Fast Fingers...

[LittleRedDevil]

Mac felt like she was going to throw up. She was surrounded by cops, Desiree and Marcus of course knew who and what she was, but the other two, she had enough trouble trusting people without them being cops. What if they found out she was a theif? There is no if, a little voice whispered, they are going to figure it out sooner or later. Mac just prayed it was later.

She sat in the car while they all laughed and joked with each other. She felt like a deer caught in headlights. She couldn't move, she could barely breath. She had been in some messes before, but this one took the cake. The only question was how she was going to get out of it.

 

[Isolde]

Desiree's father put his arms about her and returned the hug while giving Marcus an 'we'll talk later' look. "Well, no one told you not to visit us, you know. We're only a few hours away."

Then her mother's voice is heard,"Good Lord, Ray, what have you been doing to yourself? You're nothing but skin and bones. I know, your job is making it so that you don't have time to eat, isnt it? A wind could practically blow you away!"

Desiree sighed and was about to speak when her father stepped in. "For goodness sake, Sara, let the girl be. She hasnt even gotten her luggage out of the car and you're already harping on her." Turning to Desiree he added,"The guest house and spare bedroom are made up. With Tom and your friends, we have a full house."

Tom-Desiree still didnt know what he was doing here. "Dad, what is Tom doing here? I didnt know he was on leave...."
Looking around for her brother, she found he was opening the back door for Mac, a broad grin of welcome on his face. "Hello, Little Lady," He said in his best John Wayne imitation,"What are you doing sitting back here all alone. The rule at the Ashford Ranch is that all are welcome. Now come on out and introduce yourself."

Desireee resisted the urge to slap her forehead with the palm of her hand and instead rolled her eyes heavenward. What was she thinking coming out here? This is the last place she was going to get control of anything. Then she heard her mother. Apparently, Sara Ashford had transferred her attention from her daughter to Marcus.

"Now, Young Man," She was saying as she slipped her arm around Marcus and helped him into the house,"Lets see what we can do about getting you better. You look terrible. Well, I know just what you need. We'll get you settled in the guest house and start feeding you some good homemade food. Not that stuff that comes out of the machines at the police office."

"I know what I'm talking about, I was a cop's wife for years...had to make sure Edward didnt exist on coffee and sandwiches. Once we get some meat on those bones, your body will be able to heal itself better. Watch that step....take it slow now."

Desiree almost laughed when she saw Marcus glance back at her with a plea for help on his face. She looked back at him with a smile and lifted her arms with a shrug. She had warned him before hand.

Walking to the U Haul with her father, she began to unlock the door when her father said,"And why would you be so worried about Tom coming to the ranch. He heard you were going to visit and decided to have his leave coincide with yours."

Laying a hand on the door and preventing her from opening it, he said,"Come on, Ray, talk to me. This is your Old Man talking-remember? You havent been able to put one over on me before....what makes you think you can now?"

 

[Angelus]

As Marcus was helped into the house all he could do is look back at Desiree and wonder what her and her father were talking about. He then heard her mother say, "So, how long have you and Ray been together?"

Marcus instantly looked at Desiree's mother in shock, "I ummm, what."

"How long have you to been partners."

"Oh, just under a year now. We have been working on this case for just under a year, umm-"

He then saw the look on Desiree's mothers face and knew that he had just made a huge slip up. She smiled at him and said, "Just call me Sara. You don't want to go around calling me Mom all the time."

Marcus started coughing at that and when he looked at Sara's face he saw the large smile there. She knew, if she had her suspicions before then she knew now and it was all his fault. She then led him into the main room of the house and told him to sit down. As soon as he sat down she disappeared but before she did she said, "So Marcus, let's get some food into you so that you can heal."

 

[willywanker]

Tom Ashford
6'2" tall, 205 pounds of pure cop
Wide shoulders, narrow hips and a bulge in my pants at the base of my spine where my hide-away gun is riding.

