hagan responded after swallowing his eggs.

"No, I finished late."

"Well, it's just that no one knows anything about her so she is the great mystery of Shawnee." 

Jordan surmised, "But, I thought everybody knew everyone else's business around here?"

Hagan laughed, "This is true. But, Raven is an exception. She came to Shawnee, oh, about 4 years ago. That right, Jimmy? 

"That's' what they say," said Jimmy. "She ended up buying the motel from the old couple that were retiring. Put the swimming pool in front. She doesn't talk about her past or her personal life, so folks in town are always speculating 'bout who she is. They made her out to be everything from a witch to a fugitive from the law to a victim of alien abduction. They even say she's been seen in porn movies." 

Hagan shook his head, "It is amazing what people will come up with." The more Jordan heard about Raven, the more she was intrigued with her.

Later that morning, Jordan was posting the images of the three victims onto the corkboards in the conference room. The sheriff went about rounding up his deputies and the two detectives. Sarah hovered around, busying herself with brewing coffee. 

Once the team was assembled, Hagan addressed them, "Good morning, again. As you should already know, Agent Jordan Connor is heading up this investigation and will assist us in finding whoever did these killings." 

He noticed a scowl on Gary Matthews face. He continued, "She is briefing us this morning on the killer's profile and where we will go from here. Please give her your full attention." 

He nodded in the agent's direction, "Jordan." Jordan stood up and walked over to the corkboards at one end of the conference table. 

She began, "Gentlemen...," glancing at Casey and Sarah, who unobtrusively seated herself off to the side, she added, "...and ladies. I don't need to remind you that Shawnee is no longer immune to violent crime. Three victims are the affirmation of that tragic edict." 

She went on, "At the request of Sheriff Hagan, I agreed to assist with this investigation and after studying the case files, and I have devised a preliminary profile." 

Jordan paused before delving into the crux of her presentation. "Undoubtedly, we are dealing with serial murders. Each victim was alone in her house at the time of the murder and suffered multiple knife wounds; the same weapon was used in each case. The killer entered their residences deep in the night, which indicates to me that he knew the victims were alone. He must have done his homework; he picked them personally and knew their habits, so he must have been stalking them." 

Jordan referred to the photos, "Here is the strange component; according to the autopsy reports none of the knife wounds were fatal. They were shallow and failed to strike the vital organs. If anything, the wounds were more of a slashing pattern rather than stabs. That explains the splattering on the walls and furniture. The cause of death was exsanguination. That is, the victims bled profusely, went into shock and died from severe hemorrhage as evidenced by the large volume of pooled blood." 

She paused a moment, then went on, "This is very different from previous knife murders I have encountered. Usually, the killer plunges deep into the victim's chest and head thereby venting his rage with each strike. The lungs are usually pierced, as may be the heart and brain, causing grave damage. At any rate, the savagery of murders of this type always indicates a hidden anger. 

Our killer is angry at women and I would venture to say his mother abused him when he was a child. But the shallow wounds would suggest that he is not trying to explicitly murder them, just make them suffer." 

Gary interrupted her, "So, what, has he got a guilt complex about killing people?"

"I doubt it. Most serial killers believe life has dealt them a bitter blow and their behavior is justified. So, on a subconscious level, they don't perceive their actions as being wrong or immoral. Getting back to the victims, I don't think our killer intended for them to be murdered by the slashings, which is where the puzzle comes in."




Deep in the Night Ch. 02



"I don't understand," said Gary. "What's the puzzle, he killed them." 

"Because," continued Jordan, "despite the nature of the wounds, they didn't die right away and the killer put a certain amount of energy into carrying out his plan. These are not random, spontaneous killings. He invaded the victims' home turf, so to speak, so he is bold and confident. With repeated murders in the same small area, he has become smug about what he has done. 

He controlled his method of torment, so he also has the self-discipline and temperament of an older man; I would look for a man who is at least 28 years of age and not over 50, probably about 40. I would venture to say that he is educated and he may have a girlfriend or wife...."

"Wait a minute," Gary interrupted again, "How do you know all this, you're guessing." 

"I'm not guessing Detective Matthews. I have more than ten years field experience in profiling serious criminals and several degrees in psychology to back that up. Now, if I may continue?" 

Gary crossed his arms, but sat silent.

Jordan went on, "If he does have a wife, he dominates her and has probably abused her in some way too. Socially, though, he is immature and is a loner. As a last note, he is right-handed." 

Sheriff Hagan interrupted now, " But how in the world..."

Jordan just smiled and continued, "Because my analysis of the pattern of the wounds. This is another side to these murders that we need to uncover. Once we find it, we can make great strides toward catching the killer. I am looking for a more specific motive. I need to know why he inflicted benign injury of this fashion to such an extent that it results in a person's death. Until then, I want every relative, neighbor and potential witness interviewed again. I will advise you on how to interrogate them. 

Also, I am pretty sure he knows I'm looking for him and may try to flee. I want surveillance 24/7 at all roads out of town, Rt. 40 east and west and the north and south roads. I want every car coming out of Shawnee stopped and inspected if the occupant meets my profile. Sheriff, if you lack the manpower, I will contact the state police to supply extra troopers." 

"Sure Jordan, but we're probably going to have the ACLU breathing down our throats. Someone will want to sue us for invading their privacy." 

"I don't give a damn. I am going to do whatever the hell it takes to catch this guy. Make up a probable cause to stop them. If the ACLU calls here, let me handle it." Jordan announced definitively. Everyone in the room looked up at Jordan with a new interest. Her last statement appealed to them; maybe she wouldn't turn out to be a by-the-book fed after all. 

"Detectives Matthews and Sampson have set up a database of suspects." Jordan glanced at Gary and Casey.

Casey jumped in, "Its right here Jordan. I presume you want us to focus on men between 28 and, let's say, 45?" 

"That is a start." Jordan replied, "We can make a generalization in regard to Shawnee's population. Men account for 49% of the earth's population. How many reside in Shawnee, Sheriff?" 

"Roughly 9000." Hagan replied. 

"Okay, so we are talking about less than 4500 individuals. We can eliminate all children, teenagers, very young men and elderly men. Gary and Casey can obtain that information from the database."

"Sheriff, I want you to issue a press release. Anyone who notices a man following them or stalking them, whether by foot or in a car, must contact the sheriff's office immediately."

Jimmy raised his hand, "Yes, Jimmy." Jordan nodded. 

"What are the possibilities that the killer is not from Shawnee? Suppose he is from Albuquerque or over in Texas? Or maybe a neighboring small town?"

"I don't think so." Jordan answered. "Remember, he knows his victims. He has taken the time to follow them and become familiar with their lifestyle. He has to be close by to acquire this information. Are there any other questions?"

Hagan spoke up, "Jordan, do you think he will strike again?" Jordan was quiet for a moment, as though deep in thought. 

"Not now. He knows we are on to him, especially since I am in town. He will lay low for awhile. But he has some plan concocted and he will want to continue with it. That is another reason for the roadblocks; he might decide to start all over again somewhere else. If there are no further questions, I'd like everyone to get started." 

Jordan collected the photos as the task force began filing out of the room. Bill Hagan walked over to her, "Jordan, my wife asked me to invite you to dinner tonight if you can make it."

Jordan smiled at him, "Tell your wife I will gladly accept. I can't remember when I had a home cooked meal last."

"Evelyn thought you might appreciate a good meal. I will introduce you to Bill Hagan's excellent barbecued ribs on the grill." 

"Great," Jordan laughed, "I'm looking forward to it."

"Six o'clock okay? Head east on Main, make a right onto Elm and follow it till it ends. Take a left onto Clover. We're the third house on the right." 

"I'll see you then." Jordan replied.

Casey waited till the sheriff was done and was about to approach Jordan when Gary beat her to it. 

He said to her, "Jordan, I am afraid we got off to a bad start. I'd really like to talk to you. There's, uh, some issues about this case I would like to discuss with you." Actually, he didn't have any issues, but if it got him a chance to work on Jordan, he was going to use it. 

Jordan was slightly interested, "What's on your mind?" 

"Well, I was thinking maybe it would be better to discuss them over dinner."

A knowing smile played over Jordan's face, "Detective, if you have some input into this case, I would like to hear it as soon as possible. Time is the enemy in these types of investigations." 

Gary flirted with Jordan, "Any conversation is greatly enhanced by good wine, good food and a comfortable setting."

"Oh, really?" Jordan replied. "Then it would be a shame to ruin such a setting with a discussion about murders." 

"Okay, then we can discuss the case now and have dinner later." Gary asserted. 

"Sounds wonderful." Jordan lied. "But, it just so happens, I have plans for dinner." Gary's mind raced,  Casey couldn't have scored already. .

"Then tomorrow night?" He persisted. 

Jordan smiled again, "Detective..." 

"Please, it's Gary."

"Detective..." she began again, "...I'm afraid I wouldn't be very good company. A date is the furthest thing from my mind right now and besides it's not the most professional thing to, is it? You understand I'm sure." Her tone indicated her reluctance to discuss the matter any further; she continued packing up the materials. 

But, Gary persevered, "I doubt that Agent Connor. You would be lovely company." He blatantly let his eyes move up and down Jordan's figure. 

"Then I am sorry to deprive you of my company." Jordan finished.

"Are you?" Gary answered walking out, a touch of irritation in his voice.

Casey heard the entire dialogue and smiled to herself. Gary struck out and that put her in a good mood for the rest of the day. She changed her mind about approaching Jordan, though; obviously she wasn't in the frame of mind to flirt right now. She would hold off awhile and talk to her later. 

She was too hot a prospect to give up on so easily.

(To be continued)



Deep in the Night Ch. 03



 This is one chapter of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks 

Part 3 Jordan Meets a Strange Beautiful Woman

Around mid-afternoon, detectives Gary Matthews and Casey Samson had completed the database search. They now had a list of 120 men who fit into the killer's age group. Special Agent Conner, their boss for this investigation, then distributed the list to the Sheriff's deputies all those she wanted them to interview along with the pertinent questions she wanted them to ask. 

Agent Conner decided to finish the afternoon by conducting some of the non-suspect interviews herself. She drove to Christy Davis' neighborhood and knocked at the old 2-story house next door to Christy's house. 

A middle-aged, graying woman opened the door, "Can I help you?"

"Good afternoon, ma'am. I'm Jordan Connor with the FBI." Jordan showed the woman her badge. "I'm investigating the death of your neighbor, Christy Davis. Would it be okay if I asked you a few questions?"

"Certainly, come in, hon." The woman motioned for her to enter and Jordan stepped into a worn, but comfortable living room. "I heard the FBI was in town. My name's Florence Harker, but everyone calls me Flo. Can I get you something to drink? An iced tea? This is quite a warm September we are having. You know the Sheriff already asked me lots of questions." 

"I know. Yes, iced tea would be fine." Jordan answered her.

The woman returned shortly with two beverages. 

She handed one to Jordan, smiled and said, "Please make your self comfortable. You don't look like an FBI agent, a pretty young thing like you." 

"I'll take that as a compliment." She sat on the couch and pulled a micro-recorder from her small handbag. "I'd like to record our conversation if you don't mind. It's so I can refer to my records accurately." 

The woman seemed a bit uneasy, "Well...I guess...uh...if you have to."

"Don't worry." Jordan reassured her, "Your input is important. Anything you can tell me, no matter how insignificant it seems to you, may contribute largely to apprehending the killer." Jordan placed the recorder on the coffee table and took a sip of the cool liquid. The old house lacked central air and despite the efforts of the window fans, the room was stuffy. The woman relaxed and began reminiscing about her neighbor. 

"Christy was a bit wild in her younger days. Hanging around with rowdy types, partying all the time. But, ever since her son came along, she settled down and tried to make a good life for him. She is a good mother to that boy; Lord knows, his father doesn't help out. She's been working at that bar now for five years. Sometimes I would watch her son for her." 

"What about her friends or people she associated with?" Jordan interjected.

"Let's see. She had plenty of men around. She was very attractive, you know. Mostly she dated, well, she was involved with Ronnie Jenkins. He works at the meat plant on the night shift. I guess he was her most steady boyfriend. Occasionally, she hung out with her girlfriends. But, with her work schedule, she tended bar in the evening, they didn't go out much. She had them over her house. Sometimes they got a little loud but they weren't a problem. Just having a good time." 

"Was Ronnie Jenkins working the night of the murder?"

"Yes he was. He works all week at the plant and helps to watch Michael on the weekends while Christy is at the bar."

"Mrs. Harker, have you noticed any different men around her house lately? Maybe visiting or hanging around the neighborhood?"

Her eyebrows creased as she tried to recall, "Well...can't say that I have."

"Are you sure?" Jordan asked. 

She thought again and said slowly, "Actually, a couple of months ago, I was having trouble sleeping. When I have nights like those, I usually stay up anyway and watch for Christy to come home. She gets in around 3 a.m. Anyway, she came home at the usual time and I looked out my bedroom window for her car. There was a strange car parked across the street. I have no idea who it was. It didn't look like any of the cars from this neighborhood."

"Did you call 911 to report it?"

"Didn't think there was a need to. There's been no crime in Shawnee. At least not up until now." 

Jordan sighed. Flo Harker's account wasn't a remarkable lot of help. But, at least it lent support to what Jordan suspected; the car most certainly had to be the killer watching for Christy. Jordan stood up and offered her hand to Mrs. Harker, "I appreciate your help. Thanks for the drink. If you can think of anything else, please do not hesitate to call me. You can reach me at the sheriff's office."

"That car was probably stalking Christy, wasn't it?" There was a noticeable trace of fear in her voice.

"That is what I am suspecting, Mrs. Harker. Whoever was in it was watching for her habits. If you should see that car again, or one that looks like it, call us immediately." 

"Then he knew she was home that night." Mrs. Harker stated. Jordan stopped and turned around, "What do you mean?"

"The night she was killed. Christy was supposed to work, but she had come down with the flu. Strange for this time of year. But, she was quite ill, so she sent her son over to her parent's house for the night so she could get some rest and he wouldn't catch it. I know because I made some chicken soup for her. Poor thing, to be sick like that and have some monster do what he did to her." 

"I see." Jordan's thought were whirling, He watched her and knew she was sick and knew she was home all night. "Mrs. Harker, what kind of schedule did Christy work?" 

"She worked Wednesday night through Sunday night and had off on Mondays and Tuesdays." The murder had occurred on a Wednesday night. 

"Thank you Mrs. Harker. Have a good day." Jordan exited the house and made a note to check if Ronnie Jenkins had reported for work on the night of the murder. 

Jordan went over to Christy's house next door. The yellow tape still encircled it. Bill Hagan had earlier supplied her with the key, which she used to unlock the front door. She slipped on a pair of latex gloves and booties, went in and was greeted with a ghostly silence, the sound of the dead, plus the unpleasant smell of corruption. 

The late afternoon sun filtered through the windows and threw long shadows along the carpet, but she had her pocket flash on as well. Jordan stopped inside the doorway and made a quick visual survey of her surroundings. The living room housed a leather couch, an AIWA stereo system, and a flat screen TV with a DVD player. An X-Box consul sat on top of the DVD player. Along one of the walls, a computer desk housed an IBM with several peripherals.  She certainly made a good salary,  Jordan concluded to herself. 

She walked over to the TV and perused the DVDs and video games Christy owned; there was the usual stock of latest releases, including chic flicks and Harrison Ford action/drama movies. A tour of the first floor yielded nothing unusual except that Christy Davis liked to keep a neat house. After locating the stairway, Jordan began the ascent to the second floor. She started down the hallway checking the doorways. The first door on the right opened to a small room with a sports motif, obviously Michael's room. 

A small bathroom was across the hallway. After passing several storage closets with linens and towels, she stopped before the last door on the right; mentally preparing herself for the scene that would greet her in Christy's bedroom. Jordan had learned through the years to picture in her mind the ugliest scenario. That way, before she would arrive at a scene, she was already primed to deal with the worst possible situation. Considering the circumstances of the murder, she prepared herself for going into Christy's bedroom.

Her heart suddenly started pounding in her chest and her throat went dry, a human reaction she never learned to conquer in her profession. Grasping the knob, she turned it slowly and then flung the door open all at once. Her expectations were not disappointed. No matter how many crime scene photographs she looked at, none of them accurately portrayed the true horror of what occurred. 

The room had been untouched since the night of the grisly murder. She swung her light around the room reflecting off speckles of red drops that had been flung along the walls, bedding and furniture. A huge, dried dark red stain had permeated the carpet next to the bed where Christy had breathed her last, its dark color a stark contrast to the beige plush. The metallic odor of putrefying blood hung heavily in the still, humid air. 

There was also clear evidence that Christy had been ill. Tissues, cough drops, and an over the counter decongestant lay on the bedside table. Jordan stepped gingerly around the bedroom and crossed over to the master bath. The usual array of brushes, shampoos and conditioners sat on the vanity. Opening the medicine cabinet, Jordan found deodorant, mouthwash, toothpaste and birth control pills. Nothing seemed extraordinary to her, but something about the smell of the blood bothered her. She went back downstairs and let herself out. 

Jordan checked her watch; it was nearly 5 p.m. She was due at the Sheriff's house at six, but she headed back to the Sheriff's Office to follow up on the day's activities. After updating her notes on her laptop, she placed a call to the Midwest Meat Processing Plant. After being put on hold several times, she finally got through to a manager in human resources. She inquired of the status of Ronnie Jenkins on the dates of the murders. She waited again for nearly ten minutes; the manager came back on the line and told her that indeed Ronnie had been at work each of the three days. 

Well, that eliminates one male in Shawnee,  she concluded. 

"Listen, while you're on the line, I would like you to fax me a list of all your male employees who reported for work on the three dates that I gave you."

"Okay, it may take a while," the man on the other end complained.

"I'd like it as soon as possible." Jordan replied. 

Jordan jumped into the BMW and in a few minutes pulled in front of a two story Victorian style home. The heat of the day was beginning to fade as a mild evening breeze began stirring. It carried the aroma of a backyard grill to Jordan's nose and made her mouth water. She climbed a few steps to the front porch and knocked on the screen door of the Sheriff's house. 

An attractive forty something woman came to the door and she smiled readily at the agent. "You must be Jordan. Come on in, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Evelyn." 

Jordan shook her hand, "Thanks for inviting me." 

"Bill never told me that you were so pretty." Jordan felt a slight blush at the compliment. Most men wouldn't tell their wives about a beautiful colleague. She put Evelyn Hagan at ease, "Well, he certainly informed me how lovely you are." 

"Thank you, dear. Can I get you something to drink, Jordan? I think Bill has some beer available if you like that. Or I can fix you something else." 

"A beer would be fine." 

It seemed like the drink of choice for a barbecue, then Evelyn announced, "Bill's out back if you would like to talk to him." She led Jordan through the kitchen out a side door to the backyard. Jordan relayed to him her day's activities and what she had discovered. 

"So, Christy had been sick?" Hagan repeated Jordan's news as he flipped a rack of ribs. "And, that son of a bitch knew it. At least he didn't get Michael also." He flipped a blackened rack of ribs off the sizzling grill and plopped it on to serving plate. "Well, these ribs are done. I hope you are hungry Jordan."

"Heidi, Josh, Logan! Dinner is ready!" Evelyn yelled from the kitchen. Two teenagers and a 12 year old boy came bounding down the stairs. The youngest walked up to Jordan after she had returned inside the house, "Hey, are you that FBI lady?"

Jordan laughed good naturedly. "Yes, I am. My name is Jordan."

"Cool. I'm Josh. Are you gonna find aliens?" 

"Where ever did you get that idea?" Jordan asked him.

"The lady at the diner told Kevin's mom." Josh replied. 

"I believe the alien story was my fault." Jordan admitted with a playful grin. "When I was at the diner, I told the waitress that I was in town investigating alien sightings." 

"Jordan, if you told Sherie, it's just as good as telling all of Shawnee." Bill said laughing. 

His wife reprimanded him, "Bill, is that necessary?"

"Well, you know it's true." He said, still laughing. "Jordan, I think you'd fit right in here at Shawnee."  I don't know if I fit in anywhere  Jordan thought. Hagan's comment stirred a memory and a feeling of melancholy welled up inside her. For an instant, she sadly recalled the image of green eyes looking at her through tears.  God, I thought I was over her,  Jordan lamented to herself. But, Jordan shook the thoughts from her mind; she was determined to enjoy the rest of the evening. 

Jordan passed the rest of the evening trying to converse with the Hagan's son Josh as she was getting beat by his pre-teen expertise at handling a game pad. 

"Jordan, your health is down to 10%." Josh informed her. "You're gonna be destroyed by Turek's mutant bio-weapon if you don't locate the health potion."

"I think I have had enough of mutant viruses for one night, Josh. Next time, I'll be ready for you." 

After a great dinner Jordan rose from the couch and thanked the Hagan's profusely for their hospitality and drove the short distance back to the Shawnee Inn. 

She pulled in front of her room at the motel and was fumbling with her key in the door when out of the shadows came a soft woman's voice, "So, are you going to be the hero to save Shawnee, Agent Connor?" 

"Hello? Who's there?" Jordan quickly glimpsed up to her left. She could barely discern a figure leaning against the outside wall of the motel. Jordan didn't startle too easily and the feminine voice hardly caused her to feel fear, but nevertheless she was instantly alert. 

Strangers sneaking up on her were usually likely to get a gun pointed in their face. The figure stepped out of the shadow and her silhouette became illuminated by the streetlights and the lanterns overtop the motel rooms' doors. Jordan observed that the woman appeared to be the same height as her, had very long dark hair, and was wearing a long skirt and a sleeveless white blouse. 

The woman spoke again, "Actually, I meant to say, heroine." 

A revelation occurred to Jordan and she turned to face the woman, "You're Raven, I presume?" 

"You presume correctly Agent Connor." Jordan took a step towards her; now that they were standing closer, Jordan could see that the woman's eyes were dark as well and her features were striking. She also had on perfume with a faint sexy musky scent. 

 She looks sort of like a gypsy,  Jordan mused. "You can call me Jordan." A slight smile formed on her lips, "I can see why you are called Raven. It fits your appearance well." She certainly did fit the description of a hunter bird. She had light brown skin, almond shaped eyes, high cheekbones, a long straight nose, full lips, and from what she could see in the bad light, a lithe slender body. 

"Do you think so?" Raven asked in a tone that didn't require an answer. "I suppose you have heard of my reputation?" 

"Yes I have, and it sounds like quite an interesting reputation, at that." Raven gave a chuckle, "I let them think what they want and I enjoy my celebrity status. Although, I think you are stealing some of the attention." 

Jordan responded almost flirtatiously, "Then let me offer my apologies. But, at least we have something in common." 

She caught Raven's eye and was taken totally by surprise when she felt a spark course down her body right into her womanhood. She was instantly aroused. Her dark eyes penetrated into her own blue eyes. She was completely unaware that Raven had experienced the same sensation. Jordan quickly averted her glance, looking down nervously. This is the same reaction that men usually gave her. A few seconds of silence lapsed between them as both women tried to comprehend what had happened. 

Jordan was the first to find her voice, "So...uh...do you really have a secret or do you let the townspeople feed off an exaggerated rumor?" 

Raven smiled sheepishly, having recovered from the unexpected emotion of their eye contact, and changed the subject, "How is your room? Is everything okay?" 

"Yes, its fine, and in fact more than fine. Your choice in toiletries and linens is excellent"

"Good, I thought you'd like those extra things. That's my VIP room so to speak. I choose it for you when I heard you were coming. If you need anything, my office is at the end of the building." She smiled once more before saying, "It was a pleasure to meet you Jordon. Perhaps we can talk later?" 

She turned to go and Jordan called after her, "Hey, you didn't answer my question." 

Raven stopped and turned slightly, "What was that?" 

"The big mystery, of course. Does such a mystery exist?" 

Raven appeared thoughtful for a moment and then turned again to head to her office, saying as she did so, "Why don't you stop by for coffee some time Jordan. Maybe I will tell you." She felt a connection with Jordan; when two strangers meet for the first time and they click instantly. She sensed somehow that Jordan would understand her.  I would love to tell you,  Raven thought as she walked off,  but I only just met you and I don't know if I can trust you. 

Jordan turned to her unlocked room and felt a bit uneasy as a hint of excitement coursed through her veins. She hadn't felt this way about meeting a woman in years. And she invited me for coffee. Jordan was pleased with herself. But the moment passed when reality hit her; she would be leaving Shawnee; the sooner the better. It would be fruitless to foster any kind of relationship with Raven. That thought left her feeling lonely and the enjoyment she had derived from the Hagan's dinner was replaced with emptiness. 

