Ash glared at the road as she idly drummed her fingers on the steering wheel deep in thought. It was after 11 and she had hoped Lauren would have called by now. Maybe she’s still asleep. She thought hopefully. Her mood had progressively darkened the farther she got from Seattle. From Lauren. "Snap out of it, Gray!" she barked. "You’re acting like a lovesick teenager!"

Her frowned deepened. She couldn’t help it. She missed Lauren. She had the overwhelming desire to call Lu and tell her she was sorry, but she just couldn’t make it and turn her truck around and race back to Seattle. She shook her head in denial. No, she had promised Lu she’d help and she owed her. Owed her a lot more than simply helping her take down one measly bond jumper. Her mind flashed to Texas and waking up in a hospital bed with Lu grinning down at her.

_________

She opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times to clear her blurry vision. "Damn drugs," she growled as she raised her left hand to the keyboard and awkwardly keyed in her password. She noted with satisfaction that her cell phone was still plugged in so she had access to the Internet. She smiled as she logged on and opened her email account. Not surprising there were quite a few messages. Two from Rob, a fellow bounty hunter, probably wondering if I finally managed to get myself killed, she smirked. Five from an overly anxious Benson wanting to know what the hell happened and what the hell was she doing in Texas of all the gods’ forsaken places? She chuckled at that. She awkwardly typed one handed a quick reply to both Rob and Benson to tell them she was fine and would be coming home soon. Her eyes scanned down the list of messages and froze on the 1 urgent from none other than her baby brother. She closed her eyes and swallowed trying to force down the well of emotion that one message brought. After a few minutes to regain her composure she opened her eyes and clicked on the message. It was 2 lines:

_________

Ash was snapped out of the past by the sound of her cell phone ringing. She shook her head to banish the memories and took a deep calming breath before answering the phone.

"Gray," she said in voice lacking inflection.

"Ash?" a tentative voice asked.

Ash’s face split into a grin at the welcome sound of Lauren’s voice.

"Hey, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?" Ash asked her voice warming. She realized that she was entering the outskirts of Spokane and glanced quickly at the clock. Damn! I spaced out for over an hour? Not good, Gray. Not good at all!

"I slept very well, thank you. Of course waking up alone sucked," Lauren said with censure.

"I’m sorry, Lauren, but you looked so sweet that I didn’t have the heart to wake you," Ash apologized softly. "Did you get my note?"

"Yes," Lauren said with love evident in her tone. "I loved the rose. Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

"I can’t believe you entrusted me with your guitar, Ash," Lauren said reverently.

"Couldn’t be in better hands. Besides, I won’t need it while I’m here in Spokane. I’d rather you hung on to it for me, because then I’ll know it’s safe," Ash asserted. Like my heart, her mind added silently.

"I’ll keep it safe until you return, Ash, I promise," Lauren vowed.

"Good. Weren’t you going to lunch with Rachel?"

"Yeah!" Lauren laughed. "But she’s late, so I thought I’d give you a call while I was waiting."

"Oh, so I’m just good for killing time?" Ash teased.

"What? No! Of course, not!" Lauren assured indignantly. "I’ve wanted to call you since the moment I woke up! But I knew if I did, I’d never get anything accomplished today. I’d rather sit on the phone and just listen to you breathe than do anything else. So, I figured calling you while waiting for Rachel gave me a safety valve. When she arrives, I’ll have to let you go."

Lauren’s words washed over Ash like a healing rain. She felt invigorated and her good humor was totally restored by just the sound of her love’s effervescent voice. "I see. Well, that makes sense. Does that mean you’re only going to call me right before you dash off somewhere?" Ash asked trying to sound wounded.

Lauren giggled. "No. I was planning on calling you before I go to bed, so your voice would be the last thing I heard as I drifted off to sleep."

The image of Lauren lying in her bed flashed across Ash’s inner eye. She could see Lauren in an over large t-shirt snuggled down in her bed with her hair slightly mussed. Her vibrant green eyes growing heavy with sleep and her angelic face graced with a gentle smile as she hung up the phone. She cleared her throat as the vision caused a lump to rise.

"I’m looking forward to that," Ash cleared her throat and replied in a low, amorous voice.

"Me too," Lauren whispered fervently.

A long pause of silence ensued as each fought down the surge of longing to be with one another that flowed over them.

"Are you in Spokane yet?" Lauren asked breaking the emotion-laden silence.

"Just pulling into town," Ash sighed, wishing she was just pulling into Seattle instead.

"Promise me you’ll be careful," Lauren implored.

"I promise to be careful, Lauren," Ash vowed with a smile touching her lips at Lauren’s concern. "I believe I have a date for Halloween that I’d be loathe to miss."

"Yep. And I’d be terribly angry if you stood me up!" Lauren warned with a laugh. "So you better start thinking about your costume and get your sweet self back here."

"Yes, ma’am," Ash quipped.

"Rachel’s here, so I better go. I love you, Ash. Take care of yourself since I’m not there to do it for you," Lauren said lovingly.

Ash chuckled. "Say hi to Rachel for me and tell her to watch over you for me. I love you, Lauren. I’ll talk to you tonight."

"Okay. Love you, bye."

"Bye," Ash said softly as she reached out and clicked off the phone.

Spotting Lu’s exit up ahead, she turned on her blinker. Guess I should tell her I’m here. She drove down the exit ramp and stopped at the red light. She quickly dialed Lu’s number and drummed her fingers idly as she listened to the rings. Four rings. Five rings. She frowned at the phone. Doesn’t she have a machine? On the seventh ring she clicked off the phone. Well, I guess I’ll go over there and camp out in her driveway until she shows up. Not like I have anything better to do! Ash was irritated at Lu and knew she was being unfair, but she had other places she’d rather be. Lu not being around when she knew she was coming into town around now really pissed her off.

She frowned as she turned in the direction of Lu’s house. "You better have a damn good explanation, Darkcloud. That’s all I gotta say," she growled as her blue eyes narrowed and went cold.

***************

"Hey, lovebird. You ready to go get some chow?" Rachel asked as soon as Lauren opened the door.

"Sure. Just let me grab a coat," Lauren replied with a woebegone look on her face.

"Geez! What’s the matter with you? Someone die or something?" Rachel queried as she leaned against the doorframe and watched Lauren grab a jacket wearily and trudge back towards her. "Oh, I can see you’re going to be loads of fun today." Rachel rolled her eyes as she stepped back into the hall.

"Sorry, Rach," Lauren apologized as she endeavored to lift herself out of the melancholy mood that had befallen her as soon as she had hung up the phone. "I’ll work on being a little more upbeat."

"Uh-huh," Rachel said doubtfully.

Lauren locked her apartment and gave Rachel a weak smile. "Where do you want to go?" Lauren asked as she walked down the hall with Rachel at her side.

"Don’t care as long as they have coffee and women to ogle," Rachel said waving her hand dismissively.

Lauren laughed. "You are such a horn dog!"

"Yep, I am. And damn proud of it too," Rachel stated buffing her nails on her shirt and batting her eyelashes at her flirtatiously.

Lauren slapped her shoulder playfully and giggled. "You are out of your mind."

