Maggie glanced at Nicholls, but his eyes remained riveted on the papers in front of him. She pushed herself out of her chair and followed the lieutenant, who was already halfway across the squad room. Walking down a narrow hallway, Brodie looked into rooms as she went, finally stopping and opening the door to a vacant interrogation room, holding the door open as she waited for Maggie to catch up to her. Motioning her trainee into the room, she entered and closed the door behind her.

aDo you know the meaning of the word atraineea, Detective Weston?a aOf course,a she answered, unsure what Brodie meant.

aA trainee is a person, male or female, who doesnat know their a.s.s from their elbow. Which is the reason that person is placed under the supervision of someone more experienced. So they can learn to at least find their a.s.s,a Brodie intoned, her voice rising slightly.

aIam sorry, Lieutenant Brodie, but I...,a Maggie began.

aWhat the h.e.l.l do you think you were doing this morning?a aI was checking on a missing person at the university. His wife...a Brodie took a step closer, her eyes penetrating Maggieas as she spoke through clenched teeth, her voice low and lethal. aYour job, for the time being, Detective Weston, is to report here every G.o.dd.a.m.n morning. Successfully achieving that a.s.signment, your second job is to do what the f.u.c.k I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it.a aI understand that, but...a aThere are no buts here, Detective Weston. There are no Lone Rangers here. If you hope to succeed as my trainee, you will do things my way. Do you understand me?a Maggieas eyes never wavered from Brodieas and she could see the woman was working hard to control her anger.

aYes, Lieutenant. I understand.a aIf anything like this ever happens again, Iall recommend to Captain Donaldson that you be relieved of your duties here. I will write this incident on your performance evaluation. Am I making myself clear?a aPerfectly.a Brodie turned and left the room, slamming the door behind her, leaving Maggie alone and slightly shaken. She had known there could be problems working with her former lover, but hadnat expected to have them quite so soon. By the time she composed herself and returned to her desk, Brodie was engrossed in a conversation with another officer. Nicholls looked at her and handed her a couple of folders. aGo through these. We have a John Doe from Thursday night.a She took the folders and began reading through the reports on the burned vehicle and victim. Her reading was interrupted by the phone ringing.

aCedar Springs Police Department. Detective Weston speaking,a she said as she continued to look through the folder. She handed the receiver to Nicholls.

aAustin PD,a she said.

Nicholls took the phone from her. aNicholls,a he said.He grabbed a pad and scribbled as he wrote. Finally he said, aAppreciate it.a He handed the phone back to Maggie and looked around until he spotted Brodie.

aHey, Brodie. That was Austin PD. They located Clifford Jenkins.a She walked to his desk. aWhatas his story?a aThe vehicle was his. He reported it stolen this morning. Out of town on business for about a week and left it parked in long-term executive parking. He called it in as soon as he couldnat locate it. Austin PD is going to fax us his statement.a aWell, at least we know the victim wasnat the owner of the car.a aAustinas interviewing the parking lot attendants to see if anyone remembers the car, but thatas a real long shot. You know how many cars go in and out of there every day?a aSeveral hundred, Iad guess.a She seemed to be deep in thought, trying to re-organize the information they had on John Doe. aThis is giving me a headache, Nicholls. Up for some lunch?a she asked.

aCanat. I got a line on a new couch and itas today or never.a aOkay,a she said as she looked at her watch. aIall be back in about an hour. Page me if anything comes up,a she said as she grabbed her jacket and left the squad room.

Before Maggie could get back to the folders on her desk, the phone rang again. She rested the receiver on her shoulder as she answered it and repeated her introduction. For a moment there was silence on the other end.

aThis is Detective Weston,a she repeated. aCan I help you?a aIam sorry,a a womanas voice finally said. aIs Lieutenant Brodie there, please?a aSheas just left for lunch, maaam. Can I take a message?a aThis is Dr. Jacobs. Is Detective Nicholls there by chance?a aJust a moment,a she said and pointed the receiver in his direction.

as.h.i.t. How can I get any work done if the friggina phone keeps ringing?a he said to himself as he took the phone. aThis is Nicholls,a he said.