Hot tears threatened to spill down Jordan's cheeks as she crawled into the bed. For the last several years she had been alone, avoiding getting involved with anyone. She swore she would never again allow herself to fall so completely head-over-heels with anyone as she had done with Marianne. On a rare few occasions, she had one-night-stands stands with women she had met, but waking up with a nameless stranger only made the pain of Marianne's departure worse. 

And now, she couldn't understand how, in the few short moments she had talked to Raven, that the woman could affect her so much. Nonetheless, Jordan decided it would be best to avoid Raven. She had a job to do and couldn't afford distractions. Besides, once her task was finished, she would be on a fast plane back to D.C.

Jordan dropped off to sleep fitfully, but she kept waking up thinking of the woman. She sat up and turned on the TV, maybe something there would distract her. Late night TV was a mess of horror movies, infomercials, repeats of talk shows, and old news. About to click it off she hit the last channel and a view of two women making love popped on the screen! She checked the channel sheet in the drawer and sure enough, the Shawnee Inn had an adult channel from the satellite hookup. 

She reached for the remote and was about to shut it down when she noticed something amazing. One of the women looked like Raven! She looked closer and saw the woman on the screen could be Raven's cloned twin, but about 10 years younger in looks and with brown hair! 

 My God, Raven was a porn actress like the rumor said! 

As these thoughts ran around in her head Jordan began to watch the movie in spite of herself not wanting to. Raven's body, if that was her, had not changed much, slightly more slender then, but with the same exotic face and beautiful smooth light brown skin. 




Deep in the Night Ch. 03



Jordan didn't care for porn, which was made mostly for men with stupid plots (or no plot), bad acting, and enhanced women who acted like sluts. Even the girl on girl was written for men. Most women who liked women knew it didn't happen that way or look that way in bed! But, this actress was Raven, she was sure of it. So with the investigation looking for leads, and Raven's attraction to her, Jordan kept watching.

The other girl was coming on to Raven's movie character and Raven had spread her legs letting the other girl get right on her center. At the same time Raven was rubbing the other girl's huge breasts. She didn't like large breasts on most women, preferring normal sized C cups like hers or Raven's smaller ones. 

"Geeezee" she said out loud, I'm thinking about her breasts. Raven was in her thoughts again. 

The two women on the flickering screen had switched places and Raven's character was going after the other girl. It must have been an older movie than she thought because the girl had a full muff and Jordan could see that Raven had an untrimmed bush too.  

In spite of her distaste for the movie, Jordan was becoming aroused watching the women. Her hand began rubbing her own breasts and it felt really good. Jordan pushed her hand underneath her sleeping shorts and touched herself. She had been smooth shaven since college, but tonight she could feel some stubble as she let her fingers wander over her mound. Raven's shadowy image came into her mind.

She put a finger into her slit and wasn't surprised to find she was wet. She stroked herself up and down then pushed her finger inside to find her clit. It was coming out of its sheath and already the size of a good-sized pea. When she was really hot it was easy to masturbate herself by just touching it with her finger. She did that now with her wet fingertip. Just as the girl with the big tits made Raven's character have a climax on the screen, Jordan felt herself going over the edge. 

She came under the sheets and a low moan escaped from her lips. The after shocks followed as she slowly let herself calm down. Her breathing returned to normal and she finally dropped off, the TV still going. 

(To be continued) 



Deep in the Night Ch. 04



 This is one chapter of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks. 

 Part 4  Jordan Decides To Take a Chance At Love

Jordan awoke at dawn. She switched off the TV remembering with a groan what she had done to herself the night before.  Oh well. I'm only human, but I've got to concentrate on work and not that Raven woman,  she thought. 

Seeing that it was too early to start work, she put on a T-shirt, shorts and running shoes and went for a jog. With her erratic schedule, exercise was anything but consistent. She tried to get in a work out whenever possible. Not only did it keep her conditioned for the physical aspect of her job, but the FBI conducted periodic physical agility and stamina tests. Every agent was required to pass them or they were put on light duty and issued a certain period of time to get themselves back into shape. She was in good physical shape despite being a special agent in criminal profiling mostly stuck in an office.

She had been on the case a couple of days now and was at the point of boiling down several leads. Sheriff Hagan had called her in on the case in the hopes that her psychological training would help in a series of grisly murders. She was glad to help and besides, it got her out of the office. 

She headed west along Main; running helped her to think and she concentrated on sorting through the clues she had amassed so far. The open plains loomed ahead and Jordan came upon a trailer park on the outskirts of town. She decided to make that her turn around point. She had just started to head back when a Jeep Wrangler passed her, stopped and backed up along side her. Jordan recognized the blonde driver, the talky waitress at the diner. Oh no, just what I need. 

"Hi, Jordan!" Sherie yelled. "Seen any aliens yet?" Without stopping, Jordan shouted back, "Yeah, just last night. Almost caught it, too." 

She fished for information on Raven, "Have you talked to Raven yet?"

"I met her She's a fascinating woman."

"Jordan, why don't you take a break, you look a little sweaty. I'm done my shift and my trailer is here, I can give you a drink." Sherie was hopeful. She could smell Jordan's perfume from several feet away and it was having an effect. 

"No thanks, Sherie, I'm fine. See you around." Jordan sped up the pace cutting the blonde off from further conversation. 

Jordan turned into the parking lot of her motel. A teenage boy was vacuuming the pool. He waved to Jordan and out of curiosity she glanced at Raven's office on the west end of the motel. A pink neon sign in the large plate glass window in front said:  

 Welcome - Office 

She slowed to a walk, but saw no sign of Raven. She went on to her room and she jumped into the shower. The lovely toiletries had been refreshed. A half hour later she was dressed and headed to the Sheriff's Office. 

"Hi Jordan, there are some messages and a fax for you." Sarah handed Jordan the pink message slips and several pages of fax. Jordan leaved through them; the fax was the list of male employees from the meat plant. Jordan located the detectives and asked them to remove the plant employees' names from the suspect list; it would eliminate approximately 60 men. Jordan figured they could shorten the list to 40 suspects. 

Gary, the sullen detective who she rejected for a date yesterday, adopted an inflated southern accent and said, "Sure thing of'cer Connor, ya'll know us state police ain't good for much more."

"Not until you prove it." Jordan retorted. She walked away into the conference room leaving him and his partner alone in the room. 

"That bitch gets on my nerves." Gary whined.

"You just don't like following orders from a woman. Besides, you'd still sleep with her given the chance." Casey concluded.

"Of course. She probably ain't getting any. That's what she needs, someone to give it to her. Correction, she needs me to give it to her." 

Casey snorted, "Well I'm sure you blew your chances."

"Hey, bet's not over, sweetheart."

Casey teased, "Would you like to start paying me now? I'll take it in installments if you don't have all the cash."

"I got something for you to take, Casey." Gary teased back making a lewd gesture. He stepped close to Casey and said quietly, "Hey, babe, by some miracle you win, I'll pay you double if you let me watch." 

"Watch this, Gary." She flipped him the bird. Then, before Gary realized what was happening, she grabbed his right wrist with both hands and twisted it outward, forcing Gary to turn his back to her. She bent his arm behind his back, saying as she held him in the lock, "Sorry partner, what happens between two women is not for a man's eyes. And, I told you, don't call me babe!" 

Gary broke free and wrapped his arm around Casey's neck in a fake chokehold. She squealed loudly. 

Sheriff Hagan bellowed from his office, "What the hell is all that noise out there?" He emerged into the hallway and saw the horseplay between the two detectives.

"You two quit foolin' around and get to work!" 

Gary let Casey go and they walked away giggling. Once she was away from Gary, she peeked into the conference room and saw Jordan looking at her phone messages. "Jordan, uh, may I speak with you a moment?"

Casey stepped into the room and sat in one of the chairs. "I would like to apologize for my partner's behavior. He has this male ego thing." 

Jordan shrugged it off, "The women of law enforcement have to deal with it everyday in every town in this country. I don't think it is ever going to change. Women best suited for this job are the ones who can handle the male attitude. At any rate, it is unnecessary for you to apologize since his behavior is not your responsibility."

"Thanks, Jordan." Casey was grateful. "I'm just afraid we got off on the wrong foot. I don't want any strain between us. I'm looking forward to solving this investigation with you." 

Jordan smiled, "I never felt that there was any tension between us. As long as everyone does their job, things will go smoothly. I expect 150% from everyone."

"Rest assured Jordan, you can count on us. Gary acts like a smart-ass, he is used to having his way with women, but he is an excellent cop. Once he gets over the fact that you didn't fall instantly in love with him, he'll come around."

"Don't they all?" Jordan stated, laughing. 

I wouldn't know what that is like, Casey thought. 

Jordan continued, "So, on that note, what have you two discovered?" 

Casey became animated as she was excited to share their findings with Jordan, especially since she wanted to impress Jordan. We talked to several family members and neighbors of the first two victims. Let's see, Amber Collins, 23, and Ellen Bentley, 28. As you know the same circumstances occurred. Their houses were broken into, 11:30 p.m. for Amber and 12:45 a.m. for Ellen. Both women had already been in bed when they were attacked. Amber was a manager at K-mart and had to be in at 6 a.m. the next morning and Ellen had gone to bed early because she was ill. At the mention of Ellen having been ill, Jordan's ears perked up. 

"Why was she sick?" 

"The family wasn't sure, thought she might have eaten something bad. It couldn't be the flu. Her murder occurred in late May, long after the flu season ended." 

"All right Casey. Find out how long she had been sick. Since the two of you interviewed those folks, I want you to be the one to return. They will feel more comfortable talking with detectives they already know. Also, I want to know who saw each of the victims last and if they were involved in a relationship with anyone."

"I can answer that for you now Jordan. The first victim, Amber, 22, had broken up with her boyfriend 2 months before her death and Ellen's husband was killed in an accident at the meat plant a year ago. Amber lived on the second floor of a house owned by an elderly woman."

Ellen, 23, the second victim, lived in the same house she had shared with her husband. She works at a ranch about 10 miles east of Shawnee. Neither of them had children and the parents of both victims lived out of state."

In all three cases the victim had a boyfriend or a husband out of town or working. They all had an elderly landlady or neighbor who saw them last.

Jordan was quiet for a moment. Everything she predicted about the killer was confirmed with each bit of information they acquired. He knew his victims, and their routine very well and witnesses, if any, were unreliable. 

"Good job Casey. When you continue the interviews, find out about the victim's social habits. I want to know what they liked to do when they weren't at work."

"We're on it Jordan." Casey got up to leave. She started to head out of the room but paused at the door and turned back to face Jordan. 

Gathering up her courage, she blurted out, "Listen Jordan, I know you are busy, but I was wondering if you would like to go out for a drink this evening." 

"A drink? I don't know Casey. Thanks for the invite, but I really don't have any free time when I am involved in investigations."

"Sure, I understand. Maybe later." Casey left feeling disappointed. She knew Jordan went to the Hagan's the previous evening. Maybe they were just talking shop, she tried to reassure herself. At least Gary wasn't within earshot to hear their conversation; she was spared his gloating.

Jordan returned to scan through her phone messages. Mrs. Harker had called so Jordan contacted her first. 

"Hi hon." Florence Harker greeted Jordan on the phone. After you left my house yesterday, oh, about an hour later, there was a car parked out front of Christy's house. Now I can't be sure, but it looked sort of like the one I saw that had been parked outside that night I watched Christy come home."

"Did you get a make and model, Mrs. Harker? Or, better yet, a license number?" 

"I think it was one of those Japanese cars. I don't know cars very well, but it was black with four doors." Jordan scribbled down the information; she would have the deputies check the Dept. of Motor Vehicles. 

"Thank you Mrs. Harker." Jordan hung up the phone. 

 The bastard was watching me, waiting for me while I was in Christy's house, Jordan thought, not uncommon for a serial killer to return to the scene of the crime. But now he knows what I look like. 

Sorting through the rest of the messages, she noticed a name she had heard somewhere before. She called out to the front desk, "Sarah, who is this Terrell Grant? What does he want?"

Sarah answered back, "He's been calling here for the past three weeks. He says he wants to help with the case. Sheriff Hagan ignores him. Now, he's asking to talk to you."

"How does he want to help?" Sarah's head then popped into the doorway of the conference room, she was all smiles as usual, "He doesn't say; just that he has some expertise that the sheriff should take advantage of. Need some coffee, Jordan?"

"Please." Sarah left the room and Jordan yelled out to her, "Make that decaf. With cream and sugar." 

She dialed the number for Terrell Grant and got an answering machine.

Jordan waited for the beep and stated, "Mr. Terrell, this is Agent Connor with the FBI. I am returning your call. You can reach me at the sheriff's number." 

One of the other messages had been from Jordan's best friend, Taylor. She used her cell phone to call Taylor at her shop. She owned an interior decorating business in Reston, VA. and had been her friend for years. She also knew about her preference for women, but they had never been lovers. 

"Taylor, guess who?"

"Hi, honey. Where the hell have you been? I have been trying to reach you for days. You haven't called or emailed me. I had to bribe your office assistant to tell me where you were." 

"And, what did you bribe her with?" Jordan asked laughing. 

"What else? I told her I would give her a free consultation on her living room. Now you're costing me business, dear. Whatever are you doing in New Mexico?"

"Same old thing." Jordan informed her. "A serial killer, an understaffed, inexperienced law agency, male egos and enough gossip and rumors for a soap opera."

"Sounds like fun." Taylor answered sarcastically. "Have you met anyone?"

Jordan started slowly, "Well, I did sort of meet someone. Her name is Raven. She owns the local motel. And she is the talk of the town. Apparently she keeps to herself, so everyone thinks she has a big secret."

"What does she look like?"

"She's very exotic looking and, I don't know if it's a coincidence, but I think I saw her just last night in a old erotic movie."  She didn't want to say to her best friend that she had watched a porn movie. 

"Wow, Jordan. You met a gorgeous woman with a past. You sure know how to pick them!" 

"I don't need to tell you why Taylor. I am not going to let the same thing happen to me as what happened with Marianne. Besides, I don't even know if she likes women, except as an actress." 

Taylor's voice became almost stern, "Listen Jordan. You can't live alone your whole life. It isn't healthy. I know you want to be cautious because of what Marianne did to you, but are you going to shut people out forever? True, there's no guarantee that you won't get hurt again, but that is a risk you have to take."

Jordan said quietly, "You may be right."

Taylor sighed over the phone, "Look, honey I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I am your best friend and I would never advise you to do something that would hurt you. Go slow. Comprende?"

"Taylor, I don't plan on being in Shawnee long. It wouldn't be fair to her or me to initiate something that has no future."

"She'll be lucky to have you. If I was into women, I know I would be chasing you all over town. You be careful with your case. ."

"I am always careful Taylor." 

Taylor gave a snort, "The hell you are, you take to many risks with killers and not enough risks with love. I want to be able to see you again. We'll do lunch when you get back. Take care, babe. Love ya."

"You too, Taylor. Good bye." 

Jordan ended the call and heard a noise in the hall outside the door. She called out to the hallway, "Did you need something??"

"Oh, Hi, Jordan. It's Hagan. I didn't want to interrupt your call." Hagan had actually been close enough to the door to hear all of her conversation. He knew a lot more about Jordan than he knew before, that was for sure.

He popped back into the conference room, "Just wanted to see if you wanted to go to look at the latest suspect list. 

As she looked at the names with Hagan she thought just maybe a relationship with Raven would be just what she needed. Raven could help her to forget the past. 

Jordan was beginning to look at the situation in a new light. She couldn't deny the feeling she got the previous night with the exotic woman. If Raven was the right one, she didn't want to miss the occasion to find out. 

So she decided to take Taylor's advice and go slow; at least that way, no one would get hurt. They could just have fun for a while as they got to know each other.  I hope you don't mind some company today Raven, because I plan on taking you up on your invitation!  Jordan thought with a growing excitement

***

Later that day lunch with Hagan and a few others was unusually quiet. He wasn't saying much and after a few social niceties about the weather they ate in silence. Hagan was actually thinking about his perception of Jordan after he overheard her call with a friend and learned Jordan's preference for women as lovers.

He shouldn't even be interested in what her personal like was about or anything beside her work on his case, but he couldn't help his feelings. 

She was so feminine and attractive that he found it difficult to separate her life from her performance or especially to believe she liked women. He was from a small town and never knew about women with other lifestyles until he went to junior college. Even then it wasn't something he paid attention to. 

He just knew some girls were tomboys and liked to ride horses and work around the ranch while other girls had tattoos, underarm hair, and no makeup. He saw them with their girlfriends hanging around and hitting the bars and knew they didn't have men around. Later in life he learned and taught himself to be tolerant of others and their lifestyles. He certainly didn't have any serious prejudices he thought, but sexist attitudes about feminine women were embedded in him nonetheless.

So to him an extremely attractive well-groomed woman like Jordan just didn't fit his mould of a woman who wanted only women. Perhaps she was bi-sexual and dated men too. He would continue to believe until she proved him wrong that she actually liked men and this was some strange phase in her life. 

He had to admit he might be falling for her though. Obviously he was a married man 20 years older than her with a lovely wife and children, but he was a man nonetheless and she was almost intoxicating to be around.

Jordan had no such thoughts about Hagan, or any other man in the town, at all. As she ate lunch she tried to concentrate on the case, but the exotic dark haired Raven kept creeping back into her thoughts like a vine that slowly takes over it host. 

They walked back in silence to the Sheriff's Office and Jordan spent a long, weary afternoon searching databases. VICAP, or Violent Criminals Apprehension Program allowed her to track types of crimes. She attempted to find murders similar to Shawnee's. There were plenty of killings due to knife wounds, but none that fit the same M.O. The deputies were checking hospital records and travel schedules; little by little they were able to eliminate a few men off the list who were either out of town at the time of the murders or who were in the hospital or who otherwise had legitimate alibis. The time went by and it was 5:30 when Jordan checked her watch. 

There was chatter out in the hallway of the sheriff's building and Jordan stuck her head out to inquire about the commotion.

"What's going on?" Jordan asked.

"The volunteer firemen's carnival ends tonight. Everyone in town usually attends. I have to get the deputies over there to control traffic for the parade," Hagan explained. 

Jordan's mind was buzzing, "Bill, if everyone in town is going to be there, it would be an excellent place for a killer to discreetly scout out his next victim. I hope traffic control doesn't take too long, it might be a good idea to have everyone search the grounds." 

"Sounds good, Jordan. I'll gather everyone up." 

Jordan informed the staff, including the two detectives, that they were looking for a lone man who may have a camera or camcorder to record his next prey. 

"Of course, he will be paying close attention to women who are similar in description to the victims. If you see any possible suspects, just follow him and keep an eye on his behavior. Obviously, we can't arrest anyone at this point."

"Jordan, I'm meeting Evelyn and the kids at the food tent. You ought to try it. The ladies' auxiliary makes the best country dinners and Mexican plates in the state." 

"OK, then, I'll see you at the carnival tent in a hour or so," replied Jordan and she left the office for her motel. 

Little did she know she was to see more than she bargained for later that night. 

(To be continued)



Deep in the Night Ch. 05



 This is one chapter of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks. 

 Part 5 A Carnival Rendezvous and a New Threat 

Jordan returned to her motel room to change into casual clothes for the stakeout at the Carnival that night. She slipped on a pair of jeans, her short boots, and a pullover knit top. A trip to the dry cleaner was in order; she had never expected to be this long away from home. She removed her compact .40 cal from the gun belt and placed it inside her handbag along with her cell phone and FBI identification. 

An hour later she drove the two miles to the Carnival at the County Park on the edge of town. She met Sheriff Bill Hagan at the gate and he escorted her onto the grounds. They went straight to the biggest tent where enticing aromas filled the air. 

The ladies were serving standard American picnic food plus Southwestern style beef fajitas, spicy tamales, cheese enchiladas, posole, Spanish rice, borracho beans, guacamole dip with blue corn tortillas and all kinds of other Mexican delights. Jordan didn't want to experiment so she had a small plate of the American style BBQ with fresh string beans cooked with ham, cold slaw, potato salad, and iced tea. 

She sat at a picnic table with Bill's family, the whole time watching the people around her. The kids wolfed down their food, begged their father for money and ran off to enjoy the rides. 

A masculine voice yelled out to Bill, "Bill, how you doing? Keeping things under control?"

"Hi Bob. This is Jordan Conner with the FBI, she's helping us with the murders, but I am sure you already know that. Jordan, this is the Fire Chief of our Volunteer Fire Company and sponsor of the carnival." 

Jordan shook hands with the man as he maneuvered himself onto one of the picnic table benches. She saw it as an opportunity to leave the trio to talk so she could search the grounds. 

Getting up from the bench, she said, "Nice to meet you Bob and a pleasure to see you again Evelyn. Bill, I am going to have a look around. See you later."

Jordan left the tent and noticed the crowds were getting thicker. All sorts of people were at the festive affair, the Anglos who owned the ranches and the Hispanics who worked as ranch hands and at all the trades. Older retired people mixed with younger families and a few singles with their friends. The sound of a marching band could be heard from a few blocks away where the parade was taking place. 

Jordan smiled as the smell of popcorn, cotton candy and peanuts made her reminisce about carnivals and fairs she used to attend as a child. The neon lighted rides filled the whole parking lot while the midway tents were out in the grass with their hawkers. ' Guess your Weight', 'Hit the Ball', 'Throw the Ring', 'Shoot the Balloons', they were all there in their cheesy, but fun glory. 

She began a casual tour of the grounds, primarily walking around the peripheral areas. It enabled her to get better view while she was separated from the crowds rather then get caught in the middle of jostling bodies. She walked the circumference once and was starting a second loop when she noticed someone familiar starting to head toward the midway. 

The individual was unmistakable with her long black hair. Jordan stood and waited for the woman to turn around. She recognized Raven and was happy to see her. Raven seemed to be looking for someone or something, but her wandering eyes stopped when they landed on Jordan. The two women both started to approach each other when a tall blond woman stepped in front of Jordan, blocking her way. 

"Jordan, I didn't expect to see you here? I thought you would be working in the office." Casey said. Jordan tried to non-chalantly look past Casey to see what Raven was doing, but she couldn't get a glimpse of her. 

"Oh? If there is a possibility that the killer is here, it would be prudent to have as many bodies as possible looking for him."

"Well, I'm real glad you're here girl." Casey slurred her speech and Jordan suspected that she had been drinking.

"Likewise. Don't you think it's better if we are all split up." Jordan answered without conviction. She was still trying to see past Casey. 

"Yeah...right. See ya around, Jordan." Casey laid a heavy arm across Jordan's back and gave her a little rub. She sauntered away, trying to hide her disappointment. 

After Casey left her view, it was Jordan's turn to feel disappointed, Raven was nowhere in sight. Jordan walked over to the area where Raven had been standing and looked around. She couldn't have disappeared that fast. Little did she know that Raven had slipped under the tent of a nearby booth and leaned against the wooden framework to observe Jordan as she was talking to the tall blonde woman; she didn't know who the detective was. Raven noticed Jordan looking around and was glad; she's looking for me. She walked over to Jordan and tapped her on the shoulder. Jordan whirled around and her facial expression revealed her joy at seeing Raven. 

"Hello Raven. Nice to see you again."

"Indeed, it is a treat to run into you Jordan. I hope I am not keeping you from your friend." 

Jordan was puzzled, "Who are you referring to?"

"The tall blonde."

"She is not my friend. Her name is Casey Samson, a detective from the state police assisting with the investigation." The relieved look in Raven's eyes was not lost on Jordan.

"How are ya enjoying Shawnee's little fete? It's our last blast of the summer."

"It's nice. Lots of good food." Jordan replied, "But I would enjoy it more if I didn't have a murderer to worry about. And how about you? Are you here alone?" 

Raven sighed and shook her head, "Believe it or not, I am supposed to meet this guy here." Jordan felt a sinking feeling in her stomach, but she let Raven continue. 

"Jason Thomas, he owns the body shop over on 4th? Well, he has been pestering me to go out with him for a year. I have turned him down more times than I care to remember, giving him every excuse in the book. He is quite persistent. I finally relented and agreed to meet him here, if anything to get him to cease. Perhaps that was foolish of me. I suppose now I will never get rid of him." 

"So, where are you supposed to meet him?"