"Mmm, probably," Rachel agreed. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I mean I am friends with you after all!"

"Hey!" Lauren protested and reached out to grab Rachel.

Rachel dodged and laughed as she barreled down the stairs with Lauren in hot pursuit.

The two made their way to one of their favorite haunts, the Lavender Bean coffee house. Rachel kept up a steady stream of commentary on the various women in the establishment and their wardrobe as they ate their lunch. Lauren tried to get into the spirit of things, but was having a hard time shaking the depression that had settled over her. She missed Ash so much that it was like a physical ache. Rachel watched her surreptitiously throughout the meal and worried.

When Lauren sat back with a satisfied sigh and patted her stomach, Rachel decided the serious discussion could now begin.

"So, now that the beast is sated," Rachel commented, eyeing Lauren’s stomach. "Can we talk about what the hell has got you so far down in the dumps that I’m amazed you can see daylight?"

Lauren gave her a guilty look and tried on a smile. "That bad, huh?" she asked sheepishly.

Rachel nodded emphatically. "Oh yes! It’s that damn bad! So you going to tell me what the hell is going on or do we have to play twenty freaking questions?" Rachel demanded as she leaned forward on the table to give Lauren a no nonsense look.

Lauren sighed. "I miss her, Rach. I miss her so damn much it hurts!" she lamented hugging herself in anguish.

"Ash?" Rachel asked with compassion in her eyes as she scooted her chair closer to Lauren.

"Who else?" Lauren asked with a wry grin.

"I thought you just talked to her before we came to lunch?"

Lauren nodded sadly. "I did. It only made it worse."

"Oh," Rachel said nonplussed. She didn’t know what to say. She had never felt that way towards anyone and wasn’t sure how to pull Lauren out of her funk. "She in Spokane yet?"

"She was just pulling into town when I talked to her," Lauren answered. "It was really good to hear her voice. I told her I would call her again before I went to bed."

"Okay, so what’s the problem? Other than wishing she was here?"

Lauren shrugged. "Nothing."

"Okay," Rachel said dragging out the word. "New topic. What happened last night?" She waggled her eyebrows suggestively causing Lauren’s face to brighten.

"We had dinner," Lauren said smugly watching Rachel out of the corner of her eye.

"Argh!" Rachel groaned as she pulled her hair in mock frustration. "You better tell me more than that, girlfriend, or I may be forced to kill you!"

Lauren giggled, but relented. She told Rachel about walking into the romantic setting that Ash had painstakingly conjured and how she thought she was going to pass out from sheer happiness and surprise. She told her about the champagne and the toast with a dreamy expression. She skirted over the part where she almost ripped Ash’s clothes off and Ash’s withdrawal, believing that was private and really no one’s business but theirs. She had reached the part about dancing when her narrative came to an end as her mind took her back to the blissful dance and the entrancing sound of Ash’s voice as she sang her love to her.

"Earth to Lauren! Come in, Lauren!" Rachel urged as she shook her friend who was obviously caught up in a fantastic memory and she wanted to know what it was! "Yoo-hoo? Lauren?"

"Hmmm?" Lauren asked dreamily as her eyes started to refocus on Rachel’s bemused but annoyed face.

"You want to share with me where you just went?"

"Oh! I was just remembering something," Lauren replied as she picked up her latte and drank. She set her drink down and looked at her expectant friend with quiet happiness. "Did you know Ash can sing?"

"Sing?" Rachel said perplexed. "No. She can sing? What does that have to do with dancing?"

Lauren beamed. "She played Martina McBride’s song ‘I Love You’ for our first dance and she sang it to me while we danced. Her voice is so… so… sensual. I thought my heart was going to burst, Rach. She looked at me with those baby blues and sang and I thought I had died and gone to heaven, since nothing that romantic happens in real life. Right?"

Rachel shook her head in astonishment. "Tall, dark and dreamy can sing?" she asked dazed. Lauren nodded. "And she sang a love song by a country chick that I take had some meaningful lyrics?"

"Oh yeah!" Lauren enthused, nodding her head. "I have the cd. I’ll play it for you."

"Okay," Rachel agreed. She fell back in her chair and let out a deep breath. A thoughtful frown marred her features as she asked once again. "She can really sing?"

Lauren laughed. "Oh yeah! She could probably make a killing as a recording artist!"

"So why hasn’t she?" Rachel asked confused. "I mean if she’s that good, why not take advantage of it? She already plays guitar. Seems the next logical step for any true lesbian musician!" Lauren gave her a confused look. Rachel rolled her eyes and explained. "You know, the biggest fear known to man?" Lauren shook her head. "A lesbian singer with an acoustical guitar!"

"You are a total nutball," Lauren announced as she shook her head at her friend’s logic. "For your information, Ash says it’s too personal. She only sings when the mood strikes her."

"Guess you’re mood material!" Rachel teased suggestively, giving her a sly wink.

Lauren’s face heated up at the comment. "Yeah, I guess so," she admitted bashfully.

"So, did you sleep in your own bed last night or…?" Rachel asked leaning forward avidly.

"I slept with Ash," Lauren said not offering any more details.

"And?" Rachel prompted scooting closer.

"And… I thought I already told you I wasn’t going to go into this with you?" Lauren asked sitting back and crossing her arms over her chest giving her a stern look.

"Oh come on! At least tell me the bare bones!" Rachel begged giving her a pleading look.

Lauren grinned. "Oh, okay," she relented. "We kissed and I got to feel up close and personal how fantastic that body really is." Rachel nodded eagerly and Lauren could have sworn she was about to start drooling.

"And?"

"And we cuddled and went to sleep. I woke up to find her gone, but with a single white rose resting on her pillow and a note," Lauren replied with an enigmatic look on her face.

"So did you or didn’t you?" Rachel asked.

"Did we do what?" Lauren asked being purposely obtuse to make Rachel stew in her own juices.

"Damn it, Laur!" Rachel swore in frustration. "Did you do the belly bump? The horizontal hustle? The ever popular, perpendicular polka? Or not?"

Lauren burst out in laughter. She patted her chest and closed her eyes as the images Rachel’s words had invoked danced across her mind. "Geez, Rachel! Could you be a little more crude?" Lauren finally managed to ask.

"Hmmm." Rachel contemplated the question as she stroked her chin. "I’m sure I could. Would you like me to give you a few more euphemisms?" Lauren quickly shook her head no. "Alright then. Spill it or I will be forced to embarrass you further!"

"No," Lauren stated.

"No?" Rachel clarified.

"No."

"And that would be because…?" Rachel prompted motioning with her hand for Lauren to go on.

"It wasn’t the right time," Lauren answered. "Can we talk about something else now?"

Rachel gave her an aggrieved look, but then shrugged. "Sure. How about Halloween?" Lauren nodded in agreement. "When’s Katie going to get here?"

"She’ll be here the morning of the 28^th. Jody and Val’s party is that night at 8 since Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year and they thought they’d get a better turn out if they held it on the Saturday before. You’re still planning on going with us, right?" Lauren asked as she began to relax now that the interrogation was over. She loved talking about Ash, but sometimes Rachel got too personal. Besides she would never believe the truth even if I did tell her! I can still hardly believe it! But when the time is right… I know it will be magical.