aNicholls, this is Camille Jacobs.a aHow are you, Doc?a Nicholls said smiling. aWhat can I do for you?a aIam fine, thanks. When Lieutenant Brodie gets back from lunch, would you tell her I had a cancellation in my schedule and she can come by my office at four instead of five. She wanted to discuss a case youare working on.a aWhich one?a aI didnat know you had more than one. She only said a woman couldnat have done it.a aIave warned her about that s.e.xist bulls.h.i.t, but she never listens to me. Iall give her the message.a He handed the phone back to Maggie and floated a note over to Brodieas desk. aWhatas your plan for the afternoon, Maggie?a aIam going to finish this report and then Iam going to sit right here on my a.s.s until Lieutenant Brodie tells me what to do next.a Glancing at the clock on the back wall of the room, he said, aGuess Iad better get a move on about that d.a.m.n couch. Want me to bring something back for you?a aNo. Iam good, but thanks.a Alone in the squad room, Maggie ran her hands through her hair and took a deep breath. She had known Brodie might be mad, but hadnat antic.i.p.ated the level of her anger. She remembered the last time she had seen that much anger in her former loveras eyes and absently touched the scar on her forehead. IT WAS SUPPOSED to be a relaxing evening out with friends. Brodie was coming off another double shift and Maggie was relieved her lover would finally have a two-day break. Since Wheeleras death, her father had made Brodieas life h.e.l.l, but she insisted she could handle it.

As soon as Brodie walked into the apartment they shared, Maggie sensed something was wrong. Without stopping to acknowledge Maggie, Brodie walked directly into the kitchen and took a beer from the refrigerator, leaning against the counter to take a long drink.

aAre you all right, Royce?a Maggie said as she rested against the door frame.

aGreat,a Brodie said dully, filling her mouth with the amber liquid.

Crossing the room, Maggie touched her on the cheek. Brodie jerked her head away. aNot now, Mag.a Draining the bottle, Brodie walked past her and tossed it in garbage before taking a second from the fridge. aMy two days were cancelled,a she said as she opened her beer and took a long drink.

aWhat? You havenat had a day off in over two weeks! You should call your union rep,a Maggie said. Whirling around, Brodie said, aAnd do what?

Admit that I canat take it? Let your father tell everyone I canat handle my job? f.u.c.k that!a aIam sorry, Royce. Iall call Carrie and tell her we canat make it tonight.a Finally looking at Maggie, Brodieas face softened.

aNo, donat cancel. Just give me a few minutes to catch my breath and take a shower. Itall be all right, baby.a Brodie set her beer down and took Maggie in her arms, holding her tightly for a few minutes. aIam sorry, honey. I didnat mean to take it out on you.a Brodie had seemed more relaxed during dinner, but Maggie noticed she was consuming more alcohol than usual. By the time they arrived at a local club, Brodie had become sullen and distant. It was nearly midnight when a group of women entered the club and made their way toward a table. Brodie stood up quickly and staggered slightly. af.u.c.kina son of a b.i.t.c.h!a she seethed.

Following Brodieas glare, Maggie said, aWhatas wrong, Royce?a Ignoring her question, Brodie left their table and walked toward the new group, Maggie following close behind. One of the women was standing, taking drink orders from the rest of her group. Suddenly she was grabbed roughly and spun around to see the florid face of Sergeant Royce Brodie. Pushing her away, the woman said, aBrodie! What the h.e.l.l are you doing?a aWhat the f.u.c.k are you doina here, Santos? I was told you had the flu and wouldnat be at work for a couple of days. I got stuck with your for s.h.i.t shift!a Brodie accused.

aI was ordered to take the next couple of days off,a Santos said.

aBy who?a aThe watch commander.a aWhat?a Maggie exclaimed.

Santos grinned at Maggie. aLooks like your daddy ainat as hot for your girlfriend as you are, Weston.a Shifting her eyes to Brodie she said, aThey changed me to first shift beginning tomorrow. Hope you can sleep off whatever you been drinkina.a Brodie grabbed Santos and would have hit her if Maggie hadnat stopped her. aLetas go, Royce. Itas not worth it.a As Brodie made her way out of the club, Maggie made their apologies to their friends. She had to run to catch up to Brodie, insisting that she drive. Brodie sat silently in the car all the way home and remained silent as they entered their apartment. Brodie walked into the kitchen and took a bottle of Jack Daniels and a gla.s.s from the cabinet.

aWhat are you doing, Royce? Youave already had enough to drink tonight.a aDonat tell me what to do,a Brodie said as she threw back the drink. Before the liquor finished burning its way down her throat she poured another.

aDonat do this,a Maggie said as she came to stand next to Brodie. aPlease. Let me call in and tell them youare sick.a aNo!a Brodie said loudly. aI guess now you think I canat do my job either!a aThatas not it and you know it. Youare not going to be in any shape to work tomorrow. Youave had too much to drink.a Reaching in front of Brodie, she took the bottle from her.