"Right here. At the entrance to the midway. We decided on 7 p.m. and...oh" She glanced at her watch, it was 7:10. "I guess he's a no show. That's too bad." Raven was lying about meeting someone; she just didn't want Jordan to know she was that anxious about meeting her. 

Jordan was pleased by Raven's explanation; it led her to think more and more that maybe Raven would be open to her. 

It was nearly twilight as the two women stood talking. The days had gotten shorter and the sun was dipping below the horizon. A chill was creeping into the air. The carnival would continue into the night, but even with the lights strung up, it would be too dark and too crowded to get a good look at potential suspects. Jordan decided to take one more walk around before calling it quits. She asked Raven if she would like to join her to which she readily agreed. Neither woman heard Jason calling to Raven as he tried to make his way through the crowds. By the time he got to where they had been standing, Jordan and Raven has disappeared among the throng of people. 

Raven began telling Jordan about some of the stories that circulated about her, "Did you hear I was accused of being a witch?"

"I believe I heard that somewhere along the way." Jordan answered amused.

"Allegedly, I was the leader of a sorcerer's cult. I am surprised they didn't put me to trial and hang me. Probably because that rumor barely got started when I was accused of being an ex-con, escaped from prison and hiding out from the law." 

"Did you ever offer them an explanation of who you really are?" Jordan inquired. Raven looked at Jordan inquisitively, "Do you know who I am, Jordan?"

"I know that your name is Raven Summers and you own the Shawnee Inn and have earned the title 'mystery woman'. You like to be anonymous, but it's quite ironic, isn't it, because I think I saw you on TV last night. Your past has brought you some fame."

Raven looked shocked for a moment, then said, "Hmmmm...it's all true. Not about my stint as an 'actress' which I did for rent money, but the most interesting story was the one where a UFO abducted me at high noon and scanned my brain. It singed my hair to this black color." 

Jordan burst into laughter. "You've got to be kidding!" She exclaimed between giggles. 

"I am quite serious. And, they are the stories that I know about." Even though Jordan kept up the conversation, Raven noticed that Jordan's attention seemed to be divided. She was looking around; sometimes turning her head to see in behind them. 

Raven was beginning to get a bit irritated, why is she not paying attention to me? She decided to say something shocking to Jordan to get her attention, "I wonder just how long I will be able to keep running from the law?" 

Jordan's eyes grew wide and she focused them on Raven, "What are you talking about!?" 

"Nothing Jordan. I was wondering if you were listening to me. I guess you are."

"Of course I am listening to you. Why would I not?"

"Because you're looking for a killer here?" Raven asked incredulously.

"I am not sure about that." Jordan replied, "But, we are all here keeping our eyes open. That is why I was talking to that detective earlier. I am sorry if my attention span seems short."  I promise I will make it up to you if you let me , Jordan thought. 

Raven knew enough to not ask Jordan questions because she knew Jordan would not give her details of the case. For all she knew, she was a suspect.

They continued walking past a row of booths with lines of children at each one. Jordan still kept her eyes peeled for victims, but the job of scouting for the next suspect was less important now that Raven was with her. 

They heard a man call to them from a stand, "Ladies, care to try your luck. Shoot 3 balloons and win a prize." Jordan glanced over and saw a large, square wooden board with rows of balloons attached to it.  I could do that,  she thought.

"C'mon Raven." She gently tugged at Raven's arm. She handed $2.00 to the greasy, unshaven man behind the booth. 

He smiled at the women, "You get 3 shots with the pellet gun. Shoot out 3 balloons and you have your choice of prizes." 

Without hesitation, Jordan fired off 3 shots and popped all 3 balloons. 

"Lady's a winner! Pick your prize, babe," He said, winking at her. 

"Nice shooting, Jordan," Raven praised her. 

Jordan looked around at the little stuffed creatures, not particularly liking anything that she saw when Raven said to her, "Look. At the top, Jordan."

Jordan's eyes wandered to the ceiling of the booth to which was attached ½ dozen exquisite, stuffed leopards. They were far better quality then the other stuffed animals with richly detailed fur and lifelike blue-green eyes. 

"I'd like one of the leopards," Jordan announced. 

"Sorry, lady. They are the grand prizes. You can choose from among the other prizes." 

Jordan was indignant, "You said I could get any prize I wanted if I shot 3 balloons." 

"Right. But not the leopards. You need to shoot out 12 balloons to win a leopard. That's the rules. To be honest with ya, I never thought you'd pop one of them. So I may have said any prize, but that's not how it is. Why don't you take a stuffed banana?"" The man insisted.

"You mean 9, I already shot 3." Jordan shot back, plopping $6.00 down on the wooden shelf in front of her. 

One by one she popped 9 more balloons in succession. 

Raven clapped and the crowd whistled their approval while the man just shook his head, "I got to give it to you lady, you're a damn good shot." He stepped up on a stool to reach one of the leopards and handed it to her.

"That was great shooting!" Raven congratulated Jordan, "I guess you practice a lot with your gun. Have you ever had to shoot someone?"

She avoided Raven's question and handed Raven the leopard, "Here, this is for you."

"Jordan, I couldn't take your grand prize." She said with a giggle. 

"I would like for you to have it. Besides, you are the one that spotted them. No pun intended!" Jordan laughed at her own joke. She then grew thoughtful, "You remind me of a leopard." 

Raven's eyebrows went up, "I WHAT?"

"I guess it is your long, black hair. It makes you seem sort of wild, untamed and exotic. Like a leopard." Jordan looked away, embarrassed at her declaration, and quickly changed the subject, "I am going to stop my stake out for the night. It is too dark to see much anyway." 

Raven was secretly pleased at Jordan's comment. Jordan had came to Shawnee unannounced and was a refreshing change in a town full of overweight, non-intellectual, man-hungry women. Raven was attracted to Jordan in every way. She saw in Jordan a woman she had hoped for all her life; the woman of her dreams who she had never expected she would actually get to meet. 

She liked the agent's fine figure, her confident manner, her mature, no-nonsense style and most of all she felt comfortable with her. A lot of her comfort evolved from her own past; she understood Jordan in a way that Jordan could not realize. She saw herself reflected in Jordan's eyes.  We are a lot alike, you and I,  Raven thought as she walked beside Jordan,  perhaps someday, I can tell you.  

"I suppose now I will be known as the leopard lady." Raven announced.

Jordan smiled at her, "And, I guess now that you're seen with me isn't helping your anonymity." 

The two women had reached the end of the carnival grounds and Raven turned to face Jordan, "Listen, if you're done for the evening, why don't you stop by for that cup of coffee?" Jordan gave her consent and she called the sheriff on her cell phone to tell him that she was leaving the carnival. 

He answered back, "Jordan, Dale spotted a character with a digital camera walking alone and taking pictures of a blonde teen. He followed him for a while but the man got lost in the crowd. We tried looking around, but he disappeared"

"Did he get a good description of him?"

"Yeah, but he is average. Could fit any number of men in town." 

Jordan sighed, "All right, see you tomorrow, Bill." Jordan ended the call and smiled at Raven; they shared a quiet walk back to the motel. 

Raven unlocked the office door to the motel, and explained to Jordan, "The two end units on this wing I had converted to an office and small apartment. I'll give you the grand tour." 

She led Jordan through the front office, passing into a small hallway that connected to the living room area and separated from the office by a wall. The rear portions of the two units were a bathroom, a modest bedroom and a small, but bright and cozy kitchen. 

"What an adorable apartment, Raven." 

"Its small, but I like it. It fits my quiet lifestyle."

Jordan smiled, "From the stories you told me, I would think your lifestyle is anything but quiet." 

Raven began fixing cappuccinos, "I didn't do a thing to start those rumors. I want anonymity, remember?"

"Yes... and why is that?" 

Raven spoke slowly and in a veiled manner, "Sometimes...anonymity can be a person's salvation." 

Jordan mused about what Raven could mean, but the black haired beauty would say no more. And, Jordan knew not to probe, now. 

The conversation revolved around more pleasant subjects as Jordan and Raven sipped the cappuccinos. Jordan had been telling Raven about her journey to achieve the position of a profiler with the FBI when they suddenly heard the shattering of glass from the front of the apartment! 

An alarm began ringing loudly. The looked wide-eyed at each other for a microsecond before they dashed to the front office, Jordan in the lead. The glass from the large front window of the office was lying in thousands of shards all over the office floor. 

"Raven stay here!" Jordan commanded. She grabbed her gun from her handbag and raced out into the parking lot. A car was heard gunning its engine down Main Street. Jordan returned to the office and saw Raven holding a large stone in her hand. 

"Don't touch that!" Jordan ordered. "It might have fingerprints. Can you shut that alarm off?" 

Raven fiddled with the buttons on the alarm panel and the irritating ringing stopped. Jordan called the sheriff on her cell phone and retrieved a small crime kit from the trunk of the BMW. Donning a pair of disposable, latex gloves, she examined the stone. It had a note attached to it with a rubber band. Jordan peeled off the rubber band and opened the letter sized paper. In a large type was written:

 Everything has its limit.

Make sure you don't reach yours! .

"What does that mean, Jordan. Was this meant for me?" Raven asked as they both read the note. 

"Yes, but someone may have followed us here and knew that I was in your apartment." 

Just then Bill Hagan pulled up in his cruiser followed by several deputies. He stormed through the office door, "What the hell happened here?" 

Jordan relayed the incident to him. He agreed that Jordan may have been the intended recipient of the note. Jimmy brushed the note and rock for prints and extracted some partial prints. 

"Get on that right away, Jimmy." Hagan told him. "I wanna get this bastard, like yesterday." He addressed Raven, "I'll call Morris. He can get a new window for you, might take a few days, but he can board it up for the night."

Jordan piped up, "I'm staying here tonight. Just in case he decides to pay us a second visit." 

Hagan waited until Morris Evans showed up. He owned the hardware store in town. Morris measured the frame and managed to scrounge up three panels of wood to fit it. 

"May have to replace the frame too." He advised Raven. "Hope ya got good insurance?" 

"Yes, and they better pay. They made me install the alarm." 

It was 12:30 in the morning by the time Hagan and the other men finished their business at Raven's office. 

After they had all cleared out, Raven said to Jordan, "You don't have to stay, I'll be all right." 

"I'm staying." Jordan stated emphatically. "Hopefully, it was just a prank. But, just in case..." 

Raven didn't argue anymore. From her past experiences, she was capable of taking care of herself, but she didn't want Jordan to know that. She liked the idea of Jordan spending the night. "Well, you can have my bed and I'll take the couch." She looked at Jordan carefully to gage her reaction.

"That won't be necessary. I will sleep on the couch, so I can be close to the door." 

"Well let me get you a pillow and blanket." Raven fished them out of a linen closet and delivered them to the living room. She added sweetly, "Anything else I can get for you? Glass of water...night light...bedtime story?" 

"I just want to be sure you are safe." Jordan remarked. 

Raven was quiet as she contemplated Jordan's words. She had been carrying the leopard and now she squeezed it to her, an absentminded gesture of what she really wanted to do with Jordan.

Later that night, deep into the early morning, Raven, who was a light sleeper, heard noises from the living room. She got out of her bed nude except for panties, slipped on her robe, and quietly entered the room to find Jordan had kicked off all the covers. She knelt down to pick them up when Jordan mumbled something. Raven was startled for a moment, and then she realized Jordan had her eyes closed and was still sound asleep.

"Are you awake," asked Raven quietly, but received no response.

As Raven knelt beside her Jordan turned over onto her back and her t-shirt rode up on her chest to just below her breasts. They were pressing against her tight T-shirt and their shape was obvious. Raven hadn't noticed before, but Jordan's breasts were full and well shaped, a lot larger than hers. Raven was impressed that they didn't sag to the side of her body as she lay on her back. It was cool in the room too and Jordan's nipples were very provocative under the thin T. She felt warmth rising between her legs.




Deep in the Night Ch. 05



Impulsively she reached out her hand and put it in the air just above Jordan's rising and falling tummy. She put her knuckle in her mouth and waited as if she were a school girl peeking at something she shouldn't. When Jordan exhaled her abs almost touched her hand and she felt the warmth rising from her body. But she didn't dare do what she longed to do, to touch Jordan with her own flesh.

Raven sighed, dutifully picked up the sheet and blanket, and gently covered Jordan. She silently wished her a good night, and went back to her own lonely bed.  

(To be continued)



Deep in the Night Ch. 06



 This is one part of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks. 

 Part 6 Jordan Falls for Raven and They Take a Ride

Jordan slept fitfully the rest of the night. She was alert to every noise and awoke every time she heard something. She thought someone else was in the room, but other than crickets chirping and an occasional car on Main Street, the remainder of the night was quiet. 

As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Jordan arose, stretching her muscles, which had been limited in their movement on the couch. Raven emerged from her bedroom, "How did you sleep Jordan?" "Not good," came the reply.

"I'm sorry. I should have taken the couch and let you sleep in my bed." She wasn't going to mention the strange episode during the night.

"The couch wasn't so bad. I was just listening for every sound and assuming they were all suspicious. Besides, what if that guy came back? I wouldn't have done you any good if I was back in your bedroom and couldn't hear him."

"It's nice to know I have an FBI agent here to protect me. I'll fix breakfast for you." 

"Silly. Please, don't go to any trouble."

"It's my pleasure, Jordan. It is the least I can do for my personal bodyguard." Raven winked at her and retreated to the kitchen before Jordan could protest anymore.

"I am going to run to my room to shower and change first." Jordan announced. When she returned to Raven's apartment the place was filled with the aromas of a hearty breakfast. Jordan was wearing a dark skirt and a white knit sleeveless blouse. She carried her handgun in her purse in case the rock thrower came back. 

"It smells wonderful in here." Jordan announced as she entered Raven's small kitchen. 

"God, Raven! How much food are you fixing?" She asked laughing.

Raven was in the midst of pouring pancake batter into a nonstick skillet. Bacon was sizzling in another skillet and coffee was dripping in the brewer. "How do you like your eggs, Jordan?" Raven smiled at her when she saw the agent. Jordan looked refreshed and very appealing to Raven in her woman's tailored suit and make-up. 

"Over easy, and light on those pancakes, I only have the clothes I came with." Jordan replied, laughing. 

"There's some juice in the refrigerator if you like. Just help yourself." Jordan opened the door to the refrigerator next to the stove and pulled out a carton of orange juice. As she closed the door, she glanced side wards and noticed that Raven's silk robe had gaped open while she was cooking. A partial view of a dark patch between her legs and the luscious curve of Raven's right breast was in Jordan's line of vision. Raven turned her way. 

Jordan quickly looked away, not wanting Raven to see her blatant stare. She found two juice glasses and poured some of the orange juice for Raven and herself. Jordan moved away and sat at the kitchen table. 

A realization came to her;  she's not wearing anything under the robe now, so she must sleep in the nude.  Raven finished fixing the eggs and scooped two platefuls of eggs, pancakes and bacon. She leaned across the table to hand Jordan a plate and gave Jordan another view of her goods. She was completely aware that Jordan was taking in everything. 

Only after Raven sat down across from Jordan did she bother to adjust her robe. She discreetly noticed that Jordan was blushing slightly, but she didn't say anything. It made her feel sexy that she was having this affect on the other woman. 

"Uh...Raven, I'm going to need you to come to the sheriff's office today so we can get a set of your fingerprints." 

Raven stopped eating and asked quickly, trying to disguise her alarm, "Is that really necessary, I suppose it is?" 

"Yes...Raven." Her thoughts were disturbed and she remembered a phone number that she had which was filed safely away in case of problems. There hadn't been any reason to use the number...until now. 

Jordan's thoughts were disturbed in another manner. Her heart seemed to be beating a little faster this particular morning as the image of Raven's breast lingered in her mind. She was willing to bet that Raven had let her robe hang open on purpose when she had leaned across the table; she wanted me to see her.

The notion encouraged Jordan and she decided to go ahead with a plan. After finishing her meal, she offered to help clean up from breakfast. They loaded the dishes into the dishwasher, both women finding a certain comfort level working side by side. 

When they finished, Jordan announced that she had to get over to the sheriff's office. She would much rather have preferred to stay with Raven. Raven got up to see Jordan to the door, but Jordan stopped when she got to the motel's office door and turned to face Raven. 

Well, here goes, and taking a deep breath, she asked, "Would you like to have dinner with me Raven?" 

To her astonishment, Raven burst into laughter, "At the diner, Jordan? Sure...I can't wait to hear what rumor they will come up with after I will have been seen all over town with you!" 

Raven instantly regretted her statement when she noticed a hurt expression on Jordan's face. She quickly added, "Jordan, did I misunderstand something?" 

"Well...I though we could have a nice dinner. At Geronimo's."

"Geronimo's? Jordan, that's a four star restaurant in Santa Fe!" Raven exclaimed. 

"Yes, I know. I was hoping you would be interested in going there. With me. For dinner." 

Raven looked puzzled and asked cautiously, "Jordan, are you asking me for a date?" Raven saw another side to Jordan, as the cool, collected agent seemed a bit uncomfortable. 

Jordan seemed to be considering Raven's question and finally answered, "Would you mind?" 

Raven's voice was deeper and quieter as she spoke slowly and deliberately, "I would love to go with you, Jordan." 

Jordan raised her eyebrows in wonder and a smile played across her face, "Excellent! Is Friday okay? At 6, so we have time to drive?" 

"That will be fine Jordan." 

Jordan was visibly relieved and smiled at Raven again, "Then I will make reservations for us. I will talk to you later Raven." She left the motel in a jubilant mood. 

Raven shut the door and grinned to herself. She couldn't believe it and was ecstatic that Jordan would arrange a date. She went to her closet to see what she had available to wear. 

Jordan was certainly happy about it too. Her rejection of Gary's try at dating her was forgotten, along with her reasoning for it. She also was forgetting the first principal of detective work; everyone's a suspect until eliminated. Raven was certainly not eliminated, not with her mysterious background still unexplained. Jordan was seriously near breaking a lot of rules.

*** 

Jordan burst into the sheriff's office, "Good Morning, Sarah. How are you today, sweetie? Where do you shop for nice clothes around here?"

"Well the best place is Cottonwood Mall in Albuquerque. They have Macy's. It's on the other side of the Rio Grande by Coors Blvd NW." 

"Thanks, Sarah." Jordan plopped herself down into a chair in the conference room which had become her makeshift office. Whatever am I going to wear, she moaned to herself,  I don't have time to go to Albuquerque to shop for clothes before Friday.  She remembered that she needed to go to the dry cleaners and she dashed out of the office yelling to Sarah over her shoulder, "Be right back, forgot I had an errand to run." 

She returned to the sheriff's office after dropping her clothes off. 

Jordan called a meeting that afternoon of everyone to assess where they stood on the case. Gary began with a report of the interviews that he and Casey had conducted. "We interrogated everyone and their brother who was either related to or acquainted with the victims. The first victim, Amber, had a cold when she was murdered, but she was not sick enough to miss time at her job. She hung around the Ranch Pub occasionally. Wasn't involved with anyone and had an amiable break up with her boyfriend two months prior to her death."

"Wait a minute," Jordan interrupted, "Amber was sick too?"

"Yeah, she just had a cold." Gary replied. 

"I am wondering why each victim was sick at the time of her death. Let's take a look at that perspective. What can you tell me about the second victim, Ellen Bentley." 

Gary continued, "She liked to lead a healthy lifestyle. She was an expert horse rider. She broke and trained horses at the ranch where she worked. Along with being a vegetarian, she was a non-smoker, rarely touched alcohol, exercised several times a week. Her family stated she was an active, healthy woman, so they were a little concerned when she was ill last May. They did tell me that Ellen had thought it was something she ate from the diner two days prior to her murder." 

He continued, "If you ask me Jordan, the asshole just hung around the victims houses, noticed they were ill and took advantage of that fact to gain control of them." 

Jordan kept her opinion to herself, but she completely disagreed with Gary's conclusion. She scribbled a note to call the Medical Examiner's office after the meeting. Just then, Sarah knocked on the conference room door. 

"Come in." Jordan called. Sarah opened the door and gestured for Jordan to step outside the office. 

Jordan excused herself from the meeting and was delighted to see Raven standing by the front desk, "I am here to give you my fingerprints. I hope I am not interrupting anything," she said. 

"Just a meeting. I am glad you stopped by. Follow me." Jordan led her to a back room where she opened a fingerprinting kit. Raven had made a call after Jordan had left her apartment earlier that morning and was reassured that her fingerprints shouldn't be a problem. 

She allowed Jordan to press each of her fingers onto the inkpad and roll them onto paper. It gave her a few moments of enjoyment while Jordan gently held each of her fingers. Standing next to Jordan, she could smell the scent of Jordan's shampoo from the same brand she herself had put in her room. She watched the gentle swell of Jordan's breasts underneath her sleeveless knit top. 

"All finished," Jordan announced all too soon. "There's a bathroom across the hall, you can wash the ink off in there." 

Raven was familiar with the process having already been through it before, but she pretended it was her first time. While Raven was in the bathroom, Jordan ended the fruitless meeting and gave the deputies and detectives some more assignments. Raven emerged from the bathroom and walked by the conference room on her wait out of the building. She saw Jordan sitting at the table alone and poked her head in the doorway, "I can't wait till Friday night."

"Neither can I." Jordan agreed and she waved goodbye to her new friend. 

Jordan suppressed a shiver of delight at the thought of their date as she dialed the number to the Medical Examiner's Office. She got through to Dr. Adams, the chief examiner. After stating who she was, Dr. Adams immediately knew why she was calling, "This is in regard to the Shawnee murders."

"Yes, Dr. Adams, I wanted to inform you that each of the victims was sick at the time of her murder. I don't know if that is significant, but I have come to learn that no clue, no matter how pedestrian it seems, is insignificant."

"Well, Agent Connor, Ellen Bentley was cremated, so her remains are gone, but I wouldn't think we would need to exhume any of the bodies anyway. I have tissue samples from each of the victims. I can look for microorganisms, but I have to tell you, anything we find will be dead, so to speak. It has been over a month since the last murder. Bacteria and viruses can't live long without a living host."

"I would appreciate whatever you can do. At the very least, it will eliminate a potential motive."

"And what motive is that agent Connor?"

"I have no idea. I am fishing for causes right now. Please let me know what you find as soon as possible."

"Will do."

Jordan hung up the phone and got up to close the door to the conference room. Sitting back down, she opened her laptop and accessed confidential databases. Jordan felt a bit guilty searching Raven's personal records, but her curiosity had to be satisfied. She needed to find out who Raven Summers was. She was happy to find nothing. Raven had a clean driving record and no criminal record. Vital records revealed that she was born in South Dakota in 1978 to a Midwestern farmer of Irish descent and an Sioux mother. So that's where her black hair comes from, she's part Native American.

Jordan closed her laptop when she heard a knock at the door, "Come in."

Casey walked in, "Jordan, some of the prints on the rock match Raven's prints. There are some other prints too, but I can't distinguish if they are Raven's or not and I can't get a match on them."

"All right, fax a copy of them to Quantico. The FBI can get an experienced agent to look at them. If there is a match for them in the database, he will find it."

"Yeah...sure." Casey was irritated that Jordan did not trust her expertise to match the fingerprints. She left Jordan's office in a huff. 

"Casey, wait." Jordan called after her. Casey turned and stood just inside the doorway, "Yes?"

"Look, Casey. Your assessment of the prints is probably right. I just want to verify it. It is not a reflection on your police work that I want a federal agent to look at them too." 

"Thanks, Jordan." Casey seemed satisfied with Jordan's rationalization. "What about having a drink with me Jordan? Friday night good?"

"I'm sorry, Casey. I already have plans for Friday."

"You don't say. Did Gary get to you?" Jordan shook her head smiling, "No, it wasn't Gary." She didn't elaborate further. 

The rest of the day was unproductive. Jordan thought she might get a chance to make a drive to Albuquerque for a short shopping spree during the evening. 

She was just about to leave the office when Sarah forwarded a call to her from the medical examiner's office, "This is Agent Connor." "Agent Connor, its Dr. Adams. I have amazing news! I don't know how you came up with it, but all three of the victim's tissue samples contain unknown bacterial spores!" Jordan was quiet for a moment as she tried to comprehend the significance of Dr. Adams report. 

"What does that mean Dr. Adams?"

"It means each victim was ill with some sort of bacterial infection that we can't identify. It looks a bit like streptococcus, but it has different properties. Agent Connor, I have faxed the info to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, they are sending a team first thing in the morning."