"Yeah," Rachel nodded. "Have you figured out what you’re going to tell her about Ash?"

"What do you mean?" Lauren asked the confusion evident on her face.

"Are you going to tell her that you and she are seeing one another," Rachel explained patiently.

"Of course! Why wouldn’t I?" Lauren asked not understanding why Rachel would ask. It seemed pretty obvious to her. "Katie knows I’m gay. It’s not like it’s going to come as a shock."

"She knows you’re gay in the abstract, Laur," Rach said her face going serious. "But she’s never seen you with anyone. Do you think she’ll be okay with it? I know for a fact that you’re not going to be able to hide your feelings for Ash, so you better decide whether or not your baby sister is going to flip out or not before she gets here."

"Oh," Lauren said when understanding dawned. She absently played with her latte as she thought about it. Would Katie freak? She didn’t think so. When they had talked about it, Katie had seemed cool about the whole thing, telling her she had a couple of gay friends at school and it was no big deal. "I think she’ll be okay. I think I may have a few problems now that you’ve brought it up though!"

"Like what?"

"Now I’m going to be hyper-aware of every move I make around her! Thanks, Rach. Thanks a lot! As if I didn’t have enough problems," Lauren said in an aggrieved tone, shaking her head.

"Oh, I have no worries," Rachel said dismissively with a wave of her hand. "Tall, dark, and dreamy will give you one look with those baby blues and you’ll lose all rational thought and just react!"

"Gee, Rach, I’m glad you have such a high opinion of my self control!" Lauren remarked as she placed her hand on her forehead and wailed, "I’m crushed!"

"Yeah, right," Rachel snorted. "You know I’m right. Ash will do that sexy thing with her eyebrow and you’ll swoon. Katie would have to be blind not to see that you’re head over heels in love with her!"

"Okay, okay, you’re right," Lauren agreed with mock sadness. "As usual."

"Yep. So, is Katie staying with you?" Rachel asked giving her an inquiring look.

"Of course. Where else would she stay?" Lauren asked. "What are you getting at, Rach?"

"Hold your horses, I’m getting there," Rachel replied. "So, if Katie’s staying with you, then where is Ash staying?’

"At Ben and Louis’s I guess," Lauren said as her puzzled frown turned to one of consternation. "Oh!"

Rachel nodded as Lauren came to the same conclusion she had earlier. "Yeah, you have a studio and I really don’t think you’ll want to entertain Ash at your place with your sister sleeping 10 feet away on the couch."

"Oh shit! What am I going to do, Rach?" Lauren pleaded. "I can’t have Ash stay at my place with Katie there! And I can’t leave Katie alone and go over to Ben’s to sleep with Ash!" Lauren blushed at the admission. "Can I?"

"Well, she is 18. So technically she’s an adult, Laur," Rachel rationalized. "It’s not like she needs a babysitter or anything."

"I know, but geez!" Lauren sighed in exasperation. She ran her hands through her hair in frustration as she tried to think of a workable solution. "What would Katie think if I handed her the keys to the apartment and told her I was going to go stay with Ash?"

"That you were damn lucky?" Rachel offered giving her a smug look.

Lauren swatted her shoulder. "Rach!" she gaped.

"Well, that’s what I’d think. Why shouldn’t she?" Rachel stated logically. "I mean if I had the choice of spending the night with my baby sister or with a sexy, gorgeous woman, guess which one I’d pick?" Lauren stared at her wide-eyed. "Yep, the hot babe hands down! And if my sister loved me, she’d get over it!"

"You are incorrigible!" Lauren informed her. "I have no doubt that Katie loves me. I just don’t want to lose her respect."

"Come on! Give me a break here!" Rachel retorted. "Respect? What’s there not to respect? You love Ash and she loves you, so there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t sleep together and I have no clue why you think Katie would see it any differently!"

"I dunno, Rach," Lauren sighed as she tried to put her feelings into words. "I guess I’m afraid she’ll think I’m a… slut or something." She stared at her latte cup as she nervously began to pick at it. "I know logically she probably won’t think that, but…"

"But?" Rachel prompted quietly, sensing that Lauren needed to get this out in the open.

Lauren closed her eyes to be able to focus better on her emotions. "But part of me still sees her as that little girl who followed me around and wanted to grow up to be just like me. I guess I don’t want to fall from that pedestal she has me on."

"Lauren, look at me," Rachel demanded in a quiet voice.

Lauren opened her eyes to meet the concerned brown eyes of her best friend. Rachel reached out and took Lauren’s hand gently in hers. "Listen to me," Rachel said earnestly. "There is nothing wrong with loving Ash…"

"I know but…" Lauren interrupted. Rachel clapped her hand gently over her mouth to silence her.

"No buts. Katie is a smart girl and she loves you. She is not going to think any less of you for being madly in love with another woman. She’ll be ecstatic when she finds out you’ve finally found someone to cherish. Someone who looks at you with such adoration that it makes me wish I had someone who would look at me like that," Rachel admitted softly giving Lauren’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "Believe me, Laur, if anything, Katie will want to be even more like you after she sees you with Ash. Not less."

"You really think so?" Lauren asked hopefully as she worried her lower lip with her teeth.

"Yeah, I really do," Rachel affirmed, glancing at the clock. She stood abruptly. "Oh shit! Look at the time! I’m going to be late for my lab if I don’t move my ass!"

Lauren looked at the clock and sat back in shock. "Is it really almost 2?" she asked.

"Yeah. I gotta go," Rachel said. She eyed Lauren with concern. "You okay? I can miss my lab if you need to talk some more."

Lauren gave her a grateful smile. "Nah, get out of here," she said giving Rachel a gentle shove. "I’ll be fine. Besides I need to get back to my place and figure out what I’m going to tell my advisor at our meeting at 4, since I haven’t worked on my thesis all weekend and he’s going to want an update!"

Rachel gave her a surprised look. What’s this? Lauren the ever vigilant has been slacking? Rachel could hardly believe it. Lauren’s meticulous study habits and need to be one step ahead on her studies was one of the things that drove her absolutely batty when they shared a dorm room. Huh, guess this whole thing with Ash really has thrown her for a loop if she’s letting her studies slip. "Boy, you must really be in love if that’s the case," Rachel said shaking her head in amusement.

"Get out of here before you’re late!" Lauren chuckled as she pushed Rachel towards the door.

"I’m going!" Rachel stated as she fended off Lauren’s playful shoves. "I’ll call you tonight, okay?"

"Okay. I should be home," Lauren agreed. "If I’m not it’s because I got swallowed in the bowels of the library never to be heard from again!"

"I promise to send out a search and rescue mission if I haven’t heard from you by morning," Rachel said solemnly giving her a cheeky grin.

"Go!" Lauren demanded giving her one final shove.

"Bye!" Rachel sang over her shoulder with a wave as she hurried out of the coffee house.

