"I know you do, and I love you for it, but believe me when I say I'm fine. To tell you the truth, I'm actually looking forward to a change of scenery." Rheyna reached over and pulled the envelope out from beneath the keys. She raised the flap and pulled out the contents. She looked at the copy of her new California driver's license. "This isn't too bad. At least they let me keep my first name, and I'm only twenty-eight."

Laura snorted. "In your dreams, you're twenty-eight. How old are you, anyway?"

Rheyna tossed her the driver's license. "Thirty-five and holding with a birthday coming up in May, smart a.s.s."

Laura did a mock salute and curled her upper lip, doing her best Elvis impersonation and said, "Thank'ya, thank'ya very much. I'll be here all week."

Rheyna shook her head and laughed. "You're just not right. That's all there is to it."

Laura glanced at the driver's license. "That's not too bad, considering what name they could've given you. What's left?" she asked.

Rheyna skimmed through the other doc.u.ments. "A college transcript from Oklahoma University for a B.A.S. in Photography and a Chequotah, Oklahoma police report showing that I was arrested as a juvenile for petty theft and vandalism." Rheyna felt the color drain from her face.

Laura must have seen it, too. "What is it? What's wrong?" Laura asked, taking the papers from Rheyna's hand. She looked at the doc.u.ments and shook her head. "You know these aren't real," she said, throwing her arms around Rheyna's shoulders.

"I know, but it's still a little unnerving." Rheyna gathered up all the doc.u.ments and photos. "I think I've seen enough," she said and walked over to the fireplace. She knelt down on one knee, slid open the screen and tossed all the items into the fire. It didn't take long for the dancing flames to turn the papers into a pile of ashes. She thought about her parents and decided to give them a call before she left on her flight.

"I can't believe how late it is," Laura said as the cuckoo bird above the mantle signaled that it was midnight.

Rheyna closed the fire screen and turned to look at her. "I know, and I still have to pack."

Laura stood and brushed off her slacks. "And I have to go home and break the news to Stacie. I have a feeling she's not going to be too happy with me."

"If I know Stacie, she'll be up waiting for you and she'll handle it just fine," Rheyna said as she walked Laura to the door. "Thank you, and be safe driving home," she said, leaning forward to hug Laura.

"You're welcome, and I will. You have a safe flight and I'll talk to you sometime tomorrow night."

Rheyna watched her back out of the driveway. She stood there looking out the window for a good fifteen minutes before heading upstairs. Her thoughts turned to Anthony Castrucci, and she unconsciously s.h.i.+vered. She pushed the uneasy feeling out of her mind, thinking she would try to get a couple hours' sleep before packing her clothes.

Laura locked the door and turned off the lamp on the end table. She tiptoed down the hall to the bedroom. She tossed her coat across the back of a chair and unb.u.t.toned her blouse.

"Hey, baby, I was hoping you'd still be up."

Stacie sat up and stretched her arms over her head. She tried to stifle a yawn. "You know I have trouble sleeping without you next to me."

Laura pulled a t-s.h.i.+rt over her head and hopped on the bed beside her. "About that-you may have to get used to it for awhile."

Stacie frowned. "You have a new a.s.signment, don't you?"

Laura nodded. "I leave tomorrow afternoon."

"How long will you be gone?"

"I'm not sure. It could be a couple weeks, or it could be a couple months. It all depends on how long the operation drags out."

Stacie wrapped her arms around the top of her knees and laid her head against them. "I don't want you to go."

Laura reached over and pulled Stacie down on top of her. "Oh, sweetheart. I don't want you to be sad." Laura ran her fingers through the long red curls flowing down Stacie's back. "I'll come home every couple of weeks for a night or two, if I can manage the time. I promise."

"Is it dangerous?" Stacie managed to ask as Laura began trailing kisses along the side of her neck.

"You know-"

"I know you can't talk about your cases," Stacie interrupted. "I just want to know if you'll be in any danger. You know how I tend to worry."

"Yes, it could be dangerous," Laura answered honestly.

Stacie's body tensed. She held Laura at arm's length to look her directly in the eyes.

"Sweetheart, I'll be there in a support position only." Laura squeezed her arms tight around Stacie's waist. "The real danger will be with Rheyna."

Stacie rolled over and leaned on her elbow. "Rheyna's on this a.s.signment, too?"