I had watched Des grow up and follow Dad and me into police work. She was good at it and my spies at her station house tell me that she and her partner are a well matched pair, each bringing something different to the table. What they hadn't told me was that they were involved. Just like Dad, it didn't take a detective to figure that one out. I understood her partner had to have some time to recupperate, he'd been shot after all, but why was Dess taking time off too and just who was the beautiful lady in the back seat that everyone seemed to have forgotten. Something didn't smell right here and both my cop and big brother instinct kicked in. I hadn't been sure why I had decided to take some time off, but now I was glad I had.

Watching Dad, Desiree, Marcus and Mom head into the house, I decided to start to figure this puzzle out with the piece that didn't seem to fit, the pretty lady in the car. I opened the back door of the car and bowed and immiatating my favorite western hero, John Wayne, said "Well hello little Lady. Now what are you doing sitting there all alone. The rules at the Ashford place is that ALL are welcome, so you just come on out and introduce yourself. As I straightened up, holding the gals hand as she got out, I caught a frightened glance from Desiree. Yep, this was getting interesting.

 

[Isolde]

Desiree had fended off her dad's questions with a promise to talk when they could do so privately. Struggling past the car and her brother, who was standing talking to Mac, she threw him a glare for not helping with the luggage. And muttered a prayer that Mac wasnt taken in with his charm enough to spill anything.

Her father was coming from the trailer with more and she went up the stairs and through the screen door. Dropping the luggage in the foyer hall, she looked into the large, comfy living room and gasped as she saw Marcus with a huge plate of left over fried chicken and biscuits in front of him on a TV tray. Her mother passed her with a large glass of lemonade and a pitcher of the fresh sqeezed juice.

"MOM!," Desiree protested,"For heaven's sake will you give the man some room to breath? I mean dinner is only a few hours away. He's not going to be able to fit through the station doors at this rate."

Her mother didnt even bother to look at her. "Hush, Ray, I know what I'm doing. He's been eating that hospital food for the last few days. You cant get healthy on that. You just go and unpack. I'll take care of your young man here."

"Mom," Desiree said in exasperation," He's not my young man...." Her mother turned her head and gave her the 'dont even try it' look and Desiree shook her head and gave up.

Turning around and walking out for another load, she wondered just what about her life she was going to be able to keep private.

[Edited by Isolde on 01-18-2001 at 02:38 PM]

 

[Angelus]

When Marcus saw the look on Desiree's face he knew instantly that she wasn't happy. They had only been here for just under ten minutes and already her parents had figured out that Marcus and Desiree were a couple. He then sat back and looked at the chicken and biscuits on the plate and the lemonade in the glass and instantly felt hungry.

He picked up a bit of chicken and took a bite out of it then grabbed the napkin that Sara had placed on the table and wiped his mouth on it. After that he took a sip of the lemonade and found that it was the best lemonade he had ever tasted.

He went to take another bite of the chicken but before he could Sara walked back into the room and sat down on the chair opposite him. He put down the chicken and after wiping his fingers smiled at her a second before Desiree's father sat in the other seat.

He looked at them both and thought Ok, here comes the interregation

 

[Isolde]

Desiree came out onto the porch and notices Tom was still standing by the car and trying to get Mac, who looked scared to death, to talk to him.

Looking over her shoulder, she noticed that her father had not come out after her and she could guess what that ment. He was being questioned by professionals. She was torn. Two people to rescue but she only had time for one.

Sighing, she left Marcus to his fate and went over to where Tom and Mac were standing. She tried to make her stride unhurried but she could tell that Mac wasnt doing well in the situation.

Sliding inbetween Tom and Mac, she looked up into her brother's blue eyes and tried to smile nonchalantly. "Her name is Mackenzie Jameson and she's a friend. She also hasnt met any of my inquisative family before so what say we cut her a break."

Turning to Mac, Desiree said,"Why dont you go grab your luggage and take it to your room. Up the stairs and the second door to the right. Cant miss it." Mac nodded and scooted off, seemly happy to get out from under the gaze of yet another cop.

Desiree watched her until she entered the house and then turned back to Tom only to find that she was being studied with that look cops give to suspects trying to squirm out from under the evidence.

"Look, Big Brother," She said in a matter-of-fact tone,"Mac has been having a hard time lately and she really doesnt need the third degree. Just lay off and let her have a rest, okay?"