She was half way across the street when her eye spotted someone standing in the doorway of the bookstore across the street. She turned to get a better look, but the person must have gone into the store. She frowned in thought. If I didn’t know better, I could have sworn that was that bitch Judith! But what would she be doing hanging around down here? It’s not exactly her scene. She shrugged dismissively deciding it was probably just someone who looked like Judith. She unlocked her car and got in knowing she would have to bend the speed limit to get to her lab on time.

****************

Ash sat on the porch of Lu’s house absently playing her mandolin as she waited for her erstwhile friend to appear. She was glad she had stopped and grabbed a bite to eat since it was going on 4 o’clock and there was still no sign of Lu or Sheila. Her thoughts kept returning to waking up with Lauren in her arms and she couldn’t contain the contented smile that spread across her usually stoic features. She had slept soundly again. Just like she had the night before with Lauren’s warm and comforting presence in her arms. So, it wasn’t a fluke! There is something about her that allows me to just let go and totally relax. I have a feeling I’m not going to sleep that well without her. She sighed with regret and her hands unconsciously plucked out a dirge.

Ash looked up when she heard a car coming down the street. She watched as the red Sable pulled in and her brow creased when she saw that Lu was driving and looked upset. She quickly replaced the mandolin in its case and rose to walk down the steps.

Lu climbed out of the car and gave her a distracted wave as she hurried around to the other side and opened the passenger door to help Sheila out. Ash was surprised to see that Lu was dressed in a maroon cable knit sweater and black dress pants instead of her usual ensemble of black tank top and cargo pants. Shit! She’s even wearing loafers! Something is definitely up. Ash watched as Lu wrapped her arm around Sheila’s waist and gently led her up the walk.

"Lu, honey, I’m fine. Quit fussing," Sheila argued as she gave Lu a fond smile.

"The doctor said for you to take it easy," Lu said stubbornly as she continued her solicitous behavior. "So, I’m going to help you into the house and up to bed."

Ash’s annoyance at Lu for not being here when she arrived was quickly alleviated by that statement. One elegant eyebrow rose in question as Lu’s eyes came up to meet hers.

"Hey, Ash. Come on in. I’ll be with you in a sec," Lu said as she ushered Sheila by.

"Hi, Ash. Nice to see you again," Sheila said peeking around Lu to see her.

"Nice to see you too, Sheila," Ash replied as she followed the pair into the house.

Lu escorted Sheila up the stairs. Ash stepped out on the porch and grabbed her mandolin case, bringing it inside and setting it next to the recliner. She was worried about Sheila. Obviously something was going on. She just hoped Lu would fill her in when she came back down. She sighed and sank into the recliner to await Lu’s return and hopefully enlightenment.

Fifteen minutes later, Lu trudged down the stairs. Ash noticed with a smirk that Lu had taken the time to change back into her normal attire. Lu walked into the living room and leaned on the back of the couch. She studied Ash with an unreadable expression causing Ash to raise one eyebrow in question. Lu shook her head. "So, I see you made it," she said drolly.

"Mmm, I was here a little after noon," Ash stated flatly as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I do believe that was the time I told you I’d be here?"

Lu glanced down and nodded apologetically. "Yeah. Sorry about that, Ash," she said as she picked idly at the couch.

"You want to tell me why you had to take Sheila to the doctor?" Ash asked in an even voice.

Lu sighed and came around the couch. She fell back onto the couch and kicked her feet up to rest on the coffee table. "Sheila was having some pain and was spotting. So we thought it would be a good idea to get it checked out."

Ash hid her bewilderment at the explanation behind her stoic mask as her mind furiously processed the information. Spotting? Pain? Now what does that mean? What condition goes with those symptoms? Her eyes widened slightly when the answer came. "Are you trying to tell me that you’re going to be a mommy?" Ash asked dryly.

Lu fidgeted under her regard and finally blurted, "Yeah! You got a problem with that?"

"No," Ash stated calmly.

Lu sat back and blew out a long breath. "Sorry, Ash. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m just a bit frazzled," Lu apologized as she rubbed her eyes.

"It’s okay," Ash replied eyeing her friend closely. "Is Sheila all right?"

"Yeah," Lu grinned as she opened her eyes and gave Ash a proud grin. "Everything’s fine. She just needs to take it easy for a couple of days. Doc said it’s not uncommon for this kind of stuff to happen, but to be safe to just try and reduce the stress level."

"I see," Ash commented and then a wicked grin crossed her face. "So, you want to tell me how you managed to knock her up? Last time I checked you needed a penis for that!"

Lu laughed. "Yeah well, it’s amazing what modern medicine can accomplish!" Lu replied her eyes shining with happiness. "My brother donated and we did the artificial insemination thing."

"Guess that means you’re serious about this one," Ash said mischievously.

"Obviously!" Lu smirked.

"Aren’t you a little old to be thinking about being a parent?"

"Hey! Who you calling old?" Lu asked indignantly sitting up and pulled her feet from the coffee table to rest on the floor with a thump. "I’m only 41, Ash! I’m not ready for the rocking chair just yet!"

Ash chuckled and held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, you’re not too ancient, I guess," she agreed.

"Besides, Sheila wanted kids and she’s only 28," Lu defended as she leaned forward and rested her forearms on her knees giving Ash a shy smile. "So, somehow she talked me into it and that’s that."

"You are so whupped!" Ash teased her eyes twinkling in mirth.

"I am not!" Lu defended as she frowned. "Am I?"

"Certifiably!" Ash intoned with a nod. "I never thought I’d see the day that the mighty Darkcloud bent under the yoke of domesticity!"

"Yeah well," Lu gave her a helpless shrug and a wry grin that made Ash chuckle.

"I’m happy for you, my friend," Ash said sincerely letting a small smile touch her lips.

"Thanks," Lu grinned widened with happiness. "So, you want to be the godmother?"

Ash’s eyebrow went up. "You can’t be serious?" she asked stunned.

"Yep!" Lu said with glee. She hardly ever got to turn the tables on Ash and she was loving every minute of it. "I already talked to Sheila about it and she agreed that you’d be an excellent choice."

"I… I’ll think about it," Ash stated still dazed with the revelation that Lu would entrust her child to her.

"Good," Lu said with a grin. She glanced at her watch and said, "So, I guess we better discuss what we want to do about Sullivan."

Ash pulled herself together and focused on Lu. "You going to keep risking your neck after the baby is born?" she asked flatly.

Lu’s face registered surprise. "Umm, no. Actually this is my last take down," she replied. "My uncle is retiring and I’m going to take over his bail bond business. Nice cushy desk job."

Ash was relieved to hear that Lu was getting out of the business. She didn’t want to think about Sheila and a newborn having to be told that Lu went and got herself killed. "That’s good to hear," Ash replied. "So, what do you know about Sullivan and his whereabouts?"

Lu and Ash spent the next half hour going over everything Lu had on Randy Sullivan and the people he was likely to be with at the club. The club was on the seedier side of town in an area that was known for violence and rough trade. Ash interrogated Lu thoroughly until she was sure she had all the details she would need to take down Randy Sullivan and any of his cohorts.

"You still licensed?" Lu asked when Ash finally sat back with a satisfied smile.

"Yes," Ash nodded. "I kept it current. Plus I still have my Fed credentials."

"Oh?" Lu asked curious. She knew that Ash had worked with the FBI on the Campus Killer case, but Ash had never shared any details.