"Yes, and I'm sorry honey, but I can't give you any more details."

"I hate this part of your job."

"I know you do and I hate this part myself."

"Can you at least tell me where you'll be?"

"I'll be in California."

"You tell Rheyna I said to be careful."

"I will. Now, come over here," Laura said, pulling Stacie down beside her. "I might not get to see you for awhile," she said, and then her mouth hungrily claimed Stacie's soft lips. Laura slowly made her way down to Stacie's breast. Stacie s.h.i.+vered as Laura's tongue made circling motions around her nipple before consuming it in her mouth.

"Don't think ... think this makes up for you leaving," Stacie managed to say, her breath catching in her throat.

"No, but it's a good start," she whispered against Stacie's skin. Laura slowly made her way down her lover's body. G.o.d, how I love the smell, the taste of this woman, she thought as she kissed the inside of Stacie's thigh. She rubbed her cheek over the small tuft of hair, savoring the scent. Stacie moaned as Laura's tongue gently licked along the sides of her c.l.i.toris.

Stacie gripped the sheets with both hands. "You're slowly killing me, you know?"

"Am I?" Laura moaned as she explored the soft wetness now surrounding her fingers. Stacie's hips began to move against her fingers with slow, deliberate thrusts.

"Oh, G.o.d," Stacey groaned as Laura's soft, hot mouth paralyzed her. Without thought, her legs spread wider. Laura could feel Stacie growing harder with each tantalizing lick. She tightened her arms around Stacie's legs and drank in her lover's sweetness. Stacie reached down and ran her fingers through Laura's hair, holding her close as she began to climax, her back arching, her body shaking to the core.

Stacie fell back on the bed breathless, her chest heaving up and down until finally she pushed Laura away. "No more, baby, no more."

Laura laid her head against Stacie's wet belly and tried to calm her own uneven heartbeat. Like an aftershock, she felt Stacie's hips raise slightly, thrust forward and tighten before finally relaxing. She clamped her own legs together in an attempt to quiet the overwhelming ache settling in her groin.

After a few minutes, Stacie sat up and leaned forward. She reached down and grabbed the top of Laura's t-s.h.i.+rt. With one fluid motion, she pulled it over Laura's head and tossed it on the floor. "Jesus, Laura, I'm thinking you should go away more often."

Laura's voice was husky with desire. "I wouldn't go that far."

"If it's okay with you, I'd like to reciprocate." Stacie didn't wait for an answer and pulled Laura up to straddle her face.

"I'm not sure you need to touch-" A guttural sound escaped from Laura's lips as Stacie's warm fingers held her open. She held her breath for what she knew was coming next. She fell forward, grabbing the headboard for support.

"You're so wet and hard," Stacie murmured as she rubbed her lips over Laura's swollen c.l.i.t. Laura moaned as Stacie took her fully in her mouth. Her hips moved back and forth, encouraging Stacie to suck harder with each thrust.

"Yes, yes, oh, G.o.d," Laura panted as Stacie's fingers ma.s.saged her opening. "Please, baby," she begged.

"Not yet," Stacie whispered as her mouth and fingers continued the tease.

"I can't take much more."

"Sure, you can," Stacie groaned, sliding her fingers through the wetness, and then she entered her.

Laura began a rocking motion with her hips against Stacie's fingers. "More, baby, please give me more," she cried out. "Harder, harder, oh yes, harder, yes!" Laura moaned, her back stiffening, her body shaking with o.r.g.a.s.m before finally collapsing against the headboard in exhaustion.

Chapter 4.

Rheyna's flight had been uneventful and long, but on time. After picking up her luggage, she stepped outside the American Airlines terminal at San Francisco's International Airport. The weather was perfect-a warm seventy-six degrees according to the Captain. She s.h.i.+elded her eyes from the sun, marveling at the blueness of the sky.

She crossed the street and headed toward the long-term parking area, weaving back and forth between the rows of cars until she came to the spot marked LGT4. She busted out laughing when she saw her car. She shook her head, knowing that she owed Laura a lobster dinner.

Sitting in the parking spot was a silver Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. She let out a whistle that could be heard around the parking lot. She flung her suitcase into the back and quickly removed the soft-top. It never dawned on her to look at the keys in the folder; otherwise, she would have realized that one set was for a Jeep. She smiled at the air freshener hanging from the mirror. It was a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. Any person would be lucky to have a friend like Laura. At that moment, she realized just how truly lucky she was and silently prayed that her luck would continue.