af.u.c.k you, Maggie!a Brodie screamed. aGo to bed and leave me the f.u.c.k alone!a aNot while youare like this,a Maggie said. aYouave been drinking more and more since Stan was killed. You need to talk to the department psychologist.a Great!a Brodie laughed. aThen your daddy can get my a.s.s run off the force for being a nut case! Thatas good, Maggie. Thatas really good.a Running her hand across Brodieas back, Maggie said, aCome to bed, Royce.a Turning to look at Maggie, Brodie grinned. Bringing her face close to Maggieas she said, aSure, baby. Letas go to bed.a aNot when youare drunk, Royce.a Maggie had never been able to describe what she saw pa.s.s through Brodieas eyes the second before she felt the slap. She couldnat believe her lover would strike her. The force of the slap and the shock of it stunned her. Brodie grabbed her and began pulling at her clothes, breathing heavily. Maggie shoved her away. aStop it, Royce!a Turning, she walked into the living room.

aYou belong to me!a Brodie shouted as she followed her.

aNot when youare like this.a aWell, maybe Iall have to find someone more willing.a af.u.c.k you!a Maggie turned to walk away from her.Brodie reached out and shoved her toward the couch. In an instant the arguing stopped as Maggieas foot caught on a small rug and she fell face first onto the coffee table, shattering the heavy gla.s.s top. Maggieas fall seemed to happen in slow motion as Brodie tried to stop it, but couldnat. As blood seeped into the carpet under Maggieas head, Brodie fell on her knees, calling out her name and dialing 9-1-1. MAGGIE WAS STILL running her fingers over the scar on her forehead when Brodieas voice broke into her thought. aYou asleep?a aI was just thinking, Lieutenant,a Maggie said, dropping her hand away from the scar that reminded her of that night every time she looked in the mirror. She looked at Brodie. How had it all gone so wrong?

Over the last few years small things had reminded her of what she had had with Brodie. The tenderness, the gentleness of her touch, the way her heartbeat increased every time Brodie looked at her. Just as it was now. Would there ever be a time when the sight of Royce Brodie wouldnat cause the same physical reaction?

aCould I run an idea past you?a Maggie finally asked.

Leaning back in her chair, Brodie said, aShoot.a When Maggie brought her eyes up to speak, Brodie barely heard what she was saying as she met her gaze. It was more than politely looking into the eyes of a person speaking. It was a reflection of the past. A time when everything had been right.

Maggie faltered for a moment as she and Brodie looked at one another. aIaveaumabeen going over the Garcia file and the one on your John Doe. See what you think.a Brodie leaned onto her elbows. aOkay.a aOkay.a Maggie smiled as she took a deep breath.

aWe know Garcia left home around four Thursday and disappeared until he was found the following Monday morning. The missing person case I was checking this morning is Dr. Elliot Brauner, a professor at the university.a aSo whatas the deal? He run off with one of his s.e.xy young coeds?a aNo. Or if he did it was the best kept secret in the universe. There are a few things about his disappearance you might be interested in though.a aSuch as,a Brodie said, still looking at the file folder.

aDr. Brauner went to the university about seventhirty Thursday evening and didnat return.a aSo.a aHis office is in the Biology Building.a Brodie looked up at her without raising her head.

aYou think thereas a connection with Garcia?a Maggie shrugged. aI donat know, but it seems too coincidental to be ignored and I donat believe in coincidences any more than you do. Isnat it possible that whoever killed Garcia did it to steal his keys?

Maybe they wanted to get into one of the offices and Brauner caught them.a Brodie pushed her gla.s.ses to the top of her head and rubbed her eyes. aItas possible, but do we have any hard evidence any of the keys were used after Garciaas death? They could have been thrown away and we just havenat found them yet.a aCan I have permission to at least contact Brauneras wife and ask her to check her husbandas office?a aIt canat hurt, but it might be a dead end. Let me know if anything comes of it.a IT WAS A little after four that afternoon when Camilleas receptionist showed Brodie into the psychologistas office. She was bent over a chart, jotting down notes from her last patientas visit.

aHave a seat, RB. Iall be through with this in just a second,a she said without looking up. Brodie had been to Camilleas office many times since her departure from the Austin Police Department. One year for private counseling sessions designed to help her deal with her guilt over Wheeleras death and seven of a more personal nature after they began seeing one another. She hadnat heard Camille sound so detached in a long time. She glanced around the familiar office while she waited.