"Yeah, from that time 6 years ago when I freelanced to the feds on that serial killer case," Ash explained. "Agent Ferraro, the head of the Behavioral Science division, was impressed with my work and sent me down to Quantico for a crash course," She shrugged dismissively. "So, I have a badge, though technically I don’t work for them. Ferraro said it was just so it would be easier for him to call on my services again if he needed them. Wouldn’t have to fight through the red tape with the higher ups."

"Wait!" Lu demanded with an incredulous look on her face. "Are you telling me you’re a fucking card carrying FED?"

"Umm, yeah," Ash shrugged giving her a chagrinned look.

"Holy shit," Lu groaned stunned by the revelation. "Is that how you ended up in Texas? Because this Ferra…Ferrari… Ferra-whatever asked you to go?"

"Ferraro. He called me about it and sent me the jacket," Ash stated with nonchalance. "I looked it over and told him I’d go take a look, since his boys weren’t having any luck."

"Fuck," Lu swore as certain things about the whole incident finally made sense. "Guess that’s why the media never got a hold of you, huh? The feds told them to back off. They didn’t want it publicly known that they had sent a freelancer to do their jobs!"

"Mmm, something like that," Ash agreed. "So, when do you want to head out to the club and watch for Sullivan to show up?"

Lu gave her a blank look and then grinned. "Oh, I figure we should be there around 10 or so. I doubt he’ll show before 9 and I don’t want to go in after him," she said as she stood. "So, I guess we have some time to kill. You got your rig with you?"

Ash stood and raised an eyebrow. "So little faith, Lu?" she asked dryly.

"Well, you have been out of the game for awhile," Lu stated deprecatingly. "And I seem to recall you having to run to answer your phone last time I called, because you didn’t have it on you." She smirked. "Seems the wolf may be slipping a bit."

Ash let her gaze go cold as she stared at Lu. Lu’s eyes widened and she took a step back. A slow feral grin fell across Ash’s chiseled features and before Lu could move she found herself on the floor with a predatory Ash standing over her. She fearfully glanced up and let out a sigh of relief when she saw Ash giving her a cocky grin.

"Still think I’m slipping, Darkcloud?" Ash asked amusement coloring her deep voice as she offered Lu a hand.

"Umm, no," Lu stated as she shook her head and accepted the hand. Ash pulled her easily to her feet and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "You know, one of these days that ninja shit isn’t going to save you."

"Ninja shit?" Ash commented with amusement. "Well, it comes in handy when you’re up close and personal, Lu."

"Yeah, but it won’t stop a bullet," Lu argued.

"Well, I’m not in the habit of putting myself in those type of situations," Ash chuckled. "I’m just a musician remember?"

Lu gave her an incredulous look. "Yeah right! A musician with lethal combat skills!" Lu stated as she turned her back and strode towards the kitchen. "You want something to drink?" she called over her shoulder.

"Sure," Ash replied delighted with the easy banter between them. She had forgotten how much fun Lu could be. She was easygoing and had a wicked sense of humor much like her own. Maybe I should tell her about Lauren? Ash mused as she followed her friend into the kitchen. I could really use some advice about…things. She felt the heat rising to her face and quickly strode to the door and looked out onto the neat backyard to hide the fact from Lu’s perceptive eye. She obviously knows about women and relationships. More than I do at any rate, which is squat!

"Hey? See anything of interest out there?" Lu teased, glancing at the broad back of her friend. She took a seat at the table and waited for Ash to join her. Hmm, something is definitely going on with her. She seems… different. I just can’t quite put my finger on what it is. She narrowed her eyes as she studied her reserved friend more closely. Ash’s shoulders sagged slightly as she sighed. Now… what?

Ash turned from the sliding glass door and met Lu’s inquiring look with a sheepish grin. She walked over to the table and slid into the chair across from her. She picked up the can of soda Lu had set before her with a nod of thanks and took a long drink.

"Lu, how did you know you were in love with Sheila?" Ash finally asked softly, studying the soda can in her hand.

Lu was startled by the question, but answered, "I just knew." Ash looked up and Lu saw that she was genuinely curious and… spooked? The ‘I’m too bad for my own good,’ Wolf is afraid of something? But what? Love? Hmm, must have met someone in Seattle. Interesting. Go slow, Lu, or you’ll scare her back behind those damn walls of hers. "My heart would beat triple time whenever she was near and when she smiled I thought my face would split with an answering grin. I couldn’t stop thinking about her when she wasn’t around and missed her so bad I thought I was going to die."

Ash nodded slowly at the description. Yeah, that about sums it up. That’s exactly how I feel about Lauren. "I… met someone while I was in Seattle," Ash said hesitantly. Lu gave her a reassuring smile and motioned for her to go on. Ash closed her eyes and found the courage to continue. "Her name’s Lauren. She’s… well, she’s amazing is what she is!"

Lu chuckled at the look of sheer wonder that came over Ash’s face. "So, what happened?" Lu prompted as she sat back and took a drink of her soda. She knew she needed to sound interested, but not too eager or Ash would clam up.

Ash ginned and her blue eyes danced with joy. "I spent every free minute I had with her!" she announced eagerly leaning forward. "I met her when Benson and Louis dragged me out dancing. Benson admitted he had set me up before we got there so I was expecting to meet a couple of his female friends. But what I wasn’t expecting was that one would be the kindest, warmest, most wonderful woman I have ever met!"

Lu laughed at the enthusiastic description. "So, what does she look like?"

Ash cocked her head as she brought forth an image of Lauren and her face beamed. Lu didn’t miss the smitten look but kept quiet wanting to hear what Ash had to say.

"She’s about…" Ash grimaced and then stood raising her hand to breast level, "this tall. She has short slightly wavy hair that’s the color of sun kissed gold. She has an athletic build and umm… curves in all the right places." She blushed at the admission and then continued, "She has the most beautiful and expressive green eyes! They look at me and I just about melt!"

Her eyes took on a far away dreamy look and Lu smiled. I knew that when you finally fell, my friend, you’d fall hard! I sure hope this Lauren is the real deal! "So, what did you guys do together other than dance?"

Ash came back to herself at the question and gave Lu a shy grin as she sat down. "We talked and I played my guitar for her," Lu’s eyes widened at that. "We… umm… ended up sleeping together while I was there."

"Sleeping together?" Lu asked slowly.

"Yeah," Ash replied. "She fell asleep at the end of the show and I carried her upstairs and then realized I didn’t have a key to her place so I took her to Ben’s and she slept with me in my bed. And she spent the night last night too."

"Ah," Lu said at the clarification. "So, you didn’t have sex with her?"

"No," Ash admitted softly studying her hands intently as they fidgeted with her soda can. "We kissed and stuff, but no."

"I see," Lu said as she studied her friend’s fidgeting. "Did you tell her how you feel?" Ash nodded and a cheerful smile reappeared on her face. "Did she tell you?" Ash nodded again. "And?"

"She told me she loves me, Lu," Ash sighed happily finally meeting her friend’s gaze. "And I love her too!"

"Okay," Lu smiled kindly. "So, did she not want to or…?"