She opened the glove box and pulled out a map of the area and the directions to her new home. According to the map, the house was located in Half Moon Bay, approximately thirty-five minutes from the airport and a short distance from the Castrucci estate. She didn't know what to expect of the house, but she knew it was bureau-owned property and untraceable. If Castrucci decided to check on her-and they were sure he would have by now-he would see that she purchased the house two months ago. She laid the map on the seat and backed out of the parking spot.

Thank heaven for MapQuest's easy-to-follow directions, she thought as she made her way out of the airport and merged onto U.S. 101, heading south toward San Jose along San Francis...o...b..y. The view was breathtaking, and with the wind blowing through her hair, she took every bit of it in. She was so engrossed in the scenery that she almost missed the Half Moon Bay exit.

According to the map, she would be on CA92 West for thirteen miles. Off to the right, a small minimart got her attention, and she decided to stop to pick up a few things. She was almost certain that the fridge would be stocked with food and other necessities, but she specifically wanted a pair of sungla.s.ses, beer, and junk food-namely chocolate.

Her luck just kept getting better, she decided as she stopped in front of the beer section. Sitting on a shelf were several bottles of her favorite wine, Moscato Allegro. She picked up three bottles and headed for the checkout. She couldn't believe it. She had been ordering that particular wine from an online store for the last two years. It was by far the best wine she had ever tasted, and with little effort, she could polish off a bottle by herself.

She was even more excited to learn from the sales clerk that the winery was located in Paso Robles, a three-hour trip down the coast. The clerk a.s.sured her that the view alone was worth the drive. She thanked the clerk for the information and went back to the Jeep, thinking she just might have to take that drive.

With her new sungla.s.ses on, she set off toward Half Moon Bay and before she knew it, she was pulling into the driveway at 22 Mirada Road. The house sat directly on the beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It would be an understatement to say it was beyond her expectations. The folks in Was.h.i.+ngton were definitely taking care of her.

With bag and suitcase in hand, she let herself in through the front door and walked directly into the living room. She looked around in awe, thinking she must be one successful photographer.

The living room ran lengthwise from back to front, with a counter-topped bar separating it from the small, eat-in kitchen. She noticed a small package sitting on the counter. No doubt, a gift from Laura, she thought as she surveyed the room. The house was decorated with a southwestern theme, and the fabric print on the furniture reminded her of the Navajo Indian blankets that are sold at flea markets. She found the cream and mauve tones comforting. A stone fireplace reaching from floor to ceiling covered one entire wall.

She set her suitcase on the floor and walked over to the patio doors. She looked through the gla.s.s, her breath catching in her throat. She had a panoramic view that looked directly out into the Pacific Ocean. Without hesitation, she slid the door open and stepped outside.

The scene that greeted her was breathtaking. The entire deck was surrounded by knee-high wild flowers in various stages of bloom, but the yellow poppies were something else. They were everywhere, stretching down the beach as far as the eye could see. She watched a seagull dive down deep into the water, only to come up seconds later with a fish in its mouth.

She took a deep breath and allowed the fresh air to fill her lungs. She sat down on a lounger, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes. She could hear the waves slapping against the rocks and she imagined the sun setting in the evening. She looked forward to seeing it firsthand. After several minutes, she reluctantly opened her eyes. She had a job to do. She got up from the lounger and went back inside to put away the few items she picked up at the mini-mart.

She grabbed a beer from the fridge and took a long drink before making her way through the rest of the house. The bedrooms were located on the opposite side of the house. She tossed her suitcase on the bed of the first room she came to. It was not anything too fancy and was decorated in the same southwestern theme as the living room. It had a queen-size bed, dresser, and two obligatory nightstands with lamps. It did however, have a window that looked out onto the beach. She thought about unpacking and then changed her mind. She wanted to see the other rooms first. She went across the hall and poked her head into another bedroom. It was just like the one she had chosen, but without the view.

The next room she entered was set up like a state-of-the-art photo lab. Against the wall, sitting on top of a conference table, was a computer, printer, and Canon Rebel digital camera. She suspected the cost ran in the range of ten to fifteen grand for the computer system. The camera alone was worth at least two. She picked up the camera, thinking that they couldn't have gotten her a better one. It would have been her first choice. A low grumbling in her stomach caused her to look at her watch. She couldn't believe that it was almost seven.