A few minutes later, the psychologist removed her reading gla.s.ses and placed them on her desk. Sitting back in her chair, she said, aI a.s.sume those are the files you wanted me to look at.a aYeah,a Brodie said as she leaned forward and slid the folders across the desk. Something was wrong. Camille had never been so distant toward her before. Now she would have to wait while she looked through the files.

aPour yourself a cup of coffee, RB. You know where everything is,a Camille said as she became engrossed in the first folder. Brodie poured two small cups and set one in front of the doctor. It took nearly ten minutes for Camille to go through the file, stopping once or twice to flip to a previous page to reread a section of the report. Finally she closed the folder and removed her gla.s.ses. aYouare right. A woman didnat do this one,a she said.

aWell, that eliminates over half the population as suspects. What can you tell me about the guy who did do it?a She re-opened the folder and sipped her coffee half-heartedly.

aProbably young and white. Methodical. Patient. Precise. He is either fairly strong physically or he knew the victim. He might have cultivated a recent friendship with the victim which would have allowed him to overpower him easily. Do you have a scenario yet?a aJust guesses. We think Garcia may have been lured someplace and rendered unconscious. Then the killer took the body into the old tunnel system under the university where he could work undisturbed, decapitated him, dumped the body and then returned to the campus to put the head in the lab.a aDecapitation is a pretty messy business and certainly not a spur of the moment act. He had to have planned it. Probably over several weeks or even months.a aAccording to the family, the victim was last seen Thursday afternoon when he left for work. The head was found early Monday morning. The body was located Tuesday after what we think could have been an anonymous tip from the killer.a aWere there cla.s.ses in that particular lab Friday?a aYes, and they used specimens from the tank. So the head was placed there sometime between late Friday and early Monday.a aThe coroner said the time of death, based on the body, was between two and four days before it was discovered,a Camille read.

aUnless the killer kept the body on ice for a while and then disposed of it after he finished whatever the h.e.l.l he was doing with it. Why do you think he put the head in the aquarium?a aConsidering that it could have been the killer who led you to the body, it looks like a taunt of some kind. Look what I did. That sort of thing. Heas proud of his work, but you werenat moving fast enough for him and he had to give you a clue about the location. He may believe heas smarter than the average person. Possibly a superiority complex and just as likely undeserved.a aYeah, thatas what Weston said. You think he couldave done this before?a Brodie asked.

aA serial?a aMaybe not a serial. We would have heard about other police departments finding human heads lying around. But the sort of no-muss-no-fuss way he did it makes me think he isnat a beginner.a aItas possible heas done it before, but maybe not on a person. Any reports about mutilated animals?a aI donat know. I havenat checked with animal control lately, but I will. Could it be a doctor?a aIf it was, he wasnat a surgeon,a Camille answered, reopening the folder and looking through the enclosed photographs of the body. aThe cuts appear to be pretty good from what I could see in the pictures, but are not professional quality. Looks like he might have felt hurried for some reason.a aYou mean he took all that time to plan and set everything up and then got in a hurry.a aItas possible he was becoming bored. He might not have derived the thrill he thought he would from the act.a aGreat. A killer with attention deficit disorder,a Brodie said, finishing her coffee.

aWhy do you think he chose this particular victim?a Camille asked as she sipped her coffee.

aI donat know. Weston has a theory, but we canat confirm any of it yet. Maybe he thought no one would miss the guy. Maybe he cruised the whole town looking for someone to hack up. Maybe heas in Alaska fileting Eskimos by now.a aI doubt heas left the area,a Camille said, removing her gla.s.ses. aHead want to stick around to see how close you can get to him. Then he might leave. Of course, if it is a superiority thing, he might stay even then, believing heas smart enough to evade capture.a aWell, everyone slips up sooner or later no matter how smart they think they are. As soon as I can come up with a motive, Iall be on his a.s.s.a aWhat if there wasnat a motive?a aThereas always a motive, honey. It might be a lame one, but thereall be one. I just have to find it.a Brodie rubbed her temples, the nagging headache shead had the last four days still lingering.

aThis case is only a few days old and itas getting to you already. When did your headaches start?a aOver the weekend. Weave got a John Doe thatas probably a homicide, too. Weston thinks it could be related to Garciaas case, but we havenat found any positive evidence of that.a aRough week.a aYeah, and itas not even half over.a aHow is everything else at work, RB?a aFine,a she lied tersely.

Camille didnat say anything. She picked up the folders and handed them to Brodie. aTell me about Maggie,a she said.

aNot much to tell,a Brodie shrugged, trying to avoid the subject of her ex-lover.

aHow hostile have you been toward her?a The question seemed to surprise the detective.

aProbably more than I need to be. Iam not sure I can evaluate her objectively,a she said.

aHow does she treat you?a aWhat do you mean? Iam her training officer.a aSo sheas forced to at least put on a facade of respect due to your position?a aPretty much.a aSheas bound to have changed over the last seven or eight years. Tell me about her.a Looking uncomfortable, Brodie had to think a few minutes to carefully choose the right words. aShe hasnat changed much. A little more mature, I guess.a aAttractive?a aYeah, I suppose. Why all the questions, Camille?