Ash dropped her gaze shyly and shook her head in frustration. "It wasn’t her. It was me," she stated softly. "I… I froze and… and… well, she was very understanding and said that when the time was right it would happen!"

Lu gazed at her friend in wonder. She had never seen Ash so open and vulnerable. It was a little scary to see the stoic woman pouring out her heart to her at her own kitchen table. It felt very surreal and she was hoping she didn’t mess up and send Ash running.

"You want to talk about it?" Lu asked quietly.

Ash looked up and met compassionate hazel eyes. She did want to talk about it, but she was afraid to at the same time. "Yeah, I guess," Ash said.

"Why do you think you froze?"

"Because… because… I was just so overwhelmed with everything I was feeling!" Ash said as she pounded her fists on the table in frustration. "I felt totally out of control! And it scared the hell out me!"

"Ssh, okay. Calm down," Lu advised. Ash took a deep breath and nodded. "Do you want to make love to her?"

Ash gave her an incredulous look. "Of course I do, Lu! I love her so much it makes me crazy!" Ash declared running her hands through her hair in agitation. "She kisses me and I lose my mind! My body feels like it’s on fire and she feels so good in my arms, but damn it! I’m afraid that she’ll find out what I’m really like and leave and that would kill me, Lu." Ash said the last with such heart-rending conviction that Lu felt her heart skip a beat in trepidation.

"Have you told her about your past?"

"Some," Ash said staring at the table blankly. "She knows I was a bounty hunter. She said that was my past and made me who I am." She shrugged. "She said it didn’t matter what I did in my past, she loves me for who I am now."

"I definitely want to meet this woman!" Lu declared in fascination. "She sounds wonderful, Ash. From what you’ve told me, it doesn’t sound like she’s going anywhere." She waited for Ash to look up at her. She smiled reassuringly. "Just give it some time. Believe me, love is an overwhelming experience no matter how many times you’ve gone through it."

"Really?" Ash asked hopefully.

"Really." Lu said sincerely. "Trust me. I’ve been there. I felt the exact same way with Sheila." She chuckled wryly. "Hell! I still do! But it gets easier."

Ash sat back with relief. "Gods, I hope so!" she wished fervently. "Otherwise it’s going to kill me!"

Lu burst out laughing and slugged her playfully on the shoulder. Ash grinned and joined in the laughter. It felt good to laugh and Lu’s words had reassured her that her reactions were normal. Now, she just had to figure out how to relax and just let nature take its course.

"I’m going to go check on Sheila," Lu said as she stood wiping her eyes. "Then we can figure out what we want to do for dinner."

"Sounds good," Ash agreed as she got up. "I think I’ll go out to my truck and pull out my kit. It’s been awhile and I want to make sure everything’s in working order."

"Okay. I should be down in half an hour or so," Lu said as they walked out of the kitchen. "See you in a bit."

"Okay," Ash agreed as she watched her friend go up the stairs. Thoughts of seeing Lauren again floating to the surface of her mind and she grinned. She spun on her heel and began whistling as she headed for her truck to pull out her gear.

*****************

Judith pulled her coat more closely around her as a cold gust of wind blew against her meager shelter of the tree she was leaning against. She watched for the scrawny red head to appear. She knew sooner or later she would return home and she wanted to observe her unaware. She had seen her with that airheaded fashion victim friend of hers at the Lavender Bean, but had retreated into the bookstore when it seemed like her friend had spotted her. She didn’t want to be seen. Yet.

Her eyes narrowed in malice when she spotted her prey hurrying down the sidewalk headed for the back door of the building. What does my darling Ash see in you? She scrutinized Lauren with a jaded eye and was dumbfounded. She’s so… so perky and wholesome looking! Judith frowned. And so short!

Alexi is shorter, her mind pointed out.

Shut up! This has nothing to do with Alexi! She cursed her inner voice vehemently. Alexi is just a means to an end. It doesn’t matter that she’s short. But this… this girl has somehow won my darling’s heart and I want to know how!

Maybe she just loves her for who she is and not for what she can give her, the voice stated logically.

Judith laughed condescendingly. Oh, that’s rich! Everyone wants something, my dear. Our annoying little redhead is no different! Judith watched as Lauren opened the door to the building and paused. She glanced around the parking lot and then shaking her head went inside. You, my dear, are the one obstacle keeping me from reclaiming Ash. Without you around she will fall gratefully into my arms! Judith informed Lauren’s disappearing back.

Ash told you she didn’t want to have anything to do with you, Judith, the voice reminded her. Lauren not being around isn’t going to change that.

Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Judith howled at the voice as she grabbed her head and shook it violently. You don’t know what you’re talking about! Ash will be devastated when that scrawny girl disappears without so much as a good-bye! And I, an evil smile crossed her lips as she anticipated the moment, I will be there to pick up the pieces of her heart and console her. Oh yes, I will.

The voice remained silent knowing that Judith was beyond listening to reason.

So, my dear Lauren, you’ll just have to go, Judith stated matter-of-factly as she turned to walk back to her car that was parked on the next street over. Yes, somehow, someway, I will remove you from Ashlin’s life and then she’ll be mine!

People turned to look at the lithe blonde when she let out a bone chilling cackle. She seemed oblivious of the furtive stares as she unlocked her car and got in. She drove away still laughing and plotting how to get rid of the annoying redhead.

********************

Lauren closed the outer door of the building with relief. It had felt like someone had been watching her out there, but she hadn’t seen anyone. She shook her head in dismissal and wearily trudged up the stairs. The appointment with her advisor, Dr. Stein, had been a real eye opener. She unlocked her apartment door and walked in kicking the door closed behind her. She sagged into her office chair and flipped on the computer. She leaned back and stared at the monitor as the machine booted up, but didn’t really see it. Her mind was back in Dr. Stein’s office and the conversation they had had.

_________

"Correct me if I’m wrong, Lauren, but the courses you’re taking this semester are just for your own enjoyment?" Lauren gave him a puzzled look, but nodded. "Hmm, so you don’t need the credits, correct?" he asked tossing his glasses on his desk and rocking back in his chair.

_________

The computer beeped and she blinked. Well, Laur, you promised Dr. Stein you would work on your thesis. There’s no better time then the present since it’s… she glanced at the clock… only quarter to 7 and I highly doubt Ash would believe you if you called her now and told her you were getting ready for bed! She grinned at the thought and then scooted her chair forward and began to work in earnest.

*******************

Ash rolled her eyes to heaven praying for patience as Lu began to hum tonelessly under breath again and tap the steering wheel. She turned her head and gave Lu an icy glare. "Lu!" she growled.

Lu jumped in surprise and looked at her. "What?" she asked grumpily.

"Would you please stop doing that?" Ash implored through gritted teeth eyeing Lu’s tapping fingers with annoyance.

"What?" Lu asked perplexed and then saw where Ash was looking. "Oh, sorry. I just hate waiting for something to happen."

"Are you positive they’re in there?" Ash questioned gazing back out the window at the strip club they had been watching for the past hour.

"Yeah, my boy Raul saw Sullivan go in with two of his cronies," Lu confirmed.

"Who are the other two?"