[Edited by Isolde on 01-18-2001 at 04:39 PM]

 

[Angelus]

"So how long have you been on the force Marcus, you don't mind if I call you Marcus," Desiree's father said.

"Oh not at all, just as long as I get to call you Jack. And I have been in the force for about five years now."

Desiree's father, Jack looked at Marcus and said, "Not at all, seeming as you are such a good partner to my daughter."

Sara then slapped him across the arm and said, "Jack, lay off the boy. I think that he has had enough for one day."

"Okay Sara." He then leaned forward and said, "So, how long have you been seeing my daughter?"

"I don't know... so much has been happening to me that I can never tell the time. The best thing is that your daughter is with me."

"Now that is a good answer," Jack said as he sat back.

Just then Marcus saw Mac rush into the house and then up the stairs without a word and wondered what had happened. He knew that he had to talk to her later but he had to do it while they were in private, away from prying eyes. He then turned back to Desiree's parents who were looking at him with a less than approving look. He knew automatically what that look meant as he had seen it from Desiree when Mac had hugged him.

"She is a friend that is in trouble. Desiree thought it best to bring her along."

"Oh, so what is her problem?"

"I can't say, all that I can say is that it has to do with what happened to me."

Jack looked at Marcus with a pure cop look and automatically knew what Marcus had meant. Before he could say a thing though Marcus started coughing and Sara told him that Marcus had had enough. She then helped Marcus get to his feet and out of the house.

As soon as they were out of the house Marcus saw Desiree talking to her brother and knew it was a conversation that he didn't want to disturb so he walked with Desiree's mother to the guest house where he was told to lay down on the bed and get some rest.

Marcus then closed his eyes and the last thing he heard was the door being closed behind Sara as she departed.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Mac set her bags on the bed and looked around the room. It was small and wonderfully cozy. She didn't unpack. She really didn't think she would be staying long. Once they found out who and what she really was, they would kick her to the curb. Why would a family of cops allow a theif to reside in their home?

She thought about how nice a nap sounded, but decided it was time to face the music and introduce herself to her host and hostess, and their slightly intimidating son.

When she got closer to the bottom of the stairs, she could hear the sound of voices, so she headed in that direction. She entered what looked to be a small living area. For pairs of eyes turned to look at her. She looked for the pair that was the most familiar and smiled slightly at Desiree, "If you don't mind, I really would like to meet your family."

 

[Isolde]

I looked up as Mac came down the stairs. She was a brave woman. I knew she didnt really feel comfortable surrounded by cops but she had braved the lion's den admirably.

"Of course," I said, hoping my voice was cheerful and light. Somehow I doubted that I was fooling my dad and Tom though and the looks they threw me confirmed that suspicion.

Pointing to the people as I introduced them, I said,"Mackenzie Jameson, this is my mother, Sara Ashford, my father Jack Ashford and, of course you have met my brother-the charmer-Thomas Ashford."

When I introduced Tom, I saw that he was staring right at Mac. I just didnt know if it was a 'God, she's beautiful' look or a 'let's get her under the lights and see if she cracks' look. Both situations worried me.

 

[Angelus]

OOC: I'll play the father if that's alright

IC: Jack looked at the woman, Mac and saw that there was something she was trying to hide. He didn't want to pull it out of her as she was a guest of his daughter and he didn't want to hurt his daughter by doing something like that.

He walked up to her and smiled then said, "Come, sit down and relax. We aren't here as cops, we are just here as a family."

He sat down in the seat that he had occupied earlier and said, "Sara, get Mac some lemonade please, she looks parched."

 

[LittleRedDevil]

She smiled a little at Jack's gesture, and took the seat next to him. His son didn't look to be making an such gestures though. His eyes studied her, and she had the unladylike urge to squirm in her seat.

Desiree's mother handed her a large glass, and the cool liquid slid down her parched throat. "Thank you, maam. I hadn't realized how thirsty I was." Her mother just smiled.

"So, Mac, how do you know Ray and Marcus?"

Mac looked at her hands, "I am a waitress in the cafe that they frequent."

At least it was part of the truth. Mac could only wonder how long it would take before they found out the rest. She would hate for the look of scorn to cross their faces. Mac just knew she had to stick it out long enough for the killer to be found.