She made herself a bologna sandwich, took it along with the package from the counter, and went out onto the deck to watch the sunset. It didn't disappoint. It reminded her of the Northern Lights. The sky was divided from top to bottom in a combination of blues and yellows and a red so bright, that the reflection on the whitecaps made the water look pink. She had never seen anything like it.

She ate the sandwich as she sorted through the box. She had some idea of what she would find inside and wasn't surprised in the least to see the 9mm semi-automatic. She hoped she wouldn't need it, but it was comforting to see just the same.

Being an ordinary citizen, at least on paper, meant that she couldn't take her service weapon on the plane. As for her trip, she knew Edwards would have her name erased from the flight manifest on the off chance that a background check would be done. She knew that by now, Castrucci would have done just that. Whoever did the check would see that she had arrived in Half Moon Bay two months earlier from Chequotah, Oklahoma when she bought the house.

She sat the gun and the box of ammo off to the side and looked at the cell phone. It was her direct link, her lifeline, to Laura. She turned the phone over and smiled. Taped to the back was a note reminding her to set the answering machine.

She laid the phone down and picked up the two envelopes sitting at the bottom of the box. The first one contained a stack of personalized business cards, along with the Castrucci estate address. The second envelope had a credit card with her new name on it, and money. She counted out three grand in twenty-dollar bills. She gathered up the contents of the box and went back inside to search out the answering machine. It didn't take long-she found it next to the toaster and coffee maker and recorded a message.

She took her gun and the box of ammo and went back to her bedroom. She sat down on the side of the bed and loaded the clip. She opened the top drawer of her nightstand and slid the gun beneath a stack of magazines.

Back in Was.h.i.+ngton, she hadn't been sure of what to pack and finally decided that it wouldn't be much, since she needed to update her wardrobe. Therefore, it didn't take long to put away the few things she had brought. She grabbed her favorite pair of flannel pajamas and a t-s.h.i.+rt and headed off to the bathroom for a much-needed shower.

Once dressed, she ran a comb through her hair, went into the kitchenette, and grabbed a beer out of the fridge. She took a swig and dropped down on the couch as she s.n.a.t.c.hed the remote off the coffee table. She flicked through the stations until she found Law and Order.

She spent the next several days exploring the area and getting familiar with the camera equipment. At night, she would take the cell phone, along with her dinner, and go out on the patio to check in with Laura. After the phone call, she trolled the internet for area newspaper archives tied to Castrucci and the Ma.s.sino crime family.

Tommy drove the limo down the trash-strewn street and past several buildings that were burnt to the ground. He stopped in front of one that should have been condemned years ago.

"We'll be back in a couple," Sonny said as he and Big Tony got out of the car.

Big Tony looked at the building with disgust. "This place is a dump. I don't understand how people live like this."

Sonny led Big Tony past an a.s.sortment of cars perched atop concrete blocks and stopped at the front door leading into the building. "Yeah, it's definitely not my cup of tea, but it's a diamond in the rough."

"It better be," Big Tony said as they climbed the creaking stairs. "It smells like p.i.s.s in here," he grumbled. He took out a hanky and covered his nose, taking care to step over a drunk pa.s.sed out on the second-floor landing. "What floor did you say he's on?"

Sonny glanced down at the paper in his hand. "Third."

"Figures," Big Tony said as he continued to climb up the steps leading to the third floor. "Man, I need to get in better shape," he said, gasping for air.

Sonny walked past him and stopped in front of the second door. "Here it is," he said, wrapping on the door with his knuckles.

Inside the tiny apartment, Billy Smith pushed open the bedroom door and walked over to the small blonde-headed girl sitting on the edge of the bed. He crouched down on the floor in front of her. "You sure are pretty, darlin'. You remember what Daddy told you?" he asked softly.

She nodded shyly and continued to play with the pink ruffle at the bottom of her flowery dress.

Billy laid his hand over hers. "These men are really important to Daddy, and I want you to be a good girl, okay? All right, I'll be right back and then we can get some ice cream." He left the room and walked back to the front door. He took a deep breath and opened it.

"It's about d.a.m.n time," Big Tony said impatiently.