"Jeff Hixson and Larry Belmont," Lu said. Ash raised an eyebrow in inquiry. "Hixson is the usual deadbeat. On parole for petty theft and assault, 27 yrs old, 5’8", weighs in at about 160, black crew cut hair, brown eyes, and tattoo of a snake on right bicep. Belmont on the other hand is a real loser. Been in the pen twice, both times for assault with intent. He’s big, Ash. Stands 6’5" and weighs in at close to 350. Luckily that’s mostly blubber and not muscle, 42 yrs old, mousy blonde hair also in a crew cut, beard and mustache, blue eyes, and a tattoo of a swastika on left pec. Nice, huh? My buddy, Branigan said he’s run this yahoo in before. Says he’s a real piece of work. Thinks Hitler was a god. Believes in all that white supremacy crap."

"Mmm," Ash murmured as her eyes narrowed in thought. "So, I take it Belmont’s the ringleader and the other two are his stooges."

"Would be my guess," Lu shrugged as she observed Ash. She was always fascinated to watch as Ash’s sharp mind took the problem apart and came up with the most amazing solutions.

"Well, I think…" Ash was cut off when her phone rang. She frowned slightly as she pulled it out and looked at the display.

Lu noted a ripple of pleasure mar the perfect calm of Ash’s face when she saw the display and then it was gone and the emotionless mask was back.

Ash flipped open the phone, "Hey, sweetheart," she said in a soft voice. Ash saw Lu’s smug grin and turned her back slightly to her to give herself some privacy.

"Hi!" Lauren’s voice washed over her and she fought the happy grin that was trying to surface.

"Hey. You getting ready for bed?"

"I’m already in bed and it feels pretty lonely without you here."

"Sorry to hear that."

Lauren sighed. "It’s okay. At least I have your t-shirt to wear. It smells like you."

Ash couldn’t fight the crooked grin that snuck onto her face at the comment. "I hope it brings you sweet dreams," she said in her low melodious voice.

"Oooh, I love it when you do that!" Lauren enthused.

"Do what?" Ash smirked in the same voice.

"Make your voice go all low and growly. It sends shivers down my spine," Lauren said in a slightly husky voice.

"How was your day?" Ash asked acutely aware of Lu listening intently behind her.

"Oh, it was fine. I met with my advisor, Dr. Stein. He suggested I drop my class load and focus on my thesis."

"Can you do that?" Ash questioned, surprised by an advisor actually telling a student to drop classes.

"Oh sure. I was just taking them for fun, honey. I don’t need the credits," Lauren reassured her. "He said if I dropped the classes I would have more time for extracurricular activities too."

"Extracurricular activities?" Ash frowned. "Are you going to play a sport or something?"

Lauren laughed.

"What’s so funny?"

"I’m sorry, honey," Lauren apologized fighting down her giggles. "No, I’m not going to play a sport. The extracurricular activity he was referring to was you."

Stunned silence. Ash stared out the window blindly as she tried to grasp what Lauren had just said.

"Ash? Honey? Are you still there?"

"Yes, I’m still here," Ash replied slowly as she shook off her shock. "Did he really say that?"

"Oh yeah! I almost swallowed my tongue!" Lauren confirmed with amusement.

"I’ll bet," Ash chuckled.

"So, how are things going there? Have you solved Lu’s problem yet?"

"Working on it right now," Ash stated.

"What kind of problem is it? Maybe I can offer some advice and get you back here that much sooner!" Lauren offered cheerfully.

"It’s work related," Ash stated her voice cooling.

"Oh," Lauren murmured in a subdued tone.

Ash could have kicked herself. "Sweetheart, if I thought you could help, I’d tell you," Ash asserted trying to convey her sincerity and appreciation of the offer.

"What does Lu do?" Lauren asked in a quiet voice.

Ash pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes trying to think of what to tell her. She didn’t want Lauren to worry and knowing she was about to go apprehend a known wife beater and child rapist was probably not the best dream material. "Lauren, sweetheart, I’ve got to go," she finally said.

"Okay," Lauren replied quietly. Ash could have sworn she sounded like she was about to cry and berated herself for evading the question.

"Sweetheart, I’ll tell you everything when I get back, okay?" Ash promised in earnest.

"I’ll hold you to that, Ash," Lauren said fervently. "Be careful and know that I love you."

"I love you too, Lauren," Ash said as she mentally sighed in relief. "Sweet Dreams."

"Good night," Lauren said softly and hung up.

Ash clicked off the phone and leaned back resting her head on the back of the seat. She blew out a deep breath and turned to Lu. Lu was scowling at her and her eyes were flashing in anger. "What?" Ash demanded in an even voice.

"You know very well what!" Lu retorted. "You didn’t tell her what you were coming here to do did you? She has no idea that you’re helping me apprehend this scumbag! How could you do that, Ash?"

Ash felt her anger flash at the accusations. "Why should I have told her, Lu?" she growled turning in her seat to face Lu’s angry countenance. "So she can lay in bed and worry?" Lu opened her mouth to reply, but Ash rode right over her. "I won’t do that to her, Lu! There’s no reason to tell her that I’m back bounty hunting again. Besides, it’s just this one time and then I’m through!"

"Nice rationalizing, Wolf!" Lu barked purposefully using Ash’s old nickname. Ash stiffened and her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Watch yourself, Darkcloud," she warned in a cold voice, her blue eyes flashing with repressed rage.

"You lied to her, Ash. Plain and simple," Lu stated with conviction, not backing down from Ash’s cold stare even though her heart was doing its damnedest to climb up into her throat.

"I… did… not… LIE!" Ash said her voice ending in a roar.

Lu swallowed her fear and confronted her. "You most certainly did. By omission." Ash glared at her with rage filled eyes, but Lu saw the flicker of doubt. "You told me she knows about your past and is fine with it. So why didn’t you tell her the truth?"

"She accepts my past, because that’s what it is. My past," Ash explained through gritted teeth as she reigned in the rage and stuffed it back into its cage. "To her, I’m a musician with a dark past who is struggling to overcome it. What do you think she’d do if I told her I was back on the job?"

"Do you really have so little faith in her?" Lu accused vehemently.

Ash was stunned speechless by the question. Did she? No. It wasn’t Lauren she doubted. It was herself. She felt the adrenaline high and the allure of the chase the moment they had left Lu’s house. The siren call had lured her back and she relished it. She was afraid she would become addicted to the danger and excitement again and not want to give it up. The thought left a bittersweet taste in her mouth.

"Ash?" Lu asked unsure how Ash would react. She had watched as Ash’s eyes had turned inward and the emotional turmoil swept across her face. She was afraid that maybe she had pushed Ash too far this time.

Ash finally glanced up and her blank mask was firmly in place. "Let’s get this over with," she said in a flat voice.

Lu nodded. Ash yanked off her jacket and threw it in the back seat. She pulled the tie out of her hair and ran her fingers through it to make it fluff out and fall in waves down her chest. She unbuttoned the top 3 buttons of her shirt and pulled it down to expose her cleavage. Lu watched in fascination as the level headed, stoic bounty hunter transformed into a sexy, alluring woman in a matter of moments.