"What!" Jordan nearly shouted into the phone. "Tell me if these bugs are contagious!" 

"I wish I could tell you that, but I have no idea. We have to identify the germs first before we determine that."

"That's just great!" Jordan sighed. We could have a full blown panic on our hands if this news gets out. Please keep it quiet on your end Dr. Adams."

Jordan hung up and went to relay the disturbing news to the sheriff. "Good God!" he exclaimed, "What if some lunatic is trying to infect Shawnee with anthrax?" 

"I'm not sure it's anthrax, Bill. The medical examiner seems to think it's in the strep family. Let's keep this to ourselves right now. I'm not aware of anyone getting sick in town, hopefully it won't spread."

"You're right about that Jordan. No one is getting sick or we would know about it. I'm going to call the doc just in case and see if any Shawnee residents have been paying him a visit with flu like illnesses. Might as well call the local hospital too. I'll let you know what I find."

Jordan left the office, her happy mood dashed. She called the detectives on their cell phone; they were both at the El Rancho. She informed them of the latest events and urged them to keep it to themselves. Guess I won't be going shopping tonight, she thought. 

Her mood picked up again, though, as she reached the motel. Raven was outside by the pool. Jordan quietly walked up and waited till Raven finished her conversation she was having with a young man. She turned to head back to the office and saw Jordan. 

"Hi, darling. I'm getting the pool covered up tomorrow. How are you?"

"I'd be happier if I could put this case behind me. There are some new developments that don't look good. By the way, thanks for letting us get your prints. It helped eliminate some of the prints off the rock." "And?" Raven asked.

"And nothing. I'm glad I saw you out here tonight. My day started out great then went downhill, but now it's gotten a lot better again." Jordan smiled at Raven. 

"I have something that might be an interesting diversion for you, Jordan."

She led Jordan to the rear of the motel where there was a large 3 bay garage/storage shed. One of the bay doors slid open and Raven reached inside to flip on a light switch. There it stood, gleaming with chrome and a polished black finish. Jordan's mouth dropped open at the sight of the shiny motorcycle.

"Raven, I never would have guessed you to be a biker chick!"

"This is my Harley Fat Boy. I don't know if anyone in Shawnee even knows that I have it. I mostly ride it just for fun...but only at night....to avoid more gossip. I wanted to show it to you."

"I have a feeling you are going to be full of surprises, my dear."

"Want to go for a ride, Jordan!" Jordan giggled, "That may be a bit difficult since I am wearing a skirt."

"So go change." Raven ordered. 

"What the hell, it's been a crazy kind of day. Give me a few minutes, Raven." 

Jordan dashed off to her motel room only to happy to take Raven up on her spontaneity. She hurriedly ripped off her clothes and put on a pair of jeans, a pullover top and her running shoes. She stuck her pistol in the waistband of her jeans covered by her top. Returning to the garage, she saw Raven had changed as well into black jeans, heavy boots and a short black leather jacket. 

She wheeled the bike out of the garage, closed the door and handed a helmet to Jordan. "Put this on, I don't let anyone ride without one."

"So you regularly take women for rides on the bike with you, Raven?" Jordan teased.

"No, you are the first one, Jordan. At least, the first since I moved to Shawnee. And, the first one on this bike." She wrapped her long hair around her hand and tucked it into her helmet as she slipped the helmet over her head. She turned the key in the ignition; the bike roared to life with its characteristic loud exhaust drowning out any chance of further conversation. 

Jordan put the helmet on and closed the darkened faceplate. She straddled the bike behind Raven. 

"Ready?" Raven yelled back to her, "Hold on!" She couldn't see Jordan's grin under her helmet, gladly Raven. Jordan scooted as close as she could behind Raven and wrapped her arms around Raven's waist, grasping her taut abdomen over her jacket. Raven eased the bike out into the alley that ran parallel with Main Street. 

The sun was hanging just above the horizon in the west so Raven gave the bike some throttle and headed north. Everyone on that side of town knew Raven was riding her Harley. 

When she got to the outskirts of town on the farm road she went only a short distance then veered off to the right onto a side road. There was no traffic and Raven flew like the wind. After driving several miles, she pulled off onto another road; only this one seemed more like a dirt trail leading up into the pine tree forested hills. She slowed the bike down and stopped beside a flowing river lined with trees on each side. By this time, only a sliver of the sun was visible above the horizon and a full moon was rising in the east. Raven turned off the ignition and swung off the bike. She took her helmet off and shook her head letting her long hair fall free. Jordan did likewise and the only sounds were coyotes howling, crickets and the gurgling of the river. 




Deep in the Night Ch. 06



"I thought we could have some private time to ourselves here." Raven commented to Jordan." "Now I understand why you wanted to show me the bike, Raven. That was a nice idea; to come here."

"I ride here a lot when I want some time to myself; it's a peaceful place to think and take a swim." 

"And what do you think about Raven?" Raven looked off into the distance, "The past and where I am going from here."

Jordan walked over to the edge of the river where Raven was standing, "Where are you going?" 

Raven remained quiet and looked searchingly at Jordan. She took a few steps closer to Jordan until she was standing right in front of the other woman. Taking Jordan's face in her hands, she put her soft lips to Jordan's. Their lips barely touching, Raven tentatively kissed her. It was more like a light caress rather than a kiss. Raven pulled back, her heart pounding, hoping Jordan would be receptive. And she was. 

Jordan reached for Raven and drew her into her arms. With the moonlight filtering through the trees, Jordan molded her lips to Raven's and rewarded her with a return kiss. Raven answered the kiss and the two women clung to one another, discovering a source of unexpected pleasure in each other's sensual lips. They ended the kiss, their eyes closed, foreheads touching and their arms still around each other. 

"That was nice, Jordan." Raven whispered against Jordan's cheek. A volcano of emotions was brewing inside Jordan as they held each other. It had been so long since she had kissed a woman; years in fact, since she kissed a woman that she was actually attracted to. She wanted to hold onto Raven forever and smother her with tender kisses and forget everything and everyone else. 

Jordan liked everything about Raven. She could see herself spending a lot of time with her; getting to know her, living with her, spending time in bed with her. So she would take her time with Raven and make sure that things went right. The last thing she wanted was to end up in a situation like she had with Marianne. They had both been young and inexperienced. Sex was fun and new and exciting and their passion was quickly ignited. The relationship grew, at least physically. 

Jordan moved up in the FBI and became involved in cases that were more and more dangerous. Marianne couldn't handle it and bailed. Jordan never saw it coming and learned a hard lesson about love. She vowed that she would never let her heart be captured again. But now, the mysterious Raven had appeared on the scene and Jordan's hesitations were rapidly wearing away. This was a woman she knew she wanted in her life. 

Jordan spoke softly into Raven's hair, "Raven, I could get used to you very easily."

"I hope you can Jordan. I feel the same way." Raven grasped Jordan around her small waist and felt the pistol hidden there. The hard metal contrasted with the soft, but tight musculature of Jordan's trim abdomen. 

Everything Raven hoped for was coming true so far. She had been waiting a long time. For her it had been over four years since before she had come to Shawnee, in fact that she had felt the touch of another woman. Kissing Jordan confirmed her wishes and expectations; it felt so right with her.

"Raven, I want our date tomorrow night to be very special."

"It will be Jordan. Because we will be together." Reluctantly they parted from each other. Climbing back on the motorcycle, Raven drove them back to the motel. She quietly pulled in back and shut off the engine. "I hate to say goodbye Raven. Thanks for the ride...it turned into a very pleasant evening." "You don't have to leave yet Jordan."

"In time, Raven. But, I won't leave before I kiss you good night." She took Raven's hand and pulled her into the shadows. 

Her arms went around Raven's waist, their warm bodies squeezed against one another. This time their kiss was deeper and more confident. Jordan's tongue tasted Raven's lips communicating to her the promise of the passion they would soon share between them. 

"Jordan, if you kiss me like that again, I won't let you go." Raven gasped. 

"Then I better go. Tomorrow night won't come soon enough. Good night, Raven." Jordan waited until Raven had gone inside. She bounded to her motel room with euphoria. She was filled to the brim with excitement and needed an outlet for her emotions. 

Jordan decided to call Taylor. "Hi, Taylor, her friend from college. What's up!"

"Jordan, twice in one week I hear from you! Are you feeling well?"

"Then let me guess, you must be making time with that new woman? Am I right?"

"You are very right, as usual. Got a dinner date with her tomorrow night. And on top of everything else, she's a fantastic kisser, but I'm not rushing it"

"Then maybe going slow is a smart thing to do. I want to meet this woman who has cast such a spell on my best friend. Listen, honey, Ben's yelling for me, so I will talk to you later, okay?"

"Good night, Taylor." Jordan ended up tossing and turning most of the night. Raven was on her mind all night long and thinking of the black haired beauty, those fantastic breasts, and that warm skin left Jordan with a most pleasurable feeling.

*** 

The next morning, Jordan met with the team of doctors from Atlanta. They drove from the city first thing, arriving at the Sheriff's office before 9 a.m. After introductions, the doctors announced that they wanted to get samples from the victim's homes to see if any bacterial spores were present. Jordan spent a long day escorting the doctors to the three homes and watching and waiting as they swabbed bathroom appliances, eating utensils, toothbrushes and whatever else they thought the victims may have used. 

Around mid-afternoon, Jordan started getting antsy. She kept glancing at her watch. When it was close to four, she had enough. She contacted Bill Hagan and requested a deputy to take her place and secure the last home when the team was finished. 

Once the deputy arrived, she hurried to her motel room to jump in the shower, shampoo her hair and primp for her date.  Since when do I let a woman take precedence over an investigation,  she thought in the shower?  You got it bad,  Jordan, she smiled to herself,  it has been far too long; I hope I can show her a good time. 

Just before six, Jordan knocked on the back kitchen door of Raven's apartment. She was both nervous and terribly excited at the same time. 

She heard Raven's muffled voice from inside, "Jordan, is that you? Come in." Jordan entered the kitchen and Raven yelled again from the bedroom, "I'll be right there, I just want to put my hair up."

"Leave it down." Jordan called to her. 

Jordan's eyes widened at the sight before her. Raven was dressed in a sleeveless red dress with a v-neck. The dress stopped mid-thigh revealing a pair of toned, shapely legs that ended in black, heeled sandals. Her long black hair was fuller than usual and hung down her shoulders, spilling over her breasts. Color on her fingernails and toenails seemed to match the color of the dress, which provided a nice contrast against her dark hair. Jordan's eyes traveled admiringly along Raven's body right down to her toes and back up to her stunning face. 

"I hope you like Jordan."

"I like very much. You are lovely, Raven. But I wish that I could look better for you. I never anticipated staying in New Mexico much less that I would engage in a romantic evening. Otherwise, I would have brought something appropriate to wear."

"Is that what this is, Jordan? A romantic evening?" Raven asked flirtatiously. "I think you look fine Jordan." 

Jordan wore a short black skirt and white blouse with black heels. She walked over to Jordan and put her hands on Jordan's shoulders. Leaning forward, she placed a light, quick kiss on Jordan's cheek. "You smell nice too." 

"It's Estee Lauder's Pleasures. And what are you wearing Raven?"

"Sensations." Still leaning close to Jordan, Raven asked, "Are you going to be my pleasure tonight, Jordan?" 

"You'll just have to find out Raven." 

(To be continued) 



Deep in the Night Ch. 07



 This is one part of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks. 

 Part 7  Jordan Takes Raven On A Romantic Date

Raven slid into the smooth, leather seats of the BMW, "Nice car." She commented.

"It's not mine...just a rental." Jordan explained. She adjusted the stereo to a station with light jazz, and since the weather was pleasant, opened the sunroof. They made small talk on the pleasant drive to Santa Fe. Jordan maneuvered through the narrow streets of the old town until she located the restaurant on Canyon Rd. After pulling up in front, the Valet opened their doors and drove off with the BMW. 

Entering the handsome classical doors of the old Hacienda, Jordan announced to the Maitre'd, "We have reservations for 8:00." He led them through the dark, carpeted restaurant to a table for two beside a beautiful window overlooking a courtyard garden. Behind each of their chairs was a potted tree interwoven with little white lights. A candlelit lantern glowed on the side of the table. 

"This is nice and private..." Raven observed, "...and romantic." She quietly added for Jordan's ears only. 

"Let's order a bottle of wine." Jordan suggested. "What would you like to eat?"

"I haven't decided yet. Probably fish or a pasta dish." 

"Sounds good. We would like a bottle of a reasonably priced Sauvignon Blanc." Jordan told the uniformed waiter to pick. He returned a moment later, opened the bottle and poured their wine. 

After he departed, Jordan raised her glass, "A toast?" 

Raven also raised her glass, "Yes...to a beginning for us. To what I hope will be many more days and nights that we share together."

"That was nice." Jordan smiled at Raven and they each took a sip of the fruity wine. Raven ordered the pan-seared salmon and Jordan decided on the herb encrusted trout. 

"This is delicious!" Jordan announced after her first bite of the trout. They were enjoying the tasty dinner when a middle-aged man approached their table. 

"Lily, is that you?" he asked addressing Raven. She looked startled for a moment, but quickly recovered, "I am sorry, you must be mistaken."

"I would swear that I know you from somewhere. I'm Ray Lenwood. Do you remember me?" 

"Uh...I'm afraid I don't." The man continued. "Have you ever worked for the federal government?" 

"You must have the wrong person." Raven insisted. The man smiled sheepishly, "Then I apologize. Forgive me for interrupting your dinner...ladies." He left their table.

"So you were a federal employee?" Jordan teased.

"I have no idea what that man is talking about." Raven lied. 

Jordan noticed she was uneasy and there was more to this. 

"Will you excuse me, Jordan. I'm going to the ladies' room." 

"Shall I come with you?" Jordan asked.

"No. I will be back shortly." The restrooms were located off a side hallway near the restaurant's entrance. But, Raven had no intention of using the facilities. She stood near the glass doors and pulled a cell phone from her purse. After dialing a number, she spoke into the phone, "Hello, it's me. I have been recognized."

"Do you know who he is?"

"I don't recall his face, but he gave me his name as Ray Lenwood."

"I will get on it right away. Most likely he wouldn't have volunteered his name if he were looking for you. Unless it is a fictitious name." There was silence for a second and the man added, "Of all places to be recognized...in Shawnee."

"I'm not in Shawnee." Raven informed him. "I'm in Santa Fe having dinner with...a companion." 

"Okay, just be careful. If anything else weird happens, you call me immediately. I'll get back with you." Raven turned off the phone and returned to the table. 

"Are you all right?" Jordan asked her as she sat down. 

Raven forced a smile, "Yes, I am fine, hon. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening." Jordan knew the man had disturbed Raven and she lied about it. She wanted to trust Raven and hoped that she wasn't in some kind of trouble. The remark about the federal government had Jordan's profiler instincts aroused to the deepest degree. 

The remainder of the meal passed pleasantly, but when Jordan suggested dessert, Raven hastily declined, "Let's go elsewhere." 

Jordan paid the check and the Valet brought their car around. She headed out of the city and calmly noted that Raven was trying to discreetly look behind them.  Is she checking if someone is following us?  Jordan wondered. They weren't far from Albuquerque when Jordan pulled the BMW off to the side of the road. She put the car in park but left the engine running. 

Shifting in the driver's seat to face Raven, she began, "Look, Raven, I like you a lot. I know there is something in your past and I haven't questioned you about it because, well, it's none of my business. But, there is an investigation going and if you are in some kind of trouble then I could be compromised and you know how things can get out of hand..."

"No!" Raven quickly interrupted shaking her head, "I'm not in any trouble."

"...I can help you." Jordan continued. Or hinder you, thought Jordan.

"I promise you I am not in trouble." Raven sighed heavily. 

Jordan replied, "It's just that you seem upset or nervous and...do you think someone is following us?" 

Raven assured her, "I'm okay, really. That is sweet of you to want to help me." She reached for Jordan's hand, "I like you very much and I want to be completely honest with you. I have never lied to you Jordan. I don't want anything to ruin what I think could be a good thing, that is, you and I. I'm all right so let's just enjoy each other. Okay?"

"Very well...if you say so, I'll take your word for it. What would you like to do now?" 

"God, I could use a drink." 

"Then a drink it is." They were closer to Albuequerque than anywhere else so Jordan headed down IH 25. Once they were again within the city limits, she asked, "Know of any good bars?"

"Let's try the one at the Hyatt. They have a decent lounge." 

"Yes, I know where that is." Jordan found a parking spot on a side street. They boarded the elevator in the posh lobby. They were alone and while riding up to the sky view lounge on the top floor; Jordan stood close to Raven and took her hand, squeezing it gently, "Everything will be okay." Raven looked at her with gratitude and would have loved to smother her with kisses, but the doors opened up to a dark, elegant, plush bar. 

They found two barstools together and sat facing each other. "Good evening ladies. What can I get for you?" The distinguished white haired bartender asked. 

"I'll have a Manhattan." Raven answered. 

Jordan followed, "And I'll take a dry Martini." 

They sipped their drinks for a moment as soft music played in the background and Raven started to relax. Her eyes met Jordan's. The earlier, serious conversation in the car had seemed to propel their relationship to a more personal level and now their gaze communicated a certain understanding. 

They were lost in each other when the bartender interrupted, "Ladies, the two gentlemen at the end of the bar would like to buy you a second round."

Without breaking her gaze from Raven, Jordan told him, "Please tell the gentlemen thank you, but we are already taken." Raven smiled at Jordan's remark. 

Jordan started to rise from her barstool and said to Raven, "Let's go."

"But I'm not finished my drink." Raven protested. 

"I'll buy you another one later." Jordan told her and urged her up. Once inside the elevator, Jordan wasted no time in gathering Raven into her arms and pressing her lips against Raven's. The spontaneous kiss took Raven by surprise and she struggled to get her arms around Jordan who had been waiting all evening to kiss her. They melted into each other, marveling at the exquisite softness of the other's lips. They couldn't even end the kiss properly as the bell rang to the elevator and it stopped to let other passengers on board. 

The two women separated and stepped into the back of the car, sneaking loving glances at each other. After exiting the hotel, they hurried across the street to the BMW and Jordan sped eastward toward Shawnee. 

Arriving back in the small town, Jordan eased the BMW behind the motel. Raven unlocked her back kitchen door and pulled Jordan into her apartment. They came together urgently and their lips and bodies pressed tightly against one another. Once again, their mouths met and their kiss grew into a deep, hungry embrace. No words were necessary as both women sought to fulfill a need and years of loneliness began to wash away. 

Jordan's arms encircled Raven and her hands felt the slender, tapered back beneath the red dress as she tried to pull Raven even closer while she tasted her sweet mouth. Raven responded in kind and let her hands rub the back of Jordan's neck and plunge into Jordan's hair running through the soft tresses and igniting Jordan's desire even further. 

Jordan broke the kiss and her lips moved to Raven's cheek then to her throat. Raven tilted her head back and closed her eyes, yielding to Jordan's kisses. Her lush perfume and her own natural scent filled Jordan's nose and she sensuously stroked the delicate skin of Raven's throat with her tongue. Raven moaned her delight at the intense sensations that Jordan was causing. Her knees went weak and a wet heat grew between her legs. 

"Can we please sit down?" she begged Jordan hoarsely. 

Jordan backed off but kept an arm around Raven's waist and led her to the small living room. They sat on the edge of the couch and became wrapped in each other's arms, hastily resuming their intimate contact. Inflamed with desire, their kisses turned frantic and they couldn't get enough. Jordan's hand wandered down Raven's back over her hip and onto her thigh. She slid her hand just underneath the edge of Raven's red dress resting it upon the warm, smooth flesh. 

Raven covered Jordan's hand with her own for a moment before guiding it up to her bosom. She gasped as Jordan gently squeezed the full breast through the fabric. Jordan broke the kiss, sighing ardently. 

Her breathing was faster and she leaned in to return her lips to Raven's when the phone rang. "Ignore it." Raven commanded. But the ringing continued and Raven glanced at the phone cradle attached to the wall. 

"That's the office line." She stated. "I wonder who's calling at this time of night." With an irritated sigh, she got up from the couch to answer the phone, "Shawnee Inn." Jordan listened to Raven's end of the conversation. 

"Oh, Hi Sheriff."  He must be looking for me , Jordan assumed. But Raven continued the conversation. "No... that's okay... I'm still up." She made a face at the phone causing Jordan to laugh. After a pause, she went on, "Well, I think I can manage that. How many will it be?" Another pause, "Sure, just send them over. I'll take care of them." She hung up the phone. "That's weird." She stated.

"That was Bill Hagan. He's got a bunch of doctors from some disease center that are staying in town and need rooms. I wonder what that is all about." Raven sat down again next to Jordan who remained quiet not wanting to reveal the doctors' involvement with the investigation.

"Maybe some strange epidemic is spreading through town." Raven pondered.

"I doubt that." Jordan stated confidently. "If that were the case, you would hear about people getting sick." She lightly rubbed Raven's back wanting to put her anxiety to rest. "I haven't heard of anyone becoming ill."

"I suppose that makes sense. But, it's still rather unsettling. Anyway, they'll be here in about 15 minutes. I got to get their keys." Raven rose from the couch, "What a way to ruin a moment." 

Jordan grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. Raven fell backwards onto the couch. Her legs went into the air as she tumbled unto the cushions and both women erupted into giggles. Jordan scooped Raven up and cradled her in her arms, kissing her mouth, "We still have 15 minutes to find that moment again." Raven lay back and accepted the tender, sensuous kisses. She reached up, pulling Jordan down on top of her and gave her a kiss equally warm and sumptuous. 

Gazing up at Jordan, she spoke softly, "Do you know what I would like to do?"

"I hope it's the same thing I would like to do, but we are now down to 10 minutes." Jordan flirted as she gently brushed Raven's hair back from her face. 

"Well that too, but I was thinking of something else at the moment."

"Oh, really? Jordan teased. "And what else could you be thinking about while I was offering you my best kiss?"

"And a superb kiss it was." Raven praised. "But, I was thinking how I would love to take you away with me on my motorcycle. We would ride into the mountains to a place far away from everybody and everything. Just you and me... together." 

Jordan smiled, "I like the way you think Raven Summers. And I would love to take you up on that thought...as soon as my investigation is over." Jordan grew despondent at her own words for she knew she would be returning to D.C. when the case was solved. She pushed the idea into the back of her mind. For the moment, she didn't want to consider what her days would be like without Raven and she didn't want to spoil things for Raven by appearing in a depressed mood. 

Jordan stayed in Raven's bedroom while the doctors arrived at the office and Raven doled out keys. Jordan kissed her goodnight when the doctors left and announced her goodbye. 

"You don't have to leave, Jordan." 

Jordan spoke softly to Raven, "I very much want to stay, but I don't want to rush things with you. I like you, perhaps more than you realize and I want our relationship to work." Pulling Raven close, she went on, "What I am trying to say, Raven, is that I would like to spend a lot of time with you and get to know everything about you first. And fall in love with you along the way."

"That is sweet, darling. I think I do know how much you like me, because I feel the same about you. But, I am going to have to take a cold shower now." She ended giggling. 

"Same here." Jordan replied. "Good night, baby. I'll call you tomorrow." She ended with a final sweet kiss on Raven's lips.

***

Raven woke the next morning with a smile on her face. She felt like she was in a dreamy state as she recalled the tender moments she had shared with Jordan the night before. She picked up the stuffed leopard and hugged it to her saying aloud, "God, I do like this feeling." She wondered if she was beginning to fall in love with Jordan. 

Rising from bed, she pulled on her silk bathrobe and puttered out to the kitchen. She had just started coffee brewing when there was a knock at the office door. Peering out the office window, she saw a delivery van in front and a young man with a huge bouquet of red roses. She opened the door and he announced, "Delivery for Raven Summers."

"Thank you." She answered, taking them from him. Closing the door behind her, she buried her face in the bouquet, inhaling the scent of the roses. She noticed a small envelope attached and pulled it off. Suspecting it was from Jordan, she clasped the note to her breast for a moment. Opening the small pink envelope she read the note inside, 

 Raven,

I had a lovely time with you last night. I would love to see you again...soon. 

All my affection, Jordan 

Raven picked up her phone and dialed Jordan's room, but got no answer. She then tried the sheriff's office. Sarah announced to Jordan, "Raven Summers is on line 2 for you." Jordan shut the door to the conference room and picked up the phone. 

"Someone sent me a beautiful bouquet. Two dozen red roses, the voice said"

"Must be someone who thinks you are really special." Jordan told her. 