I can handle it. It was a surprise when I found out shead be here. Thatas all. Iall adjust like I always have.a Camille took a long breath and looked at Brodie a moment before speaking again.

aMaybe your feelings for Maggie havenat changed as much as you thought they had.a aLook, Iam sorry for the s.h.i.tty way I acted last weekend. How about you let me take you out next weekend to make it up to you?a aI donat think that would be a good idea right now, RB,a Camille said softly.

Brodie looked at her and frowned. aI made a mistake and overreacted, but Maggie Weston is nothing more than a trainee.a Camille chuckled slightly. aI havenat been doing my job very well,a Camille finally said. aI advise my patients every day to face the reality of their lives and move on. I should have taken my own advice. I like you, RB.a aI like you, too. Is that a problem?a aItas becoming one. You obviously havenat gotten past your feelings for Maggie. It was always there before, in the shadows like the b.a.s.t.a.r.d child at a reunion, but nowa Well, it wonat get any better.a aAre you jealous of what I had with Maggie?a Brodie asked, beginning to feel somewhat defensive.

aIam not jealous of what you had with Maggie, but what you still want from her. Most women dream of a relationship like that. You and I have been seeing each other a long time, but realistically I know you donat love me the way I might expect you to after all these years. Iave never demanded anything from you and Iam not now.a aAre you insinuating Iave been using you in some way?a Brodieas voice had begun to rise.

aLast weekendaa she started, looking down at her hands, alast weekend told me a great deal. Iam not prepared to let myself be used as a surrogate for the woman you really want, RB.a Twisting her lips into a half smile she added, aItas bad for my self-esteem. I want more from our relationship and Iam not sure youare willing to, or even capable of giving me that. I need someone who wants me and loves me as much as I think you still want and love Maggie Weston.a She knew Camille was right. She hadnat gotten over Maggie and wasnat sure it was something she could ever erase from her memory. She had never entrusted her emotions, her happiness, her very soul, to another woman until she met Maggie. She had never admitted to anyone, not even herself really, how much losing Maggie had shattered her life. Periodically, unexpectedly, the smallest thing would trigger the random memories lying dormant in her mind.

aIaI donat know what to say, Camille,a Brodie finally said, her voice shaky.

Camille got up and handed Brodie the file folders as she took her hand and walked toward the office door. aCall me in a few days,a she said as she leaned over and kissed Brodie on the cheek, wishing there were more she could do for the troubled woman who had been her lover for nearly six years. aWe can talk about it some moreaif you want to.a MAGGIE TOOK A deep breath as she stepped out of her car in front of her parentsa home. She had been dreading dinner with her family since she accepted her motheras invitation. She hadnat been home for a dinner with her parents, her brothers and their families since Christmas. That one had ended badly and she hoped tonight wouldnat be round two. Walking to the pa.s.senger side of the Subaru, she lifted a covered ca.s.serole dish from the floorboard and closed the door with her hip. Peg Weston was waiting on the porch, drying her hands on her everpresent ap.r.o.n as Maggie made her way up the front steps. Balancing the dish in one hand, she hugged her mother quickly before stepping inside. She took in the smell of food cooking. She couldnat remember a time when the interior of the Weston home hadnat been filled with the smell of her motheras cooking. The sound of raucous laughter floated down the hallway from the family room.

aIall take that, dear,a Peg said. aGo say h.e.l.lo to your father and brothers.a aWhere are the wives and kiddies?a Maggie asked. aShuttled off to watch television quietly so they wonat disturb the menfolk?a She saw the look of disappointment on her motheras face and almost regretted making the remark.

aDonat start anything with your father tonight, Maggie. Letas enjoy a meal together like the family we have always been.a Maggie carried her dish toward the kitchen. aIall see them in a minute, Mom. How are you doing?a aWhy Iam fine, as always. Why do you ask?a Peg asked as she flipped on the inside oven light to check a pan of home baked rolls.

aI thought maybe Dad was driving you crazy being around all the time now that heas retired,a Maggie shrugged.

aOh, no. Your father still visits his friends from the department and we have them over for poker night. Heall never really retire,a Peg said with a smile. Maggie never understood how her mother could remain so calm. Nothing seemed to faze her. Her husband and all five of her children were police officers. Usually one was enough to make most wives babbling neurotics after a short period of time. But Peg Weston considered it as nothing more than a family tradition. Three of her sons were with the Austin Police Department. Sean and Liam were both detectives and Sean was up for a promotion to watch commander. Daniel was a sergeant in the patrol division. Until Maggie resigned from Austin PD to take her new position in Cedar Springs a month earlier, the only black sheep in the family had been her youngest brother, Carl, who had jumped ship and joined the Department of Public Safety as a state trooper.