"What are you doing?" she asked incredulously.

Ash turned from her primping in the mirror and gave her a suggestive half smile and a flirtatious wink. "Why, I thought I’d go on in and see if I could find me a real man to satisfy my needs," she announced in a high suggestive voice.

Lu blinked. "Umm, okay," she said slowly.

Ash let the act dropped and one elegant eyebrow rose. "I thought I’d go check out the scene and if all looks good I’ll see if I can lure them out and we can get this over with," she explained in her normal clipped voice.

"Oh, okay," Lu agreed nodding in understanding. "Do you want me to go with you?"

"No. Sullivan might recognize you. You’re my ace in the hole. They won’t be expecting you when I lure them out. Give me about 20 minutes and then be ready," Ash replied as she opened the door and stepped out. "Besides, I really can’t see you playing the seductress."

"That’s not what Sheila says," Lu retorted.

Ash winked and slammed the jeep’s door. She sashayed towards the club and Lu watched her go marveling at Ash’s ability to take on any persona and make it believable. She watched Ash disappear into the club and leaned back to wait the prescribed 20 minutes before getting out of the jeep. Besides, it’s cold out there and I might as well be warm while I wait, she decided.

_________

Ash stopped just inside the entry of the club and let her focus narrow to her objective. The musician, the vulnerable caring woman that Lauren loved, the doubts and insecurities all faded away to be replace by the predator. The wolf surfaced in all her savage glory and was on the prowl and smelled blood in the air. Ash stepped into the dim, smoke filled room and paid the cover giving the bouncer a coy wink. She glided into the club and made her way to the bar as she scanned the room for Sullivan and his buddies. She spotted them sitting ringside. Figures.

"What’ll it be?"

Ash flipped her hair over her shoulder and gave the bartender a slow sexy smile. "Mmm, are you on the menu?" she purred leaning against the bar to show off her cleavage to the best advantage.

"I could be," he leered as he ogled her breasts.

"What time do you get off?" she asked emphasizing the last words in a sexy, low voice. Her blues eyes raked him up and down as she ran her tongue suggestively over her upper lip.

"Not until 2," he pouted.

Men! They are so damn easy! She thought smugly. "Oh, too bad," she said with pity. "I don’t think I can wait that long, stud. Guess I’ll just have to have a whiskey sour and try my luck out there." She waved her hand to indicate the smoky room.

"Okay, sweetie, but if you don’t find anything you like, I’ll still be here," he advised grabbing his crotch in lewd invitation.

"Sure, stud. I’ll keep that in mind," she said and gave him a saucy wink. He leered and turned to make her drink. She smiled. Oh, this is fun! I forgot how much. She felt the flush of exaltation at her ability to still be able to manipulate men into doing what she wanted. Guess I haven’t lost my touch.

She scanned the room and let her eyes settle on her prey. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she watched Hixson harass the dancer with Sullivan and Belmont urging him on. She noted the bouncer frowning at the men and figured he would probably expel the drunken idiots any time now. I better hurry and make my move before the bouncer decides to throw them out and makes a scene.

"Here you go, sweetness. That’s on the house."

Ash schooled her features before turning and giving him a salacious smile. "Thanks," she purred her voice dripping with sexual promise.

"No problem! You just remember I’ll be waiting," he reminded her with lust in his eyes.

"I won’t forget," she said over her shoulder as she made her way across the club towards the three obnoxious drunks that were her intended victims.

"Hello, boys," she said in a low seductive voice.

Belmont turned at the greeting and found himself staring directly at the voluptuous breasts of a statuesque woman. His eyes drifted up and his jaw dropped at the sight of the most alluring woman he had ever seen. He felt his pants grow tight as his eyes met sapphire blue ones that shone with raw desire.

"Why hello," he smirked as he sat back to view her better. He was not disappointed. He ogled her with lust in his eyes. She had on tight blue jeans that hugged her very long legs and his imagination went wild with images of those legs wrapped around him. She had on a white oxford that was partially unbuttoned that gave tantalizing glimpses of her breasts as she moved.

Ash let a slow sensuous smile cross her full lips. She observed that she had all three men completely enthralled. She mused that poor Hixson’s eyes were going to pop right out of his head. The dancer gave her a thankful wave and moved down the stage to another group of horny men.

"So, what do you boys call yourselves?" she purred as she placed her hands on the table and leaned forward suggestively.

"I’m Bud," Belmont said ogling her cleavage and waved absently at his two buddies as he introduced them. "That’s Randy and Joe."

"Mmmm," she nodded as she met each man’s eyes as they were introduced and let loose the full power of her magnetic personality. "I’m Candice. But my friends call me Candy since I’m so sweet," she said waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

"I bet you are!" Hixson stated enthusiastically nodding.

"Why don’t we go somewhere and you can find out just how sweet?" she suggested giving him a coquettish look.

"Hey! What about us?" Randy bristled when the raven-haired beauty turned her charms from him to focus on Hixson.

"Oh, didn’t I say you could come too?" Ash asked, making her eyes go wide.

The three men stared at her and then glanced at each other. They all began grinning and stood.

"Lead the way, Candy, I believe me and the boys can show you a good time," Belmont leered sure of his own prowess.

"Oh, I’m sure you can," Ash purred as she turned and gave them a come hither look over her shoulder.

They scrambled to follow her out of the club. Ash’s eyes narrowed in anticipation and a feral grin touched her full lips as she led the unwitting slobs out the door.

Ash sensed Lu to the left standing silently waiting in the shadows of a doorway. She turned in that direction and gave Lu a jaunty wink as she called over shoulder. "Come on, boys, I can’t wait much longer!"

She strode past Lu and heard the men stumbling after her. When she cleared Lu’s hiding place she whirled with a spinning kick that connected to the side of Hixson’s head with a solid thunk. He fell bonelessly to the ground and before the other two could react Ash was on them.

Ash sent a roundhouse kick towards Belmont and felt the adrenaline surge through her in a wave of pleasure. Belmont threw up his hands defensively and managed to deflect the first kick but not the follow up. He spun with the impact and slammed up against the wall. Ash saw Lu step up behind the stunned Sullivan and pull his arms back in a wristlock and swept his feet out from under him. She knelt on his back and calmly cuffed him.

She turned her back on Lu seeing she had things well in hand when she heard Belmont roar and charge.

A small laugh passed her lips as she easily dodged his wildly flying fists. She step inside his reach and dealt him a few well-placed punches. He staggered back from the assault and she lazily sent her foot out in an arch to connect with his temple and send him to sleep. "Nighty-night," she said cheerfully as she watched his eyes roll back in his head and slump to the ground.

A gunshot shattered the night air. Ash’s eyes widened in surprise and she spun. She watched as Lu slowly crumpled to the ground in what felt like slow motion with a brown haired unshaven man standing over her with a satisfied grin.

"LU!" she roared and felt the rage descend. Her vision tunneled to the man standing over her friend and a red haze covered her eyes as she felt herself begin to move.

_________

Four hundred miles away Lauren sat bolt upright in bed her heart pounding with foreboding and terror. "Ash!" she wailed into the night.

CONTINUED IN PART 8