"I'd like to personally thank the sender with dinner and a sweet kiss and whatever else she would like."

"The sender accepts and would like to know when she can pick up her thank you."

"Tonight at my place. Whenever she is free from her police duties." 

"The sender will be there. I will make sure of that." Jordan answered.

After she hung up the phone, Bill Hagan knocked on the conference room door. "Jordan?" he poked his head in, "The docs just arrived. They'd like to report their findings to you."

"Great. Send them in, let's get rolling on this." Hagan entered the room followed by Jimmy and the doctors. The sheriff introduced the medical team to Jordan. "Where's the two detectives?" Jordan inquired. "They haven't come in yet. Jimmy, give them a buzz and see if you can find out where they are."

Jordan settled into her chair and the team leader began his presentation. "As you know, we collected specimens from the victim's houses and tested them for identification purposes. And, like the medical examiner, we are unable to identify the species of bacteria that we have. By all physical appearances, it is a strain of streptococcus, but it has different properties from any strep species that we have encountered."

"What does that mean in English?" Jordan asked.

"It means that we have either discovered a new strain of the bacteria or someone is tampering with streptococcus!"

"Tampering? How?"

The doctor continued, "Gene manipulation, in a nutshell Agent Connor. Various genes can be removed from one species and spliced into another. They are doing it now with produce to make heartier vegetables that are resistant to cold, pests and viruses. It's all designed for bigger profit, of course. 60% of the produce that you buy in a grocery store contains altered genes. The same principle applies to bacteria. Someone can manipulate their genes to make them resistant to environmental stressors or antibiotics. Create a superbug, if you will."

He continued, "Washington has suspected the Russians of doing this sort of thing for years. After the fall of their government, we discovered an abandoned lab over there with 3 million tons of anthrax." 

Jordan was deep in thought, "Let's suppose someone in Shawnee is actually doing this manipulating of germs. Can you elaborate on who would have the capabilities to do it and what the consequences would be?" 

"Whoever is doing this needs two things. The knowledge to know what the hell their doing and the equipment to do it. Isolation and reproduction of the bacteria isn't too expensive, but the important consideration is lab safety. He or she would need the proper set up for self protection. Dealing with some of the species is nasty. Take anthrax and the Ebola virus for example. There are only two labs in the country that are equipped and cleared to handle them, ours, the Center for Disease Control and the military's Fort Dietrich in Maryland."

"So, I would expect, " he went on, "that you should look for someone with a minimum of a bachelor's degree, more likely they would have a master's or doctorate. A professor, chemist, biologist...any of those types would have the knowledge and clearance to get a hold of lab equipment and benign specimens to work with." 

"And the FBI has been keeping an eye on who has been putting in repetitive orders for that equipment since 9/11." Jordan announced, "I'll get them to fax us a list." 

The doctor continued, "The consequences of a super bug would be grave. If it is resistant to antibiotics, nothing will cure the infection. People with immune compromised systems would die, such as the elderly, children and people with AIDS. Depending on the virulence of the bug, it could kill healthy people as well. If it 'were' highly contagious, my God, it would devastate an entire town such as this. Ever read about the Black Plague in Europe in the middle ages?"

Jordan spoke up, "It wouldn't be that bad, I hope?"

The doctor just looked at her, "A quarter of the population died. Better yet, if you haven't already done so, rent Outbreak and watch it. It's not so far from the truth about bio-weapons." 




Deep in the Night Ch. 07



Jordan's mind was whirling again,  where have I heard this stuff before?  She thought for a while but couldn't get a grasp on it. "So, if we assume that this different bacterium that sickened the victims is a product of the killer's experimentation, why would he stab them?" Jordan thought aloud. She continued, "And, how did he infect them in the first place?" 

"It would be easy to make a few people sick with a bioweapon. It is a large mass of people that causes the difficulty. You have to engineer the germs so that they can survive for a while on a vector, that is, something that will carry them to their host. 

"And," the Doctor continued, "The vector has to function properly to deliver the bacteria. For example, maybe one of the victims had some candy delivered to her door...with an injection of the strep. So she eats it and gets sick. Or, maybe one of them was sitting in the diner and while she gets up to go to the bathroom, the killer discreetly slips some "dust" on her food as he walks by her table. There are a number of possibilities. As for why he stabbed them, that's for you to figure out, Agent Connor and Sheriff Hagan." 

She began to think aloud again, "Perhaps the germ he created wasn't right. They didn't behave as he intended. He picked the women to be his guinea pigs and was just testing it on the victims and he stabbed them to cover up his real crime. He assumed no one would ever find out about the new streptococcus strain."

"Yes, and we have requested DNA gel kits from Atlanta. We can use them to determine if all three of the victim's were infected with the same sample." 

Just then a light bulb went off in Jordan's head, "Bill, what is that game your son was playing that night when I came to your house for dinner?" "God only knows Jordan. I don't know what all those video games are. He requested them for his birthday and it took Evelyn and me half a day in Wal-Mart to make sure we were getting the right thing."

"Well, it was something to do with a bioweapon. How ironic that this case is evolving itself into a pattern that parallels a video game. But the perpetrator in this situation isn't a monster or alien, but an everyday citizen of Shawnee."

"Correction." One of the doctors spoke up, "He is a monster in a certain sense. Just disguised as a human." 

"I want to check the town census again." She directed her comment to Gary and Casey who had finally arrived. "I believe it contains some information about profession."

"Yes, but that was an optional question on the census, Jordan," said Gary, "Not everyone reported what they do for a living."

"Nevertheless, I want you to check it. Dr. Kraft, thank you for your time, please let me know what you come up with when the other tests are complete." 

"Of course, Agent Connor."

After the meeting, Jordan was left in the conference room after the others had filed out and her thoughts returned to Raven. She dialed the motel and heard Raven's voice answer, "Shawnee Inn." 

Jordan decided to have some fun with her, "I'm looking for the owner of the inn." Raven recognized Jordan's voice and played along, "Tell me what she looks like."

"Let's see...a good looking woman, sexy long hair, a gorgeous body, alluring dark eyes, smells very nice, and...oh, how could I forget, she's a fantastic kisser."

"I think there is someone here that fits that description. Who shall I tell her is calling?"

"Tell her, it's the sender of the roses." Jordan continued.

"Would the sender like to leave her a message as well?"

"Yes, tell her the sender is so looking forward to seeing her tonight and is very anxious that the hours aren't passing by sooner."

"I can tell you that the owner is very excited about seeing the sender tonight too!" Jordan hung up the phone, tingling with anticipation. 

Casey walked through the open door of the conference room, "Jordan, we looked at the census. There's only one man who lists a profession that might be who we are looking for."

"Who is he?"

"His name is Tom Harding. He's a retired professor from the University of New Mexico."

"Okay, then lets pay Mr. Harding a visit." Jordan announced.

As Jordan and Casey were arriving at Tom Harding's house, Raven was making her way through the isles of the Wynn-Dixie, Shawnee's lone grocery store. She decided to grill chicken for their evening dinner and was absorbed in picking out the best cuts of boneless breasts she could find. She never noticed that a man of medium height and wispy, reddish hair had been following her through the store. 

Now, as she bent over the meat cooler, the man quickly passed her cart and dumped a powder-like substance over a head of lettuce sitting among her groceries. He was gone by the time Raven placed a package of chicken in her cart. 

(To be continued)



Deep in the Night Ch. 08



 This is one part of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks. 

 Part 8  A False Lead and Interrupted Love

Jordan knocked on Tom Harding's front door. A well-groomed, thirty-something, stylishly dressed man opened it. 

Jordan announced, "I'm Jordan Connor with the FBI. Is Dr. Harding in?" She flashed her badge to the man. "And, this is sheriff's deputy Jimmy Watson, and New Mexico State Police Detectives, Gary Matthews and Casey Samson. We'd like to ask him few questions." 

"I'm not Tom Harding and what is this in reference to."

"Is Dr. Harding available?" Jordan questioned. 

The man hesitated a moment, "Yes...he is here. Why do you need to question him?" 

Just then an older, white haired, effeminate man appeared. "I'm Tom Harding. Why don't you let them in, Max?" Max shrugged and stepped aside. Jordan entered the orderly house followed by Jimmy and the detectives. 

"Dr. Harding, I know you are retired from the University of New Mexico. My colleagues and I are investigating the murder of three women in Shawnee and we would like to ask you some questions."

"I don't know how I can help you, but what would you like to know."

"Firstly, Dr. Harding, what did you teach at the university?"

"I taught theatre and drama classes for over 20 years. During my tenure, I wrote several one man dramas and staged an original production of Cabaret." He announced proudly. His statement ended the conversation as far as Jordan was concerned. A drama professor was certainly not the killer. But, before the team left, Jordan wondered if he could be of help in another manner. 

"Dr. Harding, do you have any colleagues in Shawnee or the nearby area? Or, do you know any other university professors residing in Shawnee?" 

"I knew Trevor Hawkins. He taught art at the community college. But, he passed away 3 years ago." 

"Anyone else?" Jordan pressed him.

"I am familiar with the faculty of the art and theater department from the local high school. But, something tells me you wouldn't be interested in them."

Jordan smiled, "Your guess is right. But I appreciate your cooperation Dr. Harding. If you can think of anyone else, please call me." She handed the professor her card and the team excused themselves from the house. 

"Well, that got us nowhere." Gary snorted as they walked to the car. Casey answered him, "We followed a lead and it was a dead end. At least we can eliminate one more man off the list." "Hey, was that a gay guy?" Jimmy asked the others. "Yes, Jimmy, he is gay." Jordan affirmed his suspicions. "It was so obvious." Gary sneered. "Damn, Jimmy, haven't you ever seen a fag before?" "All right you two. Knock it off!" Jordan interjected. "Can we finish the day without fighting?" 

Driving back to her apartment, Raven answered an incoming call to her phone, "It's me." A male voice said. 

"What did you find out?" Raven asked him,

"So far, the man in the restaurant looks legit. But, I'm gonna dig deeper; you never know and I'd rather be safe than sorry. It might take a while, but I'll get back with you as soon as I can. Just be alert and be careful. Call me if you need anything."

* ** 

Back at her motel apartment, Raven put the groceries away, tossed the head of lettuce into a bowl and put the bowl into the sink. She opened the boneless chicken and placed it into a shallow backing pan and poured some smoked mesquite flavored marinate over it. 

Next, she went out back to the garage where her motorcycle was stored and activated the leftmost door. She waited for it to roll up and let her eyes adjust to the inner darkness before retrieving a grill from inside. She then returned to the garage to fish out the bag of charcoal and lighter fluid. She placed them next to the grill on the strip of grass beside the motel's back wall and was about to return into the apartment, when an event occurred that would save both her and Jordan's life without either of them realizing it. 

Just as she was opening the door, she heard a soft meow. Looking down, she saw a thin gray tabby kitten looking up at her with imploring eyes. "Where did you come from little one?" She spoke to it softly, "Are you hungry?" The kitten continued its mournful cry and Raven couldn't bear to see it beg so pitifully. "Stay here. I'll be right back," she told the kitten, as though it could understand her. 

She pulled a carton of milk from the refrigerator and poured some into a small Tupperware bowl. Going back outside, she placed it on the ground for the kitten. The little animal seemed fearful at first, not wanting to approach the bowl with Raven crouching next to it. She called to it gently and the sound of her voice and the kitten's hunger overcame its fear. It moved toward the bowl, took one sniff and began greedily lapping at the milk. 

"You must be starving." Raven observed and, as the kitten drank, she returned into the kitchen to get it some raw meat. Pulling a carving knife out of a kitchen drawer, Raven started slicing a piece of chicken off of the boneless breasts that were marinating. The raw meat was slippery and she had a bit of trouble holding it. Enough trouble to cause the knife to slip and slice across her left thumb. 

"OUCH!" she cried out and hastily dropped the knife. In a matter of seconds, bright red blood began leaking out of the cut and Raven moved to the sink and turned on the cold water. She held her finger under the flowing water and let it wash the wound. Blood flowed down into the lettuce as the water poured over her thumb. The cold water staunched the flow of blood and Raven took a close look at her finger. 

The cut wasn't terribly large, but somewhat deep and she didn't get to look at it long before blood again began seeping out. She returned her finger under the stream and felt a bit lightheaded from seeing her own injury. Grabbing a tea towel, she clamped it over the finger and with her uninjured hand, dialed the sheriff's office. 

Jordan wasn't in and she told Sarah, "I need to speak with her, how can I get in touch with agent Connor?" 

"I can give her a message for you." Sarah answered. Raven sighed, "Can you get in touch with her now and have her call Raven as soon as possible? Oh, wait let me give you my cell phone number." She gave Sarah the number and grabbed her car keys to drive to the doctor's office. Just as she was getting out of her car several blocks away, her cell phone rang. It took her awhile to answer as she tried to juggle the phone, her car keys and handbag with one hand.

"Jordan?" She spoke into the phone.

"Yes." Jordan answered; she noted a sense of urgency in Raven's voice. "Is everything okay?" 

"Oh, God. Jordan, I cut myself and I am at the doctor's office."

"Are you all right?" Jordan asked worriedly.

"Yes, I'll be okay, it is just my finger, but I wanted to fix you a nice dinner and I have no idea when I'll get home." 

"Don't worry about dinner." Jordan told her. I will get us something. Maybe carryout Chinese, that is, if you like it. I will meet you at the doctor's office."

"No, you don't have to do that. But, I would appreciate Chinese. I'm sorry things got screwed up. There's a key to my apartment under the door mat outside the kitchen door."

"I'll take care of it." Jordan announced. "If you need me to drive you home, call me." 

While Raven was laying on an examining table getting five stitches sewed into her thumb, Jordan found the keys under the apartment door mat and also found a small, cowering feline hunched up beside an empty bowl. 

"Who are you?" Jordan reached out to stroke the kitten's head. "I didn't know Raven had a furry friend." Letting herself into Raven's apartment, she looked around and saw a few drops of blood on the kitchen floor. There was more blood on the counter top and on a head of lettuce sitting in the sink. She grabbed some paper towels and set about cleaning the blood. Next, she turned the water on so it would run over the lettuce. 

She let a copious amount flow over it and inspected the leaves to see if all the blood was gone, but there were still large amounts of blood deep in the leaves. She sighed, and though 'better safe than sorry', and threw the whole head out and then washed her hands. Little did she know that simple act saved Raven's life and possibly hers. 

The little kitten had snuck into the apartment when Jordan had entered and it sat grooming itself and watching Jordan as she went about cleaning up. Still hungry, it meowed to the agent and Jordan picked up the piece of chicken, which Raven had cut earlier. She stooped down and held it out to the kitten that took it without hesitation and gulped it down. 

Jordan left Raven a note that she was out getting some Chinese carryout in case Raven arrived home before Jordan returned to the apartment. She pulled into a strip mall and ordered the food. Sure enough, Raven had beat her back to the apartment while Jordan was out and was delighted to see that everything had been cleaned up and the chicken was put into the refrigerator. The little kitten bounded out from the bedroom to greet its new mistress. 

"How did you get in here?" Raven demanded. "My girlfriend must have let you in." She smiled at her own words, happy to consider Jordan her girlfriend. She bent down to scratch the kitten behind the ears with her good hand when Jordan entered through the kitchen door. 

"Raven?" She called, "I'm back. I hope you like orange chicken and sweet and sour shrimp. Oh, and I also got some egg rolls and steamed vegetables. How's your hand?" She placed the food on the kitchen table and gently took Raven's hand, but she couldn't see anything with the bandage on.

"It's okay, starting to ache a little." Jordan kissed Raven on the cheek and Raven said, "Thanks for cleaning my apartment for me hon. I guess you met my new buddy?"

"Your welcome and yes, I met your buddy. She is quite demanding. Or, he. Whatever it is. I think it is starving. Where did it come from?"

"I don't know." Raven replied. "It showed up out back. I don't know if it is a boy or girl." Jordan picked the kitten up and turned it over to inspect its belly much to the little animal's dislike. 

It mewed noisily and Jordan announced, "I think it's a girl. At least it doesn't look like it has all the apparatus. What are you going to name it?"

Raven shrugged, "I will think of something. Unless you can come up with a good name." 

"Are you going to keep her?"

"Well, I don't want to send her away on her own. Look how thin she is. She must be abandoned." 

Jordan switched subjects, "Are you hungry? There's plenty of food."

"A little. I feel kind of drained. I guess getting stitches wore me out."

"Bye the way, I had to throw the lettuce out, there was too much blood on it." "Thanks ok, I'll get another tomorrow."

"Then sit down and eat and after dinner, you can take it easy and I'll give you a back massage." Raven's eyes lit up, "Oh, baby, that would be wonderful!" 

They ate the Chinese food and Jordan instructed Raven to go relax on the couch. After tossing a shrimp to the kitten, she put the leftovers away and took out the trash, including the contaminated head of lettuce. She had to smile when she entered the living room a few minute later. Raven was lying on the couch on her stomach with her eyes closed. 

"I hope you're not asleep already." Jordan teased her. 

"Are you kidding?" Raven answered. "And miss the massage? I am ready and waiting." 

Jordan took off the jacket to her pantsuit and tapped Raven's hip, "Slide a little this way, darling." 

Raven shifted on the couch and Jordan straddled her across her waist, kneeling over her. She gently gathered Raven's long hair in her hand and placed it aside. Reaching up, she put her hands on Raven's shoulders and gently squeezed. After a few moments of rubbing Raven's shoulders and neck, she gradually worked her way down to Raven's lower back and hesitated a moment before sliding her hands underneath Raven's shirt bottom. "Is this okay?" She asked softly. 

"I was hoping for this." Raven responded, "Let me take it off." 

Jordan moved to sit over Raven's legs and Raven pushed up. She adjusted her weight on the couch so she could pull her shirt off. Her back was facing Jordan and Jordan reached for her bra strap to unhook the lacy white apparel. She pushed it off Raven's shoulders and the bra was tossed aside.

Raven lay back down and Jordan resumed her position, admiring the smooth, shapely back with the slightly broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. Jordan's hands went to Raven's skin on their own; her touch was light and soothing, her strokes, slow and deliberate. 

"That's nice." Raven murmured and within moments she fell asleep. Jordan carefully climbed off of her and searched a linen closet for a blanket. She covered the topless, sleeping woman and sat in an easy chair to watch the news.

Shortly thereafter, the little kitten made her presence known to Jordan, "What do you want, ya little pest? You can't still be hungry." 

She reached down to pet the kitten's head when it dawned on her, "I'll bet you need to use the facilities. And poor Raven didn't get a chance to fix you something." She watched the kitten for a moment, "You stay here and don't make a mess. I'll be right back." 

Jordan let herself out of the apartment and drove the BMW to Wal-Mart. Searching the aisles, she found the pet supplies and grabbed a bag of kitty litter and a litter box. She was halfway to the cashier when she remembered cat food. Hurrying back to the aisle, she picked up half a dozen cans. 

In just over half and hour, Jordan was back at the apartment. She found the kitten curled up next to Raven with its head nestled on the crook of her neck. 

"What time is it?" she asked Jordan.

"Eight-fifteen. I ran out to get some things for the kitten."

"God, I must be a horrible date. I was going to fix dinner for us and you ended up having to buy it. Then I fall asleep on you in the middle of that wonderful massage. And, now you bought the kitten supplies too." Jordan went over and sat on the couch next to Raven. 

She placed her hand on Raven's thigh, "Baby, do you hear me complaining?"

"No, but I am going to owe you big time." 

Jordan smiled, "That could be interesting. I intend to collect on that." She noticed Raven yawning, "But, you should get to bed now." 

And Raven answered, "Before I do, I want to make an initial payment on what I owe." Without waiting for an answer, she pressed close to the woman beside her and brushed her lips against Jordan's. As the kiss deepened, she took Jordan's face in her hands, her tongue tasting Jordan's lips. 

The kiss ended and Jordan whispered, "I can't wait to collect in full." Raven rose and headed off to her bedroom, first stopping in the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash up. After emerging from the bathroom, Raven waved good night to Jordan who decided then that she didn't want to leave this woman sleeping alone tonight. 

After Raven climbed into bed, Jordan went to her motel room and took off her pantsuit and bra. She slipped on a large, oversize T-shirt for sleeping and a pair of jeans and went back inside Raven's apartment. She quietly removed the jeans and laid them across a chair. She crawled under the covers next to Raven, who was sleeping on her right side, and snuggled behind her. When she draped her arm over Raven's stomach under the bed covers, she felt Raven's bare, warm flesh and realized Raven was wearing nothing but panties. Their smooth naked legs touched and Raven stirred and took Jordan's hand, holding it tightly against her body, "Jordan, I'm glad you're here." They fell soundly asleep.

***

Raven woke first and was startled, but happy to find Jordan asleep next to her. She sat halfway up leaning on her elbows trying to recall the previous night. After having been asleep for so many hours, it took her a moment before she remembered the massage and Jordan sliding into the bed next to her. She turned to Jordan and lightly stroked her cheek with her good hand. Jordan was gently aroused from sleep. 

"Good morning, girlfriend." Raven smiled down at her. 

Jordan took her hand and kissed it, "Good morning to you to, darling. What time is it?"

"Almost seven." 

Jordan sighed, "I guess I better get up. But I'd much rather stay here with you, in bed."

"You can, silly." Raven replied. "It's Sunday." But Jordan arose anyway and stretched, "I'm never off when these cases remain unsolved."

"C'mon Jordan." Raven complained. "I know you don't have to be in the office this early on a Sunday. Besides, you are going to spoil me. I'm going to want you in my bed all the time now."

"Then we'll have to make arrangements for that." Jordan flirted with her. "But I do have to go in darling. I'm sorry. But this case shouldn't be too much longer. She slipped on her jeans and asked, "How does your hand feel?"

"A little sore, but I'll live." Raven also arose from the bed and put her silk robe on." Just as they made their way into the kitchen, Jordan's cell phone rang; she had forgotten that she had left it in Raven's kitchen from the night before.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Jordan, Bill Hagan here. Have you seen this morning's paper yet?" 

"No. Why?"

"Go read it. And make sure you're sitting down when you do. I'm getting ready to head in to the office."

"Then I'll see you later."

Jordan ended the call and asked Raven, "Do you get the Sunday paper?"

"Yes. It should be lying outside the office door." Jordan went to the front office, opened the door and picked up the paper. She brought it to the kitchen and unfolded it and quickly scanned the front page. 

"What is it?" Raven asked while looking over her friend's shoulder. 

"Son of a bitch!" Jordan exclaimed. On the bottom half of the front page of the Sunday edition of the Albuquerque Journal, was the headline:

 Epidemic in Shawnee Team of Doctors Investigate Germ Outbreak Linked to Killings .

"Someone ran their mouth and when I find out who, they're gonna wish they had never met me!" Jordan was angry as she quickly read the article.

"So that's why those doctors are here, isn't it?" Raven asked. "Is it true, Jordan? Is there an epidemic?" 

"No, love. I promise you. You don't have anything to worry about. I'll fill you in on the whole story once the case clears up." She gave Raven a quick hug and kiss, "I gotta go, but I'll call you later."

"Well, how bout breakfast first?" Raven called after her.

"Can't today. But, thank you." Jordan hurried to her room, showered, dressed and headed to the Sheriff's Office. 

There was a frenzy of activity. Jordan never stopped for her messages and the weekend duty deputy at the front desk tried to detain her, "Agent Connor, the phone has been ringing off the hook. Everyone and their brother around here wants to know what's going on and if they are going to get sick. The press had been calling too."

"Well, I guess so." Jordan announced loudly and sarcastically. She strode forcefully into Bill Hagan's office, "Who the hell leaked information?" 

"I don't know, Jordan. But when I find out they are gonna get their ass reamed!"

The sheriff bellowed, "Matthews! Samson! In my office, pronto!"

"We're right here sheriff." Casey announced from behind Jordan. They had lurked outside in the hallway to listen to Jordan's tirade. 

She addressed them, "Have the state troopers at the road blocks detained any more members of the press from entering Shawnee. We have enough of them busy bodies around here as it is."

Gary responded, "We can't detain the press, Jordan. It's the public's right to know."

"Oh, yeah? Watch me!" Jordan fired back. "Tell them to arrest anyone who violates the road block. As for Shawnee, let's schedule a press conference for 1 o'clock today outside in front of the building. We'll have the docs give a general report to calm people down without giving away any details of the case."