As she looked in the refrigerator for something to drink, strong arms wrapped around her body and lifted her in the air. aThat beer better be for me, girl,a Liam said as he carried her away from the fridge.

aPut me down, you big ox,a Maggie said through her laughter.

Setting her back on the floor and grabbing the bottle from her hand, he said, aWhyare you hidina out in here?a aI thought Iad talk to Mom before I had to listen to the rest of you grunt and groan about your jobs the rest of the night. Whereas Ruth?a aWashing the kids up for dinner. Dad wants to know how much longer, Mom?a aTell your father five minutes,a Peg said as she pulled the rolls from the oven. aMaggie, find out what everyone wants to drink.a She took a deep breath and sauntered into the family room. It was a familiar sight. Her brothers surrounded their father as if he was the king of an empire, hanging on his every word. Tim half-smiled when he saw Maggie. aGood to see you again, Margaret,a he said.

aMom wants to know what everyone wants to drink with dinner,a she said as she crossed the s.p.a.ce between them to lean down and place the expected kiss on her fatheras cheek.

aMilk for the kids,a Tim said. aEveryone else will probably have tea or coffee.a Dinner was on the table by the time she finished filling everyoneas drink request and she took her usual seat to her motheras right at the table. After a quick prayer, everyone erupted into conversation. For the first time she was glad to be seated next to her mother and surrounded by her sisters-in-law. The children were all seated at a separate smaller table in the nearby kitchen.

Just when she thought she might escape talk about her new job, Tim asked, aSo how are things out there in the boonies, Margaret? Catch any jay-walkers yet?a Full mouths chuckled as they waited for her reply.

aNo. No, I havenat, Dad,a she said tersely. aBut we have a couple of interesting homicides right now.a aHomicides? Tell me about them.a It was obvious that his interest was piqued, but Maggie glanced quickly at her mother before speaking.

aMaybe later. You know Mom doesnat like shop talk at the table with the kids here.a aOkay,a Tim nodded. aFair enough, in deference to your mother. Howas your training going? Fred Donaldson is a good man. Heall see youare trained right.a aMy trainingas fine so far, but Iave only been on the job a couple of days. Iave still got a lot to learn. Everyone has been extremely helpful in teaching me the paperwork. They do things a little differently than you do in Austin.a She hoped that would be the end of the questions about her new position and turned to compliment her mother on the meal. aSo whoas your training officer out there?a her father asked as he sliced into the meat on his plate. aIf he does a good job we can transfer you back in a few months.a She hesitated before looking down the table at her father. aIam not planning to transfer back to Austin. I like living in Cedar Springs. Itas not asapoliticalaas Austin.a aYouall get bored there soon enough,a Tim smirked. aYou can earn twice the money here if youare properly trained.a aIam being properly trained.a aSo who did you say your TO was? Maybe I know him.a Maggie looked around the table. Her father and brothers were staring at her, waiting while they chewed. She had hoped to enjoy the evening with her family, but obviously that idea was soon going to be shot to s.h.i.t. aLieutenant Royce Brodie,a she finally stated in a clear voice.

Tim stopped cutting through the meat and his eyes narrowed as he brought them up to meet Maggieas. He glanced at the smaller table behind him where his six grandchildren were sitting. Keeping his voice low, he asked, aDid you know who your training officer was going to be before you started work?a Raising her chin defiantly, she said, aYes.a aAnd how long will it be before you let that b.i.t.c.h back in your f.u.c.kina pants?a aCalm down, Dad,a Sean said, casting a glance at the children.