Deep in the Night Ch. 08



Just then, the weekend deputy piped up, "What am I supposed to tell all these people who are calling?"

"I'll handle it." Jordan stated. She exited the office and announced loudly to everyone as she walked through the hallway, "Any more leaks to the press and I'm launching an internal investigation!" 

She plopped herself in a chair in the conference room and called out, "Can someone bring me some coffee? Please." Every light on the phone was lit and with a sigh she picked it up and began the monotonous task. For the next several hours, Jordan answered calls non-stop. Most were from mothers and elderly citizens concerned with catching a bug. She reassured all of them that the victim's illnesses were isolated and not contagious. 

Midway through the morning, a bizarre male caller said, "You know, Agent Connor, if you had allowed me to assist you, this never would have happened in the first place."

"Who is this?" Jordan asked. But the man continued, "I only propose to suggest that which is within the realms of possibility."

"Excuse me?"

"Benevolence and weakness are joined at the hip. To obtain strength requires knowledge and deception."

"Explain that to me." Jordan tried to draw out the caller and keep him talking. 

"I am sorry, Agent Connor. I really must go. But, I promise to thank you in my acceptance speech when I am awarded the Nobel Prize." 

The line went dead as the man hung up. Jordan immediately tried to retrieve the number of the last incoming call, but it was too late. She'd check the computer records later. Already additional calls were coming in to the other lines. For several moments, Jordan tuned out the ringing phone to make sense of the strange call. I wonder if that was the killer. Perhaps he is the one attempting to create a new bacterial species and thinks he will be awarded the Nobel Prize. 

She decided to take a break and snuck out the rear of the building. Stretching and rubbing her neck, she dialed Raven's number on her cell phone. After their sweet conversation, she felt much better, particularly since they made arrangements to enjoy dinner together...again. 

***

It seemed that most of the citizens of Shawnee showed up for the press conference along with the a few journalists who were in town. Jordan was pleased with the doctor's statements to the press; they managed to allay people's fears in a professional manner. Eventually, the volume of phone calls shrank and quiet was restored to the sheriff's office by late afternoon. Jordan presumed the whole incident might influence the killer to make a move. He might feel pressured to flee or turn himself in now that his true motivation had been made public. She sensed an imminent change in the case. But for the present moment, it was back to playing the waiting game.

As Jordan arrived at the Shawnee Inn at the end of a very long day, she began to relax and let the stress of the day drain away. But she was left with fatigue. Entering Raven's kitchen door, she fell into the arms of the dark haired woman exclaiming, "God you're a sight for sore eyes." 

Raven held her close, "Did you have a bad day?"

"Not exactly. She just sat and answered about a thousand calls about that newspaper article. Lead a press conference this afternoon. It was sort of draining trying to calm all those people. I guess now it's my turn to be the tired one."

"Then let Raven take care of you baby. I have a tasty, hot meal prepared and I would love to give you a massage tonight, but I can't." She held up her bandaged hand. 

"I promise when I get the bandage off..." Jordan's eyes were closed as she just stood close to Raven, cheek-to-cheek, "That's okay darling. Right now I just want to stand here with you like this, for a while." 

As they stood, the kitten greeted Jordan by rubbing against her legs. Jordan looked down and smiled. The sun was just hitting the horizon and it cast a cozy, orange glow in the warm kitchen through the back door window. Jordan smelled something delicious coming from the stove and she was left with a comforting feeling. 

I feel like I have come home. The second the thought entered her mind, her eyes popped open. She realized with wonder that she must be falling for Raven because she couldn't think of anywhere else in the world she would rather have been at that moment. The thought brought peace and contentment with it.

"Raven..." she started softly.

"Yes, love?" Jordan never finished her statement; her lips began to graze the sensitive skin of Raven's neck and Raven turned to head to put her lips to Jordan's. They kissed longingly and Jordan's lips parted as an invitation for Raven's silken tongue. Raven felt a surge of desire at Jordan's need and she sensuously entered Jordan's mouth to be greeted instantly by the other woman's tongue. She pulled Jordan even closer and moaned at the luxurious kiss. 

Jordan drew back to get a breath and gasped, "I want to make love with you." A thrill descended Raven's spine and now she took a turn exploring Jordan's throat and neck, licking the delicate flesh. Jordan's eyes rolled shut and her head tilted back to give herself over to Raven's smooth lips and wandering tongue. 

In between kisses, Raven sighed, "I've been waiting for this moment Jordan."

"Me too baby." Jordan moaned, "But something occurred to me tonight." 

Raven lifted her lips from Jordan's throat and Jordan lowered her head to look into the dark, hungry eyes. 

Her arms encircled Raven's neck and she took a deep breath before saying, "When I walked in here tonight, I felt...well...I can't explain it, but I feel so comfortable with you, like you understand me and I know that I want to be with you. I think...I mean...I know that I'm falling for you." 

Raven buried her face in Jordan's hair and caressed her back lovingly, replying, "I've wanted you from the first moment I saw you and I can promise you I feel the same way about you." She thought about what she just said and knew it was a sincere statement. Jordan brought her patience and consolation; she felt like she had known Jordan for years. With the confession of their mutual sentiments, they resumed the kiss with a renewed vigor. 

But now it became almost desperate as they both reached a new, exciting level in their relationship and making love was inevitable. Their moans increased as each woman took turns letting their lips and tongues travel over the other's neck, ears and mouth. 

They were caught up in abandoned pleasure and neither of them noticed a smoky aroma that had begun penetrating throughout the apartment until a loud, irritating buzz pierced the quiet evening. 

"What the...?" Raven pulled away and Jordan yelled to her, "The stove!" A pot spewed billows of smoke up from its burning contents and Raven ran to it and grabbed it with her good hand and tossed it into the sink. She turned on the faucet and a great hiss issued forth and clouds of steam rose upward. Opening a narrow utility cabinet between the wall and the refrigerator, Raven pulled out a broom and began knocking the handle against a smoke detector on the ceiling.

"Raven, I don't think you need to hit it!" Jordan yelled above the buzzing. But, she kept it up until she had knocked off the plastic cover, which fell to the floor and broke into several pieces. But, at least the buzzing stopped. 

"I think you killed it." Jordan observed. 

Raven angrily shoved the broom back into the closet and muttered sarcastically, "Well, that's just great!" She saw Jordan now doubled over with laughter and demanded, "What are you laughing at? I ruin dinner two nights and a row and you think it's funny?" 

"You didn't ruin anything." Jordan said between laughs. "It's not your fault. I shouldn't have distracted you." 

Raven turned off the water faucet and looked at the blackened remains of what was once rice pilaf. "I'm sorry Jordan. I just can't seem to pull off a good meal lately." 

Jordan walked up behind Raven and slipped her arms around the front of stomach, leaning in against her back. "It's okay, darling. I wasn't that much hungry. Besides, I had other things on my mind."

"Like what?" Raven asked.

"Like...wondering what you would taste like." 

Jordan's comment renewed Raven's lust and she turned in Jordan's arms, "I am about to let you find out, love." 

Her fingers went to Jordan's blouse and she fumbled trying to unbutton it while trying to kiss Jordan at the same time. After getting one button open, she placed her mouth on the warm flesh that had been just been previously covered by the buttoned blouse. While kissing there, she managed to get the next button open and Jordan's feminine, white bra was exposed. Jordan watched as Raven worked her way down and the blouse was completely unbuttoned hanging loose. 

"Oh, my God." Jordan moaned as Raven's kissed and licked her abdomen, trembling and quivering with anticipation. She grasped Raven's head and pulled her back up till they were face to face. Covering Raven's mouth with her own, she kissed her hard and plunged her tongue into Raven's mouth, thrusting with deep but tender strokes. 

Raven's hands slid around her torso and embraced Jordan closely with her arms underneath the back of the blouse. Their knees became weak as they allowed themselves to be consumed by sexual desire. For they both had been alone for a long time; searching and waiting for that special day when someone would come into their lives and make them complete and satisfied. That day had arrived and the consummation of their affection and love was about to be realized. 

Jordan tingled all over and a wet heat ached between her legs. Her hands involuntarily moved to Raven's bottom grasping each cheek and pulling Raven's hips into her. She broke away from the kiss to get some air; her breathing had become fast and deep. Raven thrust forward against Jordan in a desperate effort to satisfy her own need. Her hands were everywhere on Jordan; she couldn't get enough. 

She leaned her head down and kissed the top of Jordan's breast; the smooth fleshy part not covered by her bra. Her good hand slipped down the front of Jordan's skirt to the top of her panties where she hesitated. 

Not receiving protest from Jordan, her hand slowly slipped inside Jordan's panties, unchartered territory for her, and Jordan pulled ever so slightly away to make room for Raven's warm hand. 

Raven slid past the soft, shaved mound and had just reached the top of Jordan's silky curls between her legs when Jordan's cell phone rang. They separated in surprise and Jordan reached for the phone.

"Hello?" 

Raven sank into a kitchen chair and buried her face into her hands frustrated with the consistent interruptions in their tender moments. 

She looked to the ceiling and complained to no one, "All I want is to enjoy a hot moment with my girlfriend. Is that too much to ask?" 

(To be continued) 



Deep in the Night Ch. 09



 This is one part of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks 

Part 9: The Killer Attacks Jordan

Raven listened intently to the conversation when she heard Jordan exclaim, "WHAT?" A pause ensued, then, "Well how did you find out?" 

Jordan was holding her cell phone with one hand and trying to button up her blouse with the other, she had an intense, serious expression on her face. Raven noticed her trying to button the blouse and got up and walked over to her. She took over the job as best she could with her bandaged hand while Jordan finished the phone conversation. 

Jordan starting to button her blouse was not a good sign; she obviously didn't intend to continue toward their making love. 

Jordan finished the call and announced to Raven, "Bill Hagan found out who the killer is!"

"Who?" Raven inquired.

"Do you know Terrell Grant?"

"I know who he is, a scientist, I think? But, I don't know him." 

"Well, it's him. Hagan's going to his house to arrest him now and picking me up in a few minutes." 

"How did he find out?"

"Apparently, all the news about the illness got him upset and edgy. He beat the crap out of his wife who finally decided she wasn't going to take anymore. She left him and drove to her parent's house in Kansas. She called Hagan from there and asked Hagan to arrest him. She also told him that Grant has some kind of lab in their basement and she has suspected he has been playing around with weird stuff for awhile. He used to work at some kind of genetics lab on the other side of Albuquerque before he was fired nearly two years ago. Her statement will be enough to justify arresting him for suspected first degree murder of the three women in addition to spousal abuse." 

Jordan's eyes were shining with excitement, but it was a different kind of excitement then what was in them a few moments before when she was in Raven's arms. Her adrenalin was flowing and her heart was pounding; this was the climax of an investigation. The thrill of the hunt and capture. Raven saw the enthusiasm glowing in her soon-to-be lover's face and eyes. 

She took Jordan's face in her hands and spoke seriously, but tenderly, "You will be careful and come back to me later."

"Of course, darling. But, after we arrest him, it may be awhile. We'll have to book him and I will have to interrogate him." 

"I don't care how long it takes, you just make sure you get yourself back here. And in one piece." She added. 

Raven gave her a final, sensuous kiss, her lips lingering for a pleasing moment. She softly pressed her tongue to Jordan's lips, letting it sink just inside Jordan's sweet mouth. 

As the kiss ended, Jordan remarked, "You're making it hard for me to leave, doll."

"It's just so you won't forget what will be waiting for you when you're finished tonight!" 

"That's something I can't easily forget Raven." She touched Raven's face and without another word, quickly went out the back door. 

Hurriedly pulling a large kit from the trunk of the BMW, she took it into her motel room. She pulled out her armored vest, stripped off her blouse and rapidly put it on over her bra, then her blouse again. Over her blouse she donned a black nylon double shoulder harness, which held two pistols and pouches for extra ammo. She added a duty belt with flashlight and phone. 

The FBI issued a Smith & Wesson .40 mm cal compact automatic, but Jordan usually liked to keep it for back up, though. Her duty weapon of choice was a S&W .357 magnum snub nose. It was smaller than most revolvers, fit for a woman's hand better, but with its heavier grain rounds, it packed a powerful punch. She referred to it as the "man stopper." 

Checking that each gun was loaded, she put on her black FBI raid jacket and cap. She had just finished when Bill Hagan pulled up to her room with wheels screeching. 

He yelled to her out the car window, "You saddled up, Jordan?"

"Yeah, I'm packin', let's go!" 

A trail of deputies' cars had followed and was waiting for their sheriff to take off. Jordan climbed in the front seat and hooked her seat belt. 

"Kill the lights and siren." She told Hagan. "I don't want him to know we're coming." 

"Right." Hagan stomped on the gas and they took off raising a cloud of dust as the powerful patrol cars roared off into the night.

Raven watched anxiously from the front office window as the patrol cars sped off. She silently hoped and prayed that the arrest went well. She couldn't wait till it was all over. It would signify the end of the investigation and she could at last have Jordan all to herself. 

Bill Hagan gunned the patrol car through the dark streets of Shawnee to the address supplied by Terrell Grant's wife. Within three minutes, they reached the residence and pulled in front of a two story, white, Ranch style house with a porch in the front. The house was dark without its lights on. 

"I hope he hasn't fled. It's been hours since his wife left him." Jordan stated as she exited the cruiser. They didn't see a car in the driveway, but there was a single bay garage sat to the left side of the house. Hagan directed Jimmy and another deputy to go around to the back of the house to look for a rear entrance. Jordan, Hagan, the detectives, and the other deputies quickly, but quietly stole up to the front door. Jordan drew her weapon. 

Hagan made sure everyone was ready, took the bullhorn and stood away from the door, then pressed the button. 

"This is the Sheriff's Office! Open the door! We Have A Warrant For Your Arrest!" 

No response. They waited a moment listening for any sounds coming from inside. Hagan got on his radio and shouted into it, "Jimmy, you hear anything back there?" 

The radio crackled and Jimmy's voice was heard, "Negative. Everything is quiet." Jordan knocked and tried the knob. Naturally, it was locked. 

Jordan shouted, "Terrell Grant! Open the door, or we'll break it down!" 

"Chuck, get the ram out of my trunk!" Hagan directed. The deputy ran down the porch steps to Hagan's car and popped the trunk to pull out a 4 foot steel battering ram. The sheriff got on the radio again, "Jimmy, we're gonna bust the door down. Get ready." 

Jordan and Hagan stepped aside while two of the deputies braced themselves to pummel the door with the ram. They slammed the ram forcefully into the door and wood began to split. On the second strike, the door was ripped from its hinges and crashed inward. A dark silence greeted them while Jordan and Hagan carefully peeked into the house. Jordan reached inside and felt around on the wall for a switch. Finding one, she flipped on the lights and hurried inside, immediately followed by the others, their guns aimed and ready.

The front living room was empty and everyone began dispersing on a hunt throughout the house. Jordan had one purpose in mind, besides catching Grant; she wanted to find the lab. Cautiously entering each room on the first floor, she opened every door she came to, but only encountered closets. The kitchen was the last room she entered at the rear of the house. Someone had already been through and opened the back door for Jimmy and the other deputy. A door was located in the corner of the kitchen and Jordan tried it. It opened into a dark abyss and she couldn't find a light switch to illuminate the basement below.

Jordan pulled a small flashlight from her gun belt and directed its beam down the stairs. It did little to pierce the thick darkness below. She started slowly down the stairs; the gun in her right hand while her right arm was crossed over and resting on her left wrist; her left hand aiming the flashlight. She stopped on the third step and listened for sounds, but the only noise was footsteps of the deputies above her. 

A sense of dread began to settle around Jordan. She though about asking for someone to accompany her, but she thought she was experienced enough to handle this room without backup.

Just then her sixth sense kicked in and she felt the presence of something lurking below. Something...or someone was watching and waiting for her in the darkness. 

An icy fear wrapped its choking fingers around her spine and her hair stood up on the back of her neck. Whatever or whoever was in the basement had the advantage. It knew its surroundings; it was familiar with the basement layout. Jordan was entering unknown territory and her heart was pounding in her chest. Raven's face flashed through her mind and she would have given anything to be back in Raven's arms at that moment and not in her present predicament. 

But, she was an FBI agent and this was a necessary part of her job. Unpleasant as it was, she did not have the option of bailing out. She dared not call the others in case whatever lurked below would hear if it wasn't already alerted to her presence. 

The only direction to move was forward, or in her case, downward. She pushed her right hip against the railing to steady herself and continued carefully, her adrenalin flowing, observant for any sound or movement. The blackness enveloped her. As she progressed downward, the fear grew ever stronger until at last she reached the floor of the basement and every nerve in her body was on heightened alert. 

The black air was heavy and oppressing. Quickly, she turned 360 degrees, aiming the beam of light around her to perform an initial sweep of the basement. 

Surprisingly, nothing appeared threatening. The small, unfinished basement had a laundry area with washer and dryer and a hot water heater. The walls were exposed cinder block with shelving. Jordan relaxed for a second as she ascertained that there was no immediate threat. But, she knew not to let her guard down. 

She gradually became aware of an unusual odor in the basement. Rather than the musky aroma of an underground room, the air seemed to smell like something cooking on a stove. She couldn't quite place the aroma, but it had a smell similar to meat. She also realized a sense of disappointment at not finding a lab. But Grant's wife told the sheriff there was a lab down there? She must have missed something at the initial sweep. 

Jordan aimed the flashlight again and made a slower sweep this time. But again, there was nothing to reveal a lab or an entrance to another room. Frustrated, Jordan took a deep breath and let out a sigh.  What if Grant's wife was wrong? What if we have the wrong man? But why would she mention a lab in the basement? Surely, she had watched the news and was aware that we are looking for someone who owned or had access to a lab?  Jordan's mind was racing away. A woman abused by her husband would have one thing on her mind: escape. She doubted Grant's wife would have told the sheriff there was a lab were it not so. 

It dawned on her that the basement seemed oddly small for the size of the house. Perhaps there was another room, but hidden from view. She hadn't seen any doorways. If there was a lab, there had to be a secret entrance way. So, for the third time, Jordan aimed the flashlight at her surroundings. 

With cinder blocks for the walls lined with the shelves it eliminated the possibility of a doorway. Jordan carefully made her way across the basement floor to the laundry area, shining the beam of light ahead of her. There was a four-foot wide alcove near the washer where the hot water heater sat. Jordan inspected the area and was rewarded with the discovery of a space behind the heater. She found that there was room for her to squeeze past between the wall and the heater and she found herself standing in a 4x4 paneled area. And there, on her right, was a door! 

There was an unlocked padlock hanging in the hasp. Either someone was real careless or someone was inside. Jordan slipped the flashlight back into her belt and waited a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Placing her ear to the door, she listened for sounds on the other side, but heard nothing. She took another deep breath and wiped her left hand on her pants leg. Grasping the door knob, she turned it as slowly and quietly as possible. It opened easily with a gentle click. She flung the door open and pointed the gun inside. A strong odor of the cooking meat assailed her nostrils. Feeling along the wall, she reached a switch and flicked it on. 

Fluorescent lights glared brightly and Jordan found herself inside a completely stocked science lab. A counter top ran the entire perimeter of the rectangular room with cabinets above and below it. Glassware was everywhere in a multitude of sizes and shapes along with strange equipment that was alien to Jordan. There were several appliances, which included a combination refrigerator/freezer. 

Most strange of all was a metal examining table in the center of the room with additional high-powered lamps with moveable arms positioned over the table. Jordan surveyed the lab; she couldn't wait to tell the docs from the Center for Disease Control. Who knows what they would find down here. Hopefully it held the clues to the strange germs that infected the victims. She stepped into the room and closer toward the table to get a better look. 

Suddenly she heard movement! She started to turn then something hit her with a hard, sickening thump on the back of her neck! She collapsed to the floor unconscious.

***

Painfully, Jordan opened her eyes, but could only squint. She was lying on her back and a brilliant, intense light was directed upon her. She tried to raise her head, but dizziness overcame her and she closed her eyes and put her head back down. What happened to me? She wondered. She didn't have to wait long for the answer. 

"Good Evening Agent Connor. I was awaiting your arrival." Jordan tried opening her eyes again. She could barely make out a 40 something year old man in rimless glasses with wispy reddish hair against the glare of the light. He was hovering over her and Jordan realized that she was lying on the examining table. 

She felt the cold of the steel underneath her body and it gave her a chill.

Jordan tried to speak, "W...Whe...?" 

"Did I neglect to introduce myself? How rude of me! I am Terrell Grant. Your arrival has been an unexpected benefit. You have saved me much time and energy that would have otherwise been spent seeking an appropriate subject." 

Grant turned away and Jordan tried to lift her right hand up to her harness. Her movements were slow and clumsy as though she were drugged. Crossing her hand over her chest, she felt for the holster, but there was no holster or harness, or blouse for that matter. She was naked and strapped to the table at her chest, waist, and knees. Grant had his back to Jordan as he stood at a counter top. 

But, he seemed to anticipate Jordan's move. "Don't bother attempting to procure your weapon. I have made every effort to assure you are unarmed. I also took the liberty of making you more comfortable by removing all those cumbersome garments," he said with his back still turned.

She still had her arms free and reached for the waist strap, but he turned then and forcefully strapped down one arm then the other, then put a strap around her head. She had no strength to resist him. 

Jordan attempted to speak again; she couldn't muster the energy to yell for Hagan, "What are...you...doing?" 

"Don't worry yourself with such questions. I didn't know you would be so attractive," Grant told her as he brushed his fingertips across her exposed breasts and down to her belly. 

He suddenly grabbed her between her legs and squeezed her vagina hard, digging his fingernails deep into her female parts.  The pain was intense!  She opened her mouth to scream, but he stuffed a cloth in her open mouth before she could let it out. She screamed into the rag as tears ran down her cheeks and onto the cold steel of the table.

"Now don't move again, you will be under close supervision and discipline by yours truly. This room is secure. After I let you enter my lab, I securely bolted the door and concealed the entrance. Surely you don't think I would let your friends do something that would botch my own research?"

She struggled in her bindings, but she was too weak and sick to accomplish anything. 

"Be still pretty Bitch, or I will get angry.' 

He slapped her with a full arm swing across her face, hard enough to knock her head and the strap sideways into the hard table. Blood ran out of her nose and she blacked out.

She came to hearing some clinking sounds coming from Grant's direction. Perhaps metal or glassware. But her mind was fuzzy and a nasty headache was gradually creeping into the back of her skull. She could hear Grant's voice stronger now and, without opening her eyes, she realized that he was hovering over her. 

"Relax now Agent Connor or should I call you Jordan, now that we are so informal with each other," he smiled as he reached to unzip his trousers. "Your cooperation will be much appreciated." 

Jordan struggled with the gag, opened her mouth, "No..." But, her cry was weak and desperate. 

"Be still! This won't hurt much you if you don't move." Grant growled angrily as he took his erect penis into his hand and lowered the dripping syringe towards her face with the other. She tried to scream again, but darkness crept over her. 

The last thought Jordan had before she slipped into unconsciousness was Raven. With overwhelming despair, she realized that she was never going to see her girlfriend again. 

(To be continued)



Deep in the Night Ch. 10



 This is one part of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks. 

Part 10: Jordan Recovers and The Sheriff Admits Fear

 There were noises around her. More people in the basement? A dull ache pounded in the back of her head. Her mouth was dry. Where was Grant, Oh no... 

"Jordan! Jordan, can you hear me? Open your eyes baby!" Jordan heard the sound of a woman's voice, muffled and distant. 

 I must be dreaming,  she thought; everything was still dark. 

"Jordan. C'mon honey, I know you can do it!" 

The voice sounded like her best friend, Taylor. But that was impossible. 

 How could Taylor be here in Terrell Grant's basement?  

The voice continued in its plea, "Wake up Jordan. Open your eyes!" 

"Taylor?" Jordan mumbled weakly. 

"Yes, baby. It's Taylor. I'm right here." Confused, Jordan fought to shake off the grogginess and opened her eyes. It took a long time for her eyes to adjust to the light. There was whiteness everywhere and a silhouette was on her right side. 

She heard Taylor say, "She's waking up." 

"Where am I?"

"Welcome back honey. You're in the intensive care unit at University Hospital."

"Taylor? How...how did you get here?" Jordan reached up with her right hand. She ached all over, her head felt like a balloon, and her arm was sore from intravenous needles but she felt a warm, comforting hand slip into hers. 

"Your case made national news. When I heard an FBI agent was injured during the arrest attempt, I knew exactly who it was. I flew out here yesterday."

"Yesterday? What day is it?" Jordan asked.

"Well...uh..." Taylor began rather uncertainly, but a nurse interrupted.

"Ms. Connor, you've been in a coma for about 36 hours. You seem to be coming out of it now. I paged the doctor so he can take a look at you." The nurse quietly checked the I.V. and cardiac monitor and took Jordan's blood pressure and pulse. 

"What happened to me?" Jordan asked her.

"The doctor will explain all of that to you." She made a note in Jordan's chart and swiftly left the room. 

"What the hell is going on?" Jordan looked at Taylor. Her eyes could focus now and she detected the concern and worry on her friend's face. 

Taylor put on a forced smile and said, "The important thing is that you're awake now. You just have to concentrate on getting better."

"Better from what? What happened in the basement?" She begged, but before Taylor could answer, Jordan's eyes had focused on something else. 

When Taylor saw that Jordan's eyes were looking past her, she turned to see a striking, attractive woman standing in the doorway of the hospital room. From past phone conversations she had had with Jordan and she knew from Jordan's description that the woman must be Raven. 

Taylor rose from the stool she was sitting on next to the bed and stepped toward the dark haired woman, "Hello. You must be Raven, I'm Taylor." She reached out her hand to Raven, but Raven's hands were full. She carried a bouquet of red roses in one arm and her purse and a stuffed teddy bear in the other. 

"Here, let me help you with that." Taylor offered. She took the flowers from Raven and placed them on a small shelf on the wall across from Jordan's bed. "These are beautiful." 

Raven extended her hand to Taylor, "Nice to meet you. I have heard a lot about you."

"Hmmmmm. I've heard a lot about you too." Taylor answered smiling. 

Raven approached the side of the bed, "Hello darling." She touched Jordan's hand and Taylor watched as she bent over and kissed Jordan's forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better now that you are here." Jordan managed a smile for Raven and Raven squeezed her hand. 

"I brought you something." She handed the teddy bear to Jordan and Jordan took it in her left hand, hugging it to her, "How sweet, thank you Raven. And the roses are beautiful." 

"I miss you, Jordan. Simba misses you too."

"Who's Simba?"

"I decided to name the kitten Simba. You know, after The Lion King." 

Jordan smiled again and Taylor quietly slipped out of the room to allow the two women some privacy. She glanced back into the room from the hallway and for a microsecond, felt a twinge of jealousy;  she didn't smile at me like that. Or tell me that she felt better because I'm here.  But, she quickly dismissed her jealous feelings. Her relationship with Jordan was strong; nothing would come between their friendship. 

 What Jordan and Raven shared was different. Taylor didn't understand it because she wasn't wired that way, but she loved and accepted Jordan for the person that she was and if Raven brought Jordan happiness, then she would be happy for her best friend.  

Taylor knew that Jordan appreciated that she was there; she remembered how just a few moments before, Jordan had reached her hand out to her. No, she certainly had no reason to be jealous. She turned to walk down the hallway to take a break. Picking up a magazine, she pretended to leaf through it, but she was really keeping an eye on room 515 to see when Raven would step out. 

Forty-five minutes later, Raven emerged from Jordan's room. Taylor tossed the magazine back onto the lamp table and headed down the hallway. Reaching the dark haired woman, she asked, "How is she?" 

Raven answered, "Better. She told me to take a break and get something to eat. I don't have much of an appetite though."

"Well, I was going to head down to the cafeteria to get some coffee. Would you like to join me?" She noticed Raven glance back at Jordan's room undecided and pushed further, "C'mon. Jordan's not going anywhere. I think we both need someone to talk to anyway." Raven nodded. They rode the elevator down to the ground floor and found their way to the cafeteria. 

They helped themselves at the coffee machine and found a booth to sit down. Taylor, being the forward woman that she was, took the initiative, "So, you and Jordan have gotten quite close?" 

Raven smiled, "Yes, we have. I care for her very much." 

"Jordan likes you very much too. I haven't heard her so exited over a woman in years. You're the first one since...well, since a long time."

"You mean since Marianne?" Raven asked.

"Yes, do you know about her?" 

"I know who she is...I mean, was. But, I don't know the details of the relationship Jordan had with her. Whatever it was, I know it caused Jordan pain." 

Taylor sighed and nodded in resignation, "Marianne hurt her a lot. She vowed she would never get close to a woman again. I think she actually went through a period where she hated women." Raven's dark eyes narrowed at the thought of another woman hurting Jordan. 

"Taylor...I think I'm in love with her." Raven quietly admitted. "I need to know if Jordan still has feelings for Marianne?" 

Taylor shook her head, "She did for awhile after it was over. And now, knowing Jordan the way I do, I can say she has forgotten that woman. And you have played a huge part in helping her forget." Taylor smiled at Raven. She had a good feeling about the dark haired woman. Raven seemed mature and serious about their relationship. 

"Do you want some more coffee?"

"No, I'm fine. Are you ready to go back up?"

As Raven and Taylor came down the hall, they noticed several men in dark suits leave Jordan's room, obviously FBI agents. They went in.

With her usual assertiveness, Taylor blurted right out, "What were the suits doing here?" Jordan waved her hand in a dismissive gesture, "Just the usual debriefing routine after the case."

"Can't they wait at least till you're out of the hospital?" Taylor grumbled.

"I managed to get rid of them quickly. But I am on leave for a few days. Not the regular departmental leave they make you take after a case is over. That'll come later. Right now, they said I couldn't resume my duties until the doctor clears me. So, why don't you two fill me in on what's being going on in the world the past few days while I have been stuck in this place."

They heard a knock on the door and Sheriff Bill Hagan tentatively stepped into Jordan's room. 

The three women greeted him, "C'mon in Bill. My friends are keeping me company," said Jordan weakly.

"How ya doin' Jordan?" He seemed afraid to come closer then a few feet into the hospital room. 

Jordan shrugged, "I'll be fine once I get out of here." 

"Well, I'm glad to see at least your outta your coma. Now it's just a matter of getting better from the infection." 

"What infection?" Jordan looked at the sheriff with concern. She glanced at Taylor who had an embarrassed look on her face and Raven appeared to be in the dark just as much as Jordan. 

"Uh...you know...the stuff Grant stuck you with?" Hagan offered, the stammered out, "I think I'll let the doctor explain. He'll be here in a minute." He just couldn't tell Jordan the bad news, not now with her friends in the room. 

"Bill, what the hell are you talking about?" Jordan insisted.

"Oops. Did I say something I wasn't supposed to?" He glanced uneasily at Taylor, then Raven and back to Jordan. "I thought maybe the doctor told you Jordan."

"Told me what? I haven't seen the doctor yet." Looking at Taylor, she asked, "Do you know something?" 

Hagan fell into silence with everyone looking at him. 

"Well, at least SOMEBODY tell me what's wrong." Jordan demanded. 

Hagan looked to the floor and sighed, "It's like this Jordan. By the time we found you on that table in Grant's lab, he was standing over you with a needle. I just pulled my gun and shouted at him to get back and just fired at him."  He just couldn't tell the rest of what he saw and thought.  

Hagan took a breath then went on, " Grant's dead now, but we didn't know if he was getting ready to inject you with something or if he had already done it or how may times. The docs didn't find a mark, but there're not sure cause there's Morphine in your system."  He also neglected to say they didn't know if she'd been raped. Hagan was a kind man and wanted to protect Jordan at this bad time. All in due time, he thought. 

His explanation over, there was a moment of quiet before Jordan realized the implication of what the Sheriff just told her. When it dawned on her, she yelled, "Get back Raven! Don't touch me! O my God, do you mean I might have some deadly virus?" 

Taylor stepped forward, "Calm down Jordan. I don't think you're contagious or the nurses wouldn't let us in here." 

"Well I am going to find out." Reaching for the call button, she beeped the nurse's station. A voice piped through on the intercom behind her bed, "Can I help you?" 

"Yes, I need to see the doctor right now." 

The voice came through again, "Is this an emergency?" Jordan spoke up, "NO, But I want to see the doctor, RIGHT NOW." 

The response was, "I'll page him for you." 

Jordan was agitated and complained to her company until the doctor finally came to her room about 20 minutes later. A youngish, Asian man in a white coat appeared and introduced himself. 

"Ms. Connor, I'm Dr. Yan. I'm glad to see you're awake. You've been in a coma for...about a day and a half. I would like to ask you some questions and do a quick examination." 

Looking at Raven and Taylor, he stated, "You will need to leave the room." 

"My friends are staying right here," said Jordan. "You can ask me whatever you want, but first you're going to tell me if I have an infection or not." 

"Very well, Ms. Connor. Speaking truthfully, we don't know if you have an infection. I believe the account was that there was an uncertainty in regard to whether you had been injected with some pathogen. There were several syringes loaded with germs in the room where you were injured. We have been conducting antibody tests, but so far they have been negative. In the meantime as a precaution, we are administering antibiotics intravenously. If it does turn out you have an infection, we are hoping the antibiotics will take care of it. However, I must tell you, you have been symptom free since you've been here, that is a good sign." 

"So...are you saying I probably don't have a virus?" 

"We are not 100% certain, but you've been here almost 36 hours and you're not sick yet." 

"So what is this test you've been doing?"

"We draw your blood to test your body's immune response. If you had been infected, your immune system would have developed antibodies to combat the infection. Your blood is negative for antibodies. In addition, you don't have a fever or other signs of infection. If you were going to get sick, I would have expected it to happen by now, unless the pathogen has a slow incubation period." 

"I see." Jordan commented. "I'm assuming then that I am okay." She looked at Raven hopefully. 

"Yes, but we want to start on the narcotic toxicity tests next. Your attacker used a Morphine derivative to induce unconsciousness by injecting you inside your eye socket, that's why we didn't find the puncture mark right away. That may explain the bruising on your face, but I am inclined to think he struck you too. So, if those tests are ok, and if you continue to improve, then I would say you'll be fine. And there's a few other tests we administered," he said looking a Raven and Taylor. Hagan grimaced.

"What other tests?" asked Jordan suspiciously?

"Your vagina was badly lacerated. So we did a rape test plus tested for STDs and HIV," He blurted out reluctantly.

"Oh, my God! Was that necessary?" Raven asked before Jordan could. 

The doctor began a halting stumbling explanation, "The assailant was dead, but when they found him his penis was exposed and he was still in a state of partial erection... and you were totally unclothed according to the Sheriff, so we had to assume... we had to know ... if he achieved penetration and if ejaculation occurred ... and when I examined you I found that it did not... plus we checked the other things to be sure." 

"You mean to tell me I was naked on a table with a dead man beside me with an erection?" said Jordan in disbelief.

"Regrettably, Yes." Dr. Yan said with a remorseful expression on his face. 

Jordan looked at Hagan, "Bill, why didn't you tell me?"

"Well ... I thought at this point with everyone around it wouldn't do you any good to know, besides you are OK now," said Hagan in an apologetic voice. He looked down at his boots.  He would never tell her what was going through his mind when he found her naked on that table with blood running down her legs. Jimmy was there too, but he had sworn him to absolute silence on the subject. He only told the doctor.  

"I had you out of there before the deputies arrived," he said innocently as if that would make her feel better. "I carried you myself... in a sheet," he added. Taylor rolled her eyes and looked at the ceiling. Raven just stared at him.

"Thank God for that! Great!" Jordan then laughed with relief, and asked, "So, when do I get out of here?" 

"Let's see," said the Doctor, "I'd like to check your level of consciousness. If everything checks out okay and you can demonstrate to me that you are alert and oriented, then I would say the day after tomorrow. We'd like to keep you here at least another day to monitor you." 

"What about the coma?" Taylor asked the doctor. 

"The coma was the result of the head injury." Looking at Jordan, he continued, "You were struck on the back of the head with a blunt object and received a moderate concussion, plus you were struck fairly hard in the face, and that injection didn't help. Head injuries are difficult to deal with sometimes; you never know how severe the damage can be. But again, as long as you continue to improve..." The doctor then asked Jordan a series of questions and conducted some simple neurological tests. He was pleased with the results and spent several moments writing in her charts. 

"Very good Ms. Connor. I'll be in to check on you tomorrow. If you should start feeling worse or develop flu like symptoms, please tell a nurse right away. Have a good night." Dr. Yan waved goodbye and left the room. 

Raven smiled at Jordan as Taylor observed, "Good news, huh, except for that other stuff? Things sound reassuring. 

Jordan looked at Hagan, "What did the docs say about Grant's lab?" 

"They got the place quarantined while their inspecting everything in it and we're not allowed near it. At least we don't have to collect evidence to build a trial case against the bastard. Oops, excuse my language ladies, but I am not sorry he's dead."  

Jordan squeezed Raven's hand and said, "Of course, I can't wait to hear about their findings. It should be interesting. What about that strange odor of meat in the basement?" 

Hagan explained, "The docs said Grant used beef broth as a medium to grow the bacteria. I guess they like to eat that stuff." Jordan started feeling tired and her eyes began to drift shut. Hagan said his good bye.

Taylor moved to Jordan's side, "I'll be back in the morning to see you. Then I gotta catch a flight back east tomorrow. Ben can't be without me too long." She giggled and patted Jordan's hand, "Sleep well, honey. It was nice to meet you Raven. Be sure and take care of my girl." She and Hagan left.

"Alone at last." Jordan tried to flirt with Raven and Raven answered her, 

"Yes, but I wish we were somewhere else instead of the hospital."

"I know darling. I can't wait till I'm outta here. I want to spend some quality time with you." 

Raven was pleased to hear those words, especially since she didn't think Jordan would be staying in Shawnee for long after the case was over. "How long are you going to be on sick leave?"

"If I have anything to say about it, it'll be short as possible." But for Raven's sake, she added, "Either way, I want to be with you. I'll have some time off so I won't have any cases to concentrate on and we can have some fun together."

"I would like that Jordan...very much."

Raven told Jordan matter of factly that she was staying overnight with her in the hospital. Jordan insisted that she go home where it would be more comfortable, but Raven was firm, "I'm staying here baby. I would rather be here in the hospital with you than home in my own bed by myself." She sat with Jordan until Jordan fell asleep and then tried to get comfortable in the reclining chair that was in the room. The night nurse brought an extra pillow and blanket for her to use.

***

Two days later, as the doctor expected, Jordan was discharged. Additional blood tests over that time period had continued to turn out negative for antibodies, but she did have residual amounts of Morphine. No telling what he would have dosed her with next and it wouldn't have been good. 

"It'll be great just to get some normal food." Jordan announced. "I must have lost ten pounds." They didn't have much to pack, her clothes had been cut to ribbons back in that Lab so Raven let her borrow some of her things for the drive back.

By the time they reached Raven's apartment, around 2 p.m., Jordan was already tired.

"Lying around in a hospital bed for nearly a week doesn't do much for your energy level." She complained getting out of the jeep. "I think I'll go collapse on my motel bed."

"You should stay with me." Raven said.

"Well...I would like to, but I don't want to impose on you." 

"You're not imposing Jordan. I 'want' you to stay with me and get well." She added laughing, "Besides, if you give me a hard time, I'll kick your ass out!" Jordan plopped on the couch in Raven's small living room. 

Raven sat beside her, "I was just kidding you know...about kicking your ass out." She pushed some loose strands of hair off of Jordan's face, "I like having you here with me sweetie. If you're tired, why don't you go take a nap?" 




Deep in the Night Ch. 10



"I think I'll just sit here awhile and take it easy. Maybe there's something interesting on TV." She picked up the remote and felt something soft brush against her leg. "Simba! Hi kitty. Are you glad to see me?" She reached down and picked the kitten up. It settled on her lap and began purring. "I think he remembers me."

"Of course 'she' does. She missed you." Raven commented. She got up from the couch, "If you don't mind, I think I'll go to the grocery store, my refrigerator is bare. Do you need anything?" 

"No, I'm fine dear."

"Okay...I won't be too long. Bye baby." She kissed Jordan's cheek, collected her purse and keys and left the small apartment. 

As Raven drove to the supermarket, she recalled Jordan's discharge orders at the hospital. They had also told her not to let Jordan sleep to long. The combination of drug overdose and a concussion could be serious. But how long was too long? She began fretting over all the unresolved issues with her and Jordan.

The case was finally over and she wanted to enjoy as much time as she could with Jordan while the agent was still in town. She had no idea how deep Jordan's feelings for her were, but she knew the other woman felt something; she sensed it when Jordan kissed her. 

And what of their future together? Was their time they had spent with each other just a fling? As far as Raven was concerned, she had found was she was looking for in a woman. Sooner or later they would have to have a serious discussion about their future plans. But Raven dreaded to bring it up. 

What if Jordan told her that she wanted to return to Washington and continue with her life? Raven knew she could never move to D.C. to be with her girlfriend, but she didn't want to think about what her life would be without Jordan. It would mean a return to being alone. When would the woman of her dreams come along again? Certainly it would never happen living in Shawnee.

And if they did start a life together somewhere, it would mean that Raven would have to tell Jordan about her past. 

At any rate, she trusted Jordan and wanted to share herself with the other woman. If living with Jordan demanded a confession of her secrets, than that is something she was going to do. 

And finally she just hoped Jordan would be okay. 

* **

Jordan was getting stronger each day. On a quiet Saturday Raven returned home with her groceries to find Jordan asleep on the couch with the TV on and the kitten curled next to her. She was torn between letting Jordan sleep and waking her up to prevent her from sleeping too much. She decided on the latter and gently shook the sleeping woman. Jordan woke up groggily and slowly. "Honey, you okay?" Raven asked.

"Yeah....I fell asleep." 

"I'm going to fix dinner. Are you hungry?" 

"Sure. I'm ready for anything." Raven set about fixing dinner. 

She heard Jordan complain from the living room, "There's nothing on, except bad talk shows. Maybe Oprah has something better." 

There was a knock at the back kitchen door and Raven opened it to find Bill Hagan outside. "Hi, Raven. I thought Jordan was feeling like company today, but she's not in her motel room."

"C'mon in sheriff. She's here." Raven noticed he carried something flat covered in tin foil. "You can go right in; she's in the living room." 

Hagan found his way through the apartment and greeted Jordan, "Glad to see you're feeling better. Evelyn made something for you and wanted me to bring it over." He handed her the dish and Jordan uncovered the foil to find a pumpkin pie. 

"How nice! Please tell Evelyn thank you, Bill."

"Yeah, it's homemade. She uses pumpkins from our patch." Raven had followed Hagan into the living room. 

Seeing the pie, she noted, "I'll take that into the kitchen." 

"Uh, make sure you don't eat it all before I get a piece Raven." Jordan called after her teasingly. 

"So are you staying with Raven awhile?" Hagan asked. 

"Yes, she is a good friend to take care of me." 

Hagan nodded in agreement. Actually, in the past few weeks, during the case, he had probably talked to Raven more so than the whole time she had been in Shawnee. She wasn't so much a mystery woman as everyone in Shawnee made her out to be. So what if she had some demons in her closet or that she probably had a thing for Jordan. Everyone has their secrets. Raven was a down to earth, smart woman as Hagan found out and very attractive besides. 

"That is nice of you to help Jordan," Hagan yelled to her in the kitchen.

"Helping Jordan has its perks." Raven announced playfully. She peeked into the living room to give Jordan a wink. Her comment was lost on Hagan who didn't notice her smiling and blowing kisses to Jordan. "Uh...Jordan, I was wondering something."

"What is it Bill?" Hagan tried to find the right words to express himself; he seemed uncomfortable. "It's about the case." He lowered his voice. "I wanted to ask you...uh...have you ever shot someone?" 

"Yes...I have."

"I guess what I meant to say Jordan, was, have you ever...killed someone?" 

At those words, a memory came to Jordan.  It was in Montana, deep in a forest. Flashes of dismembered bodies scattered along the forest floor. A search team fanning out searching for bones and body parts. Jordan had heard a sound like a large animal running through the woods. Perhaps it was an elk or moose crashing through the leaves and fallen branches. She whirled to see a huge man coming toward her. It was the killer. At 6'8", 330 pounds, he was a giant to Jordan. 

She pulled her 9 mm and fired a round into his chest, but it had no affect on him. She fired off another round and when she saw it was useless, she dropped the 9 mm and grabbed her .357 Magnum snub. One round from that gun stopped him and none too soon. He fell only 7 feet away from where Jordan stood. Hence, that is when she started to use the powerful snub nose as her primary weapon.  

Jordan's thoughts returned to the present, "Yes, unfortunately, I have had to kill someone." She noticed the sheriff seemed to be preoccupied with something. "Something bothering you Bill?"

"It's just...well...it's the first time I have ever had to use my gun. So, it's the first time, I ever...killed someone. I was afraid. I never needed to pull my weapon before in Shawnee."

"Fortunately, we only have to draw our weapon rarely." Jordan told him; she had an idea why Bill was talking to her about this. "You're feeling some guilt?" 

Hagan sighed, "Yeah. I know he was an evil man, but I can't help feeling like I did something wrong. I don't know...maybe if I had given him a warning first he would have surrendered." The horror of the lab in the basement came back to him.  He came through the door with Jimmy behind him and it took only a second for Hagan to analyze the horror scene he encountered. Jordan was on the table and Grant was leering over her with a huge needle in his hand.  

He recalled the final moments:  "GET BACK!" Hagan yelled. Without hesitation he fired his .44 Magnum several times and the big bullets plowed into Grant. The killer slumped to the floor with blood spurting from his wounds and leaking from his mouth and nose. Hagan crept toward him, still aiming his weapon. At the same moment that Grant had drawn a last, gasping breath, Hagan had bent over to feel the pulse in Grant's neck, but it was absent. He recalled the disgusting sight of the man still holding his penis. He was unable to waken Jordan and barely had time to grab a sheet to cover her abused body before the deputies came rushing in. To hell with evidence, no one was going to see her like that.  

"Listen," Jordan began, "If you hadn't found that hidden door and come to the lab when you did, surely Grant would have injected me with something more lethal than Morphine. You may have killed Grant, but you saved my life in turn. The FBI will award you for saving one of its own." 

Hagan shook his head, "That's not the reason. I don't want a reward; I was just doing my job. I'm glad that you weren't hurt more severely...or sickened."  He wanted to tell her he felt protective of her and would never let anyone harm her, but his masculine attitude wouldn't let him do that. 

Jordan started again, "Bill, it is only natural you feel bad about killing Grant. Even though he was a criminal and got some kind of satisfaction from hurting other people. But, we are not like that...we're the good guys. It is unnatural for us to want to hurt or kill someone. So even when we have to do it, it's gonna feel bad. What you're feeling...believe me; we all go through it when we have to kill someone in the line of duty. Let me tell you again, I'm just grateful you arrived when you did." 

Hagan let out a sigh of relief, "Thanks for listening Jordan. I can't talk to my deputies about this. I don't want them to think...well...you know...and I surely can't tell Evelyn. I don't want to frighten her with that stuff." 

Jordan nodded; she understood and had seen it many times in her male colleagues. Machismo was rearing its masculine head again. What couldn't be said in front of the guys was somehow easier to reveal to a woman who experienced the same things and understood what he was feeling. 

The mood shifted on his face, and he changed the subject. "Jimmy and the rest of the boys have started searching Grant's house. The docs finally ended the quarantine. They took a bunch of stuff back with them to Atlanta for more intensive testing. Would you like to help out with the search?" 

Jordan would have loved to, but she was exhausted from the hospital stay and more importantly, she wanted to devote time to Raven. The case was over and her role as profiler was over too. "Sorry Bill, I'm taking some R & R."

"No problem, I understand Jordan. Take care of yourself and I'll fill you in if we find anything interesting. But, I guess you'll be leaving Shawnee soon?"

"Yes, very soon."

(To be Continued)



Deep in the Night Ch. 11



 This is one part of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks 

Part 11: Raven Reveals Her Secret Past

Jordan awoke and stretched luxuriously. Her eyes were still closed, but she had a smile on her face. Rolling over, she reached for Raven's warm body, but felt only an empty space. Disappointed, she opened her eyes.

"Raven?" 

The blankets were thrown back; Raven wasn't in bed beside her. She called louder, "Raven!" Getting no response, Jordan rose from bed. Maybe Raven was taking a shower and didn't hear her, but the water isn't running. Slipping on her bath robe, Jordan went out to the kitchen and found a note on the table in Raven's handwriting: 

 Dearest Jordan,  I had an appointment this morning,  but should be back before lunch. I hope you had a good night and are ready for your surprise tomorrow! See you  then darling. Raven 

Looking down at Simba, Jordan said, "Looks like it's just you and me this morning. What should we eat for breakfast?" Puttering around the kitchen, she turned on the small radio sitting on the countertop; an Eagles song was playing. Jordan listened to the lyrics:

"I like the way your sparkling earrings lay, 

Against your skin so brown.