Peg looked nervously toward the smaller table.

aAre you children ready for some dessert?a she asked, trying to keep her voice cheerful. Eager faces looked up, not believing their luck at getting an early treat. Pushing her chair back, she stood and smiled. aGo on into the den and Iall bring it to you.a Maggie looked down at her plate of half eaten food and shoved it away. She rested her elbows on the table and rubbed her forehead with the tips of her fingers until her nieces and nephews had disappeared from the kitchen. She knew there was nothing she could say that wouldnat lead to a monumental argument. Turning her head to the side she glared at her father. aI already know what you think about me because Iam a lesbian, but thatas insulting.a aItas been eight G.o.dd.a.m.n years and I know you havenat been a nun, sleeping with one woman after another, doing G.o.d knows whataa aThatas enough!a Maggie said as she stood up quickly. aI donat need a f.u.c.kina morality lesson from you. Royce barely tolerates me as a trainee.a aYou canat expect me to sit back and watch her teach you how to get killed! Is she still a drunk?a aShe has never been a drunk!a aGive it up, Mag!a Tim stood and stepped away from the table. Striding toward his only daughter he continued. aShe was a drunk! And when you confronted her about it, she lost it and beat the s.h.i.t out of you! You spent three days in the f.u.c.kina hospital!a aShe didnat beat me!a Tim reached out quickly and grabbed her roughly, pushing hair away from her face. aThis scar on your forehead tells me different.a aIf you hadnat had a f.u.c.kina hard on about getting her fired because of Stan nothing would have happened!a aShe let my best friend get murdered because she didnat back him up. She admitted it to the review board!a aThatas a lie!a Pulling her closer to him, he said, aShe told the board she was distracted by thinking about f.u.c.kina you on her day off.a aI read the transcript of the review board. You were the one making that accusation. You didnat know a d.a.m.n thing about my relationship with Royce,a Maggie said as she jerked her arm away.

aYou a.s.signed her to a duty you knew would make her stand all day on her injured leg. You a.s.signed her to the worst patrol sectors alone hoping shead be injured or killed. You ordered other officers to call in sick so you could double-shift her when you knew she was already exhausted. You did everything you could to break her, but you couldnat!a Stopping in front of Maggie, he sneered, aI made her miserable enough to resign. I didnat plan on her smacking you around, but at least you saw the light and kicked her a.s.s out.a aYou were the reason she drank too much that night. If you had done that to any other officer under your command you would have been fired and you know it. I had to force her to leave before you got her killed! What happened was an accident you created. Face it, Dad. You canat stand the idea that your daughter is a d.y.k.e and you took it out on Royce. Well, you know what? Even though Royce isnat a part of my life anymore, Iam still f.u.c.kina women every chance I get. I was before I met her and I always will. Get used to it!a Her head snapped to the side as Tim slapped her. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall as she glared at her father. He was shaking with rage when Sean and Dan pulled him away from Maggie.

aGet out of my home, Margaret.a She threw her napkin on the table and glanced at the faces of her brothers and sisters-in-law. One side of her mouth curved into a half smile. aWell, itas been a fun evening. Tell Mom it was a great meal.a Turning away, she walked out of the dining room and toward the front door.

aMag!a She was halfway into her car when she saw Carl running toward her. aWhat?a she shot testily.

aIam sorry, Maggie,a he said.

aNo. Iam sorry you and the others had to see that little scene.a Looking at her brother she asked, aYou feel the same way, Carl?a aI only met Royce onceaa aNot about Royce. Are you ashamed because your sister is a lesbian?a Carl looked uncomfortable and paused before answering.

aGuess that says it all,a Maggie said. aTell Mom Iam sorry, okay.a aWait, Mag. Iam not ashamed of you. I just donat understand it, thatas all.a aYeah, well, neither do it. I know who I am, Carl. And this is who Iall always be. I canat change that and I canat change what you and the rest of them think about me.a Smiling slightly, she said, aBut if it makes you feel better, I donat think itas catching.a aThis will blow over, Mag. You know how he is,a Carl shrugged.

aYeah, Iam afraid I do,a Maggie said as she started her car.

WHEN BRODIE STRODE into the squad room before daylight the next morning, she was surprised to find Maggie already at her desk. aYou had breakfast already, Weston?a she asked her trainee.

aUhano, Lieutenant. I sort of got involved in going over notes and reading reports.a Pulling her jacket off, Brodie said, aGo grab something to eat while I brief Donaldson.a Maggie watched Brodie stack a few file folders together. She had been the recipient of her training officeras harsh penetrating eyes, but also remembered the liquid softness in them when they had been alone. It was a look she had never found with another woman. The memory brought the beginning of a smile to her lips. Brodie frowned when she caught Maggie looking at her.

aSomething on your mind, Weston?a aSorryanoajust trying to put a few things together in my mind.a Brodie glanced at her wrist.w.a.tch and then back at Maggie. As Maggie pushed hair behind her ear, Brodie noticed a bruise on Maggieas cheek. Frowning, she asked, aWhat happened to your face?a aOh, I wasnat paying attention to what I was doing. Ran into a door when I took some clothes to the Laundromat,a Maggie said.