And I want to sleep with you in the desert tonight.

With a million stars all around..."

...and thought of Raven. Now that her strength was back, her thoughts returned to her desirous feelings for her girlfriend. She peeked out the curtain through the kitchen window; the sun was shining and the weatherman on the radio was predicting above average temperature. It only added to Jordan's good mood. 

Jordan began to feel a bit naughty and wondered if she should put on some sexy lingerie and perfume and await Raven's return. 

As she was thinking about what to wear the phone rang.

"Hagan here, sorry to bother you, but some things have come in over the wire I think you should see. "

Jordan arrived at the sheriff's office a few minutes later, "What have you found out Bill?" 

Hagan looked at her. She didn't look like the same woman who arrived in town only a few short weeks ago. Missing were the tailored pantsuits, the perfectly coiffed hair, and the makeup. She had on jeans and a simple knit top, her hair was longer and combed away from her tanned face. She had no makeup and a little purple smudge under one eye remained as a reminder of her ordeal. She was still the prettiest woman he had ever seen. 

She was starting to notice him staring at her, so he went on, "The Kansas State Police have informed me there is no George or Meryl Anderson in Kansas. That means Lindsay Grant could be anywhere. I requested our records from the phone company to see what number she was calling from the night we raided Grant's house and right now Jimmy is back over there looking for anything else he can find."

"Good." 

"Also the doctors are going to fax us what they have later today." He looked at Jordan, "I guess this means you'll be heading back to Washington and leading the case from there?"

"Actually, no Bill. My expertise is not needed now. My primary task is profiling criminals to assist law enforcement agencies in apprehending them. However, if this Lindsay Grant is an accomplice in this case, the FBI will take over since she jumped state lines. Then it's a matter of finding her." 

She paused, then went on, "I'm sure you will keep a finger in it. I would love to be working on this, but FBI Regional Headquarters called and confirmed I'm on leave." 

Hagan looked happy and sad at the same time. We couldn't quite let go of Jordan and longed to work with her more on the case, but yet, at the same, time he was glad he was out of it or soon would be. He had been working out of his league all through the case and he was lucky no more deaths had occurred.

He controlled his emotions and said, "Well Jordan it's been a pleasure working with you. I don't suppose I'll see you much if at all." 

" I am glad I've had the chance to get to know you too Bill, and as for not seeing me much, I wouldn't be so sure about that."

He guessed what she meant, but didn't say anything.

They shook hands and he impulsively hugged her. She wasn't bothered by this at all and hugged him back.

"Say goodbye to the deputies for me and to the detectives too.

"I will." 

Jordan drove off in her well known BMW and headed back to the motel, thoughts of danger, Hagan, Taylor, and most importantly Raven in her head.

***

An aroma of Jasmine filled the air from scented candles. Raven was in the kitchen dressed in her silk robe fixing lunch when Jordan came in. She walked over to Raven and wrapped her arms around her neck. 

"I saw your note. I have a surprise for too Raven, the FBI Regional Office called and said they are transferring the case to the Fugitive Division. I won't have to be on the hunt for bio-killers any longer."

"Oh, that's wonderful, or should I ask if you are disappointed?"

"No, I'm not disappointed. I need some rest without people sticking needles in me and you are the perfect person to do it with." She smiled her broadest grin.

"Come here." Without waiting for a response, she began kissing Jordan full on the mouth in a very sensuous manner. There was no mistaking the intention of the kiss and Jordan stood close to Raven relishing the sensations she was feeling. 

When the kiss was over, Jordan smiled lovingly at her girlfriend and pointed to the candles, "What's all this?"

"All what?" Raven asked with a false innocence. 

"The candles, your perfume and you looking incredibly sexy?" 

"Oh, do you think so?" Raven struck a pose and flashed her eyes flirtatiously at Jordan. "All this is for us...tonight." 

Jordan had to admit she felt a lot of relief at being off the case. She wanted to take her mind off everything, except Raven, of course. She turned to Raven and said, "Who wants to wait for tonight?" She led Raven into the bedroom.

Raven sat on the bed, waiting in suspense for what Jordan was going to do. Jordan wasted no time. She stood in front of her and removed her shoes and pants and reached under her cotton top to unhook her bra. Maneuvering it off from under her top, she tossed it aside and walked over to where Raven was sitting and knelt in front of her. Jordan's ample breasts swung slightly back and fourth as she moved and her nipples were fully erect. Raven though they were the most beautiful breasts she had ever seen.

Jordan placed her hands on Raven's knees and gently pushed her legs apart and moved in closer so that she was kneeling in between Raven's open legs. She wrapped her arms around Raven's torso and hugged her, resting her head against Raven's tight abdomen. Raven put her arms around Jordan's neck and bent her head down to kiss the top of Jordan's head. 

Before she realized what was happening, Jordan had untied the belt to Raven's robe. It fell open exposing her nude body underneath. Jordan parted the robe further with her hands, caressing along Raven's trim belly and chest before wrapping her arms around her again...this time under the robe. 

She began kissing Raven's stomach. Every third kiss was followed by an erotic swipe of her tongue along Raven's silken skin. 

"Jordan...what are you doing? I thought you were not well enough?"

Jordan didn't answer her, but continued exploring Raven's lower torso with her mouth and tongue. She kissed Raven's navel as Raven emitted a soft moan. She realized that Jordan's kisses were traveling lower and lower and the delicious awareness of Jordan's touch and the anticipation of what was coming quickly made her aroused. 

A warm wetness erupted from her womanhood and her head tilted back as her hands sought out Jordan's thick chestnut brown hair. To her delight, Jordan began kissing her fleshy down covered mound and the inside of her thighs. Raven spread her legs wider in an invitation, her actions letting Jordan know that she was entirely welcome. 

In the next instant, Raven's clit was sucked into Jordan's mouth. No matter that Jordan may not have had the strength to engage in intimacy, Raven was powerless to put a halt to their activity. She fell back on the bed with her legs still dangling over the end. As the tongue made luscious strokes against her growing bulb, she was aware of Jordan's fingers tracing along her inner lips. "Yessss..." she moaned softly and Jordan knew from her plea and the level of her wetness that Raven was ready. She gently positioned her finger at Raven's entrance and slowly penetrated her. She slid in deeper and deeper until her finger was completely inserted inside her girlfriend. Caressing Raven's tight, hot walls, she felt for the one spot that would give Raven the ultimate pleasure. All the while she continued suckling Raven's clit. 

With both of her most sensitive areas being stimulated, it wouldn't take long for Raven to come, or Jordan hoped she would. She liked to take her time with her lovers with lots of foreplay, but tonight she was hungry. 

Raven's whole body began rhythmic gyrations undulating on the bed. They got stronger and stronger and her hips bore down hard against Jordan's hand. Jordan's attention to her womanhood was overpowering and her whole vagina began quivering.

"Jordan! I'm going to come!" Jordan increased the speed and intensity of her strokes until Raven thrashed up and down. 

"Jordannnnnnnnnnn!!" She yelled. 

Jordan held on slipping her free hand under Raven's bottom for support and she put her thumb on the opening of her small brown button. Together, they rode the roller coaster of Raven's orgasm until weakened, Raven fell limp onto the double bed. Jordan's finger slid out of her and she finished with a soft kiss on Raven's full, sensitive clit.

Exhausted they lay sprawled on the bed sweating and satisfied.

Jordan could feel the slow, deep breaths of her already sleeping girlfriend. Jordan covered them both up. Raven's methodical breathing and her warm body lulled Jordan to sleep as well. All thoughts of lunch obviously forgotten. They slept for hours. 

***

A phone was ringing and Jordan heard it from a distance. Startled out of her sleep, Jordan reached for a phone on the nightstand next to Raven's bed.

"Hello," She answered, still groggy. 

"Raven Summers?" the male voice on the other end of the line asked. 

"Hold on." Jordan told him. She moved the phone away from her mouth and yelled, "Raven, phone!" 

Glancing at the digital clock, she saw it was almost 4:30. Damn, why did I sleep that long? And, where is Raven? She yelled again, "RAVEN! Telephone!" Still no Raven. 

"Can I take a message?" Jordan asked the man on the phone.

"Sure, this is Pete from Hotel Supply, Inc. I wanted to let her know there's a back order on the linens for order number..."

"Wait! Let me get a pen and paper." Jordan told him. She opened the drawer to Raven's nightstand to look for something to write with. She leafed through the contents, which included some magazines and notepad (which Jordan pulled out).  Now I just need a pen.  

She lifted the magazines and to Jordan's astonishment, she found a Walther 9mm semi automatic pistol!

She pulled the deadly weapon out and looked at it as though it were a rare find.  What is Raven doing with this in her drawer. Shawnee wasn't that dangerous now that Grant was dead?  

She was so amazed at finding the gun that she nearly forgot the man on the phone. Quickly locating a pen, she jotted down the man's name and number. 

After hanging up, she replaced the gun and got out of bed. Raven wasn't in the apartment, but as her customary practice, she had left a note for Jordan informing her that she had stepped out to pick up some things.

And when she got a chance, Jordan was determined to learn something else too. She wanted to know why the woman she loved kept such a powerful weapon in her nightstand. 

Later that day Raven unlocked the front door of her motel apartment after a boring morning working on the Motel's books. Jordan was napping on the couch and sat up when Raven came in. She was still half asleep and groggy. Jordan was not fully recovered from her ordeal of being hit, drugged, and molested by Terrell Grant and still needed lots of rest. Raven smiled at Jordan with her hair mussed and no makeup. 

"Are you hungry darling?"

"Uh...yeah. I guess I am." Jordan answered. "What time is it?" 

Raven turned to look at the little digital/alarm clock on the small nightstand beside her bed. "It's noon."

"Noon? I haven't slept that late since my college days!" Jordan exclaimed. 

"Me neither. But so what? I would be happy to spend the rest of my life like this in bed with you."

"We'd never get anything done," Jordan answered her laughing. 

"Yes we would. I would hire maids and servants and they would do all the work for us and we would stay in bed all the time. Naked under the satin sheets."

"Treat yourself to world class luxury at the Shawnee Inn compliments of your owner and manager Raven Summers." Jordan delivered a sales pitch for the motel. 

"You got that right." Raven stated. She freed herself from Jordan's embrace and began tickling her partner on the tummy. 

Jordan shrieked, "Don't! Please stop!!" Between gales of laughter, she tried to escape Raven's attack. 

Raven turned serious and looking down at Jordan, she said to her, "Jordan, I love you. I want to spend a lot more time with you. Can we do that, please?"

"I certainly want to sweetheart and I love you too." 

Raven was hoping Jordan would say something about what her future long term plans were, but she didn't. 

Raven smiled sweetly at Jordan and moved her body closer to Jordan's. Tentatively, her lips touched Jordan's and she delivered a slow, gentle kiss. Jordan returned the kiss and pulled Raven to her. Raven eased herself on top of Jordan, their lips never breaking contact. 

As they began to make out, it was as though their bodies were touching for the first time. They were rediscovering each other again and Raven was determined to spend many sensual moments engaging in foreplay to pay her back for the night before. 

Jordan laid back and allowed Raven to kiss her all over. She expressed her pleasure with soft sighs and moans. Raven's lips moved from Jordan's mouth to her cheek, where she tenderly kissed the old bruise and then worked her way down, tasting all of Jordan. Her tongue quickly brought Jordan to a full state of arousal. She avoided the marks left by that bastard's fingernails.

But, she took her time, teasing and tantalizing Jordan, bringing her to near ecstasy and backing off to allow Jordan to cool down a bit. It went on and on until Jordan, her body hot and wet, could stand no more and begged Raven to give her the release she so badly needed. Raven lifted her to the summit and rode with her to heights that Jordan had never experienced before, not with any other woman.

They were lying awake in each other's arms in the afterglow when Jordan said, "Raven?"

"Yes, dear."

"There's something I've wanted to ask you." Raven shifted in the bed so she could look Jordan in the face. 

Jordan started slowly, "The time we have spent together has been wonderful; the best time I've ever had in my life. I feel like I'm closer to you than I've been to anyone else. And after last night we're back together and still love each other. The thing is I'd like to be with you all the time Raven, but you know I have to go back to Washington." 

Raven's pulse quickened. She had a feeling this time Jordan was going to talk about their future together. She wanted very much to live with Jordan, but there was one problem. If Jordan was going to ask her to come to Washington, but that was not possible. She was quiet, waiting with baited breath for Jordan to continue. 

"I know you have your motel here Raven and that's a huge responsibility to run it, but I want us to be together and...if there's anyway you can work it out...well...I would love for you to come to Washington with me and...live with me." 

Raven was elated that Jordan wanted her, but at the same time a sinking feeling hit her chest since she knew she could never reside at Jordan's home. She hugged Jordan tightly, but didn't say anything. Throughout their entire relationship, it seemed fate always worked against them. 

"You're awfully quiet sweetheart. What are you thinking?" Jordan asked her. 

Raven looked at her lover before speaking, "I've been hoping you would ask me that Jordan and I'd love to live with you. I would go anywhere to be with you. But, there's a problem. I can't move to Washington." 

Jordan thought about her comments a moment. She knew of several reasons Jordan couldn't move, but replied this way, "Yeah, I know. Washington is damp and cold in the winter, and humid in the summer and lots of crime and traffic and..." 

Raven put her finger on Jordan's lips and cut her off. Shaking her head, she said, "No, no honey...it's not that. It's..." She trailed off and turned her face away so she didn't have to look at Jordan. "It's just that I can't be in Washington."

"I don't understand Raven. What's the reason you can't be in Washington?" 

Raven sighed, "Look Jordan, I have a past and I think you know that since you probably had me checked, but you don't know it all. I'm not supposed to tell anyone about it. But, I suppose I can tell you. I'm telling you because I love you and would love to live with you...and....I trust you." 

Raven went on, "It's only fair that I share this with you Jordan if there's any possibility that we are going to live together. You have the right to know with who it is you're getting involved. But please understand, you can't whisper a word of this to anyone." 

Jordan brow creased in a serious expression, but she was quiet and waited for Raven's story, including she hoped, the reason for the pistol in her nightstand and her stint as an actress. Raven stacked the pillows against the headboard of the bed and got into a comfortable position before she began her tale. 

Jordan lay on her side watching Raven and propped her head up on her arm as Raven started.

"The thing is...I'm not who you think I am Jordan. My name is not Raven Summers...it's...Lily Thomason." 

Jordan's eyes grew wide at the news, "Lily is your name? Wait a minute...that man at the restaurant...remember...on our first date? He called you Lily. Did you know him?" Jordan asked her incredulously. 

Raven replied, "No...that is...I don't know him. I guess he remembered me from...my past job though. You see, I used to be a federal agent too." Now Jordan's eyes grew even bigger and her mouth fell open. She was full of curiosity and questions, but she let Raven continue. 

"I'm originally from Arizona. My father is American and my mother is a full blooded Apache. We moved around a lot." Jordan remembered when she had looked up Raven's birth certificate and other vital information on the database and it had revealed her birthplace as South Dakota. 

Raven went on, "I had an brother Adam who was nine years older than me. I loved him to death and he looked out for me. He didn't mind that I followed him everywhere and wanted to hang with his friends. As Adam got older he got into drugs. Not a user...but a seller. He would bring money home and it helped a lot." 

She went on, "The drugs ended up taking his life when he was only 22. He got killed in a drive by shooting. The case was never solved, but I know it was a rival drug gang eliminating the competition. It nearly killed my mother. And I had lost my idol. I vowed I would avenge his death." 

Jordan nodded as she listened with concern and compassion for her girlfriend. She patiently waited for Raven to continue.




Deep in the Night Ch. 11



"I decided when I grew up that I was going to do whatever I could to put an end to the drug wars. But after high school I tried all sorts of jobs and with only a high school education I was qualified to flip burgers or clerk in a store to make a living. Plus I was getting hit on all the time because of my looks. That's when I moved to L.A. and figured I could make money with those looks, so I auditioned to do pornographic movies. They call it the Adult Entertainment industry, but it's just making smut. I hated it but the money was good. That's how I came to be on that Adult cable channel. I suppose anyone with a satellite in Shawnee that night saw me too. No wonder I'm a mystery woman." 

"You looked pretty good to me," Jordan smiled.

"A year into that job I got a call from a friend and learned the DEA was looking for informants. I still knew all my brother's doper friends and their suppliers. I figured it would be easy with my background to get in with them and get my revenge. The DEA took me on and I pretended to work for the high-up sellers as a runner while I was actually snitching on them. 

For the first two years I was put at various towns, and then I went back home to Arizona. I spent my days getting myself trusted by the gangs supplying Phoenix and informing on them at night. Then one day I came across an article that was strangely familiar to me. It was about a drug bust on a ship in the port of Los Angeles. Drugs were frozen then shipped in ice. The dogs can't detect the aroma because the cold temperatures prevent aromatic molecules from escaping into the air. My Phoenix gang was the doing the same thing, wrapping cocaine in foil and freezing it in a block of ice. 

Jordan listened spellbound. 

"So, I started my own investigation. It occupied most of my days off and took many hours on the internet and the library researching articles. But it paid off. I came across other busts that were similar in size. I collected records, wiretaps of the gang, photographs, everything I could find. 

To sum it all up, I believe I uncovered a huge cartel operation. My research took me all the way to Washington, Jordan. Turns out that a Congressman, Senator Harvell, of Wisconsin is involved. Do you know of him?" 

"Isn't he the chair of the Commerce Committee?" 

Raven nodded her head in affirmation, "A powerful committee and a very influential man. I had proof know he was getting a share on those drug profits. The thing is I couldn't prove it and I don't believe anyone ever will. He makes sure he covers his tracks and the paperwork will never lead back to him. As for the bills he sponsors favoring loose security, he can just say they are circumstantial evidence."

"What did your Captain say?"

"That's when it all started Jordan. I told him about everything I discovered and he contacted the U.S. District Attorney. Naturally, I thought they would launch an investigation into Senator Harvell and a possible international cartel. I was deluded. Not long after that, I started getting death threats; anonymous phone calls, threatening emails, cars trying to run me off the road. 

And then my Captain called me into his office not long after and told me to drop everything. Just like that. He didn't want me to do anymore research. He wanted me to pretend the investigation never existed. Someone got to him Jordan. Someone with power and he got scared." 

"So what happened next?"

"I called the D.A. myself and asked him what I should do. He just thanked me for the information and told me that he didn't need my help anymore. He warned me that my life was in danger. He gave me the number of a man to call. At the time I had no idea why he gave it to me, but I called him. That man saved my life."

"Who was the man?"

"Someone deep undercover in the Attorney General's Office, but I never met him. I explained to him my situation and what I had found. His solution was to make me disappear. Everything I collected I hid safely away. As long as I had it, I was a potential threat and witness, but it protects me too. They will never know if I made arrangements to make it public. So...to protect me and his superiors he arranged a fake death and suddenly I had a whole new life." 

"As Raven Summers." 

"Yes, Jordan, the name my mother had in the tribe plus the 's'. Gone from everyone and everything I ever knew. I have no idea what effect this has had upon my folks, but to think that they have lost two children..." Raven looked away as a tear formed in her eye. 

"So what's with the motel?"

"They selected Shawnee as the place I would appear as Raven Summers. It's a nowhere kind of place where I could be anonymous. Funds that support the Witness Protection Agency supplied the means for me to purchase the motel and set up all my fake records. That was five years ago Jordan and I have been here living as Raven ever since." 

"Amazing story Lily," Jordan commented.

"Sweetheart, please don't ever call me Lily. She is dead to the world. Gone forever. I don't know her anymore...only Raven." 

"Well, Lily is an strange name for a dark haired child." 

Ravens smiled, "Yes, I took after my mother in appearance and coloring. She always thought that if I didn't look like white, at least I could have an Anglo name so that I would have better opportunities." 

"Did you tell anyone where you have the evidence?" 

Raven shook her head vigorously, "No way. I'm the only one who knows where it is." 

"That's good. Now I can see why you don't want to be in Washington. Too close to the bad guys. And if they know you have that valuable information?"

"Exactly Jordan." Raven observed Jordan for a moment to see how she would react to her story. "I hope this doesn't freak you out darling."

"No...it doesn't freak me out. I am just glad you are safe. I mean, has anyone found you or tried to contact you?"

"Not that I am aware of. The only person who has mentioned my past is that man from the restaurant. He was probably a DEA agent that I had worked with." 

"That's why you have that gun in your drawer, isn't it?"

"Yes. It's for protection and I know how to use it if I have to." There was silence between the two women for awhile as they both considered the consequences Raven's situation would have on their future together. 

"So what do we do now Jordan? I mean, I know there's no FBI office in Shawnee." She laughed weakly at her attempt at humor. 

"No...there isn't." Jordan said thoughtfully, "The behavioral science unit is in Quantico and that's our only off..." Jordan suddenly stopped short.

Jordan sat up and threw off the covers. She seemed distracted. "I don't want to get your hopes up...I need to make a phone call first." Excitement was growing in her voice. Jordan leaped out of bed and began rifling threw her clothes that had been dropped on the floor. 

I'll be right back sweetheart."

"You better hurry and get your cute ass back into my bed!" Raven called to her as Jordan dashed from the bedroom. 

As she pulled her cell phone out, she noticed the little gift box with the necklace still sitting in her purse. 

Jordan dialed the number to her supervisor's office in Quantico. 

"Jordan...how the hell are you?"

"I'm fine, Bob, but...."

"Don't tell me you want more leave to stay in New Mexico?" He laughed into the phone. 

"No. Remember about a year ago when you asked me about that west coast thing? Is the offer still open?" 

"Jordan..." He began, "...I can put you there if you want, I mean you got seniority over the agents there now, but you need to know I'm moving up and you're getting a promotion."

"Bob, sorry, but I don't want your position. I like being a field agent. So, listen, please, can you put the transfer through, I know you can make it happen." "All right Jordan," he said reluctantly, "but you'll have to finish up your ongoing projects in New Mexico and then Washington. It'll be about a month before all this happens."

"Yes, that's fine, I have to come back to Washington and sell my townhouse anyway. Thanks Bob."

Jordan turned off her cell phone and pulled the gift box from her purse and hiding it in her hand, she ran to Raven's bedroom in three big leaps, took one more and landed with a huge bounce onto the bed. Raven giggled as Jordan discreetly slipped her hand under her pillow to hide the box. 

"So what's with the phone call Jordan?"

"Listen..." Jordan was smiling happily, "...there's a possibility we can be together. I know you can't live in Washington, but suppose we could live somewhere else? I want you to think about this seriously Raven. I know you have to make arrangements for the motel and..."

"Oh, Jordan! Are you certain?" 

"Yes, I have a short assignment to finish in Albuquerque then I can sell my D.C. house, then we get transferred to the west coast." 

"Oh, my God! Yes! Yes!" Raven almost shouted. She hugged Jordan. 

"Yes I want to live with you darling. We're going to L.A.!" 

"No. It's...Seattle. I chose Seattle because for some unknown reason, there seems to be a lot of serial killers that originate in Seattle," she said with a smile on her face.

Raven didn't get the joke, but no matter what, she was happy to be with Jordan. 

Jordan slid her hand under the pillow and pulled out the little box from Macy's. 

"What's this?" Raven asked.

"It's for you. Open it." Jordan instructed. 

Raven tore off the gift wrapping and opened the lid. She gasped when she saw the little gold heart with the diamond in it. 

"Honey, it's beautiful," she exclaimed in a whisper. She pulled the necklace out and held it up for the diamond to catch the light. Handing it to Jordan, she pulled her long hair off the back of her neck and turned her back to Jordan, "Will you please put it on me darling?" 

Jordan placed the necklace around Raven's shapely neck and hooked it in the back. It fell to just below her collarbones. 

"I love it baby." Raven hugged Jordan, "And I love you. I can't wait for our new life together!" 

Jordan hugged Raven back and shared in her girlfriend's happy exuberance, "Girl, we're gonna have fun!"

Raven got up. "I'm gonna go out for about an hour so don't go anywhere. I'll have my surprise for you this afternoon. I've delayed it long enough!" 

(See the Epilogue -- Deep in the Night: The Ride)