aYeah, well, my briefing wonat take long so you only have about half an hour before we have to start earning our pay again.a She watched her trainee maneuver through the desks in the squad room, appreciating the fluid way she moved. Mentally snapping out of it, she quickly picked up the folders and went to Donaldsonas office, knocking lightly on the door before entering the Captainas inner sanctum.

aWhatas up, Brodie?a Donaldson said as she stuck her head in the door.

aThought I would give you a briefing on the cases weare working, Fred. I was hoping you might have a few insights.a aSure. Come on in and pull up a chair. Itas bound to be more interesting than the departmental budget.a It took Brodie about ten minutes to bring him up to speed on the two new cases. Glancing through the files she handed him, he leaned back in his squeaky chair and puffed his cheeks out as he sighed slightly.

aAny ideas about the perp?a he finally asked.

aI ran it past Dr. Jacobs yesterday. Based on her evaluation, itas possible he might have done something similar before. Weare running an inquiry for similar crimes,a she explained.

He frowned as he leaned forward on his desk.

aHow is Weston doing?a he asked, changing the subject to something more tangible.

aHas an independent streak that could get her in trouble, but sheall be all right. Plays well with others.a aI was rudely awakened a couple of hours ago by Tim Weston demanding I remove you as her TO.a Brodie frowned, recalling the bruise on Maggieas cheek and wondered if Tim had caused it. aI guess thatas up to you and Detective Weston,a she said.

aWell, I told him to go f.u.c.k himself and let me sleep,a Donaldson said. aAnd Weston hasnat earned the right to make demands around here yet. So just go out there and do your job. Catch me a couple of murderers before thereas ma.s.s hysteria in the suburbs. I like my town nice and uncomplicated.a aIam sorry if my past has complicated things for you, Fred.a aYeah, well, thatas why I get the big bucks. So everybody and their dog can take a dump on me if you f.u.c.k up. Anything else we should discuss?a MAGGIE CARRIED A cup of coffee into the living room that evening, picked up the phone and dialed. It was answered on the second ring.

aDr. Brauner? This is Detective Weston. Iam sorry to call so late, but I promised...,a she began.

aHave you found, Elliot?a Helen said quickly.

aNo, we havenat Mrs. Brauner, but I a.s.sure you weare working on it. Iave talked to a few people on the campus, but no one seemed to know anything. Mr. Obregon and Dr. Roth thought he was sick. I didnat see anything out of place in his office either, but, of course, I wouldnat notice if something was missing. It was very neat.a aElliott is a very neat man, Detective.a aPerhaps if you were to check his office, you might notice something out of place. Do you have a key?a aYes. Iall look tomorrow and if I notice anything Iall call you.a aThat would be very helpful, Dr. Brauner.a aYou said you talked to Tony and Malcolm.a aYes.a aI hope Malcolm wonat get in any trouble.a aWhy would he?a aIam sure you couldnat have missed the peculiar odor in his office, Detective.a aI noticed it,a Maggie laughed softly, abut I didnat see him doing anything illegal.a aMalcolm is such a sweet man, but Iam afraid heas stuck in a time warp.a aHe did seem to be sort of a throwback to the sixties.a aWell, you know what they say about things coming back. Itas a little ironic that his wife is making a small fortune with tie-dyed shirts now. Students are so ignorant of the past that most of them think itas a new fad. Marj is as bad as Malcolm. When you see them together, itas like reliving Woodstock. Of course, Iam sure other people have some interesting things to say about Elliott and me. Theyare both really lovely people whoad do anything for a friend.a aDr. Roth seemed very fond of your husband.a aYes, he is, and Elliott likes Malcolm as well. He just doesnat express his feelings very well.a aDid your husband know Mr. Obregon is or was a member of a gang, Dr. Brauner?a aYes, we both know, but heas overcome his past.a aI was told that he and your husband had an argument last week. Do you know anything about that?a aNo, Elliott didnat say anything to me about an argument, but itas certainly possible. They frequently have disagreements. Elliott is a perfectionist about his field. He detests sloppy work. I think occasionally Tony may not be as meticulous as Elliott believes he should be.a aSo far Iam afraid I donat have much more to tell you, Dr. Brauner, but weall continue looking into it.a aI appreciate that.a Maggie leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. She rubbed her jaw absently and winced. Where was Elliott Brauner? Everyone she had talked to so far had described him as meticulous, predictable, not given to sudden changes in his routine. You could practically set your clock by his actions. The only deviation in his schedule she had detected was his last-minute trip to the university the previous Thursday evening to retrieve something he had forgotten. His disappearance that night had obviously not been planned.