 

[Isolde]

OOC: Anybody know where my 'brother' went to? He did such a good post I hope he hasnt desserted us.

 

[Angelus]

OOC: I hope not because then the thread would probably hit a dead end.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

OOC: Woe is me! Woe is me! Will no one stay and play with us?

 

[willywanker]

OOC: Reaaly sorry, had a problem with my glasses, couldn't see to post. All Better and I'm not going anywhere.

IC: The family pow-wow broke up as the lovely lady, Mac, came down the stairs. My estimation of her character greww when she walked into the room and asked to be introduced, but the naggind doubt still lay just below the surface. The way Des had slipped between us and wisked her away, the fact that she said she was a waitressin a cafe they frequented, and they had brought her here because of problems she was having, it just didn't add up. I had to keep my mind on these things because I knew myself well enough to know that a woman that looked like this lovely lady did could soon have me forgeting everything. I tried to keep my mind on the conversation and looked at whoever was speaking, trying not to focus on Mac, What kind of nickname was that for a pretty woman anyhow?

Listening to the pleasentries, it was soon apparent that Des was not ready to tell us anything just yet and having grown up with her, I knew I wouldn't get anywhere with her. Marcus was out in the guest house and I thought I might visit him a little later. But for now, this mystery is starting to bother me.

"I'm going to saddle up one of the horses and take a little ride. I'll be home in plenty of time for supper, Mom" I said. Rising to leave, I looked back and as casually as I could ask "Do you ride, Mac? We have some beautiful country around here." I tried to avoid the daggers shooting from Desiree's eye's and focused on Mac. The room fell silent as everyone waited for her reply.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Mac smiled at the memory that popped into her head. She had begged her father to let her take riding lessons, and he had finally agreed. He thought it would improve her character.

"I do ride." She looked up at him, and almost blushed as she looked into his eyes.

"Would you care to join me?"

Mac knew she would have fun. "I...I..."

Tom just smiled, "I'll take that as a yes. I'll meet you in the barn in fifteen minutes."

Desiree's parents were smiling as Tom left the room. Desiree on the other hand was not. "I guess I should go and get changed."

Mac walked back upstairs and slipped on a pair of blue jeans and a sleevless button down shirt that she tied at the end showing a glimpse of her stomach. She thought about leaving her hair down, but decided on a pony tail instead. "Good thing I brought some boots."

She felt like a kid again as she made her way out to the barn. The day was warm, and she was going riding. She could already feel the wind in her hair. She walked inside, but didn't see any sign of Tom. "Hello?"

 

[Isolde]

Desiree sighed in frustration and massaged her temples as she felt the pounding begin. This was getting to be too much like work. What had she been thinking? She almost ran after Tom and told him to keep his distance from Mac but then decided not to. Mac was a big girl and could take care of herself-she hoped. And doing that would only increase his suspicions.

She knew her brother. He was persistant when he got ideas in his head and right now Desiree could almost hear the wheels churning in his brain. She was just going to have to make some private time with Tom to convince him to lay off. "Yeah, right. Dream on, Des," She told herself.

Sighing once again, she turned to her mother,"I'll help with dinner, Mom. You have alot of people to cook for tonight."

Her mother rose and waved a hand at her,"Oh, pooh! I love it and you know it. Besides, I think your father wants to have a private talk with you. Why dont you two go take a walk and check on those two cows that are getting ready to calve? I will have dinner done soon."

She was about to protest but then she felt her dad's large hand on her shoulder and his voice which was loving but no nonsense. "That sounds like a great idea," He said as he steered her out the door,"It will give us time to get caught up on everything that has been going on in your life, Ray."

Desiree closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This was not going well.

[Edited by Isolde on 01-22-2001 at 10:33 AM]

 

[willywanker]

I stopped by my car on the way to the barn and got my Python boot, my Stetson and my holster from my trunk. I pulled the automatic from the belt clip in my back and slipped it into the holster so I wouldn't loose it while we rode. I had always loved getting back here, had always had a little cowboy in my soul.

I the barn, I saddled my favorite, a tall gelding with a star on his forhead and three white stocking. Not knowing for sure just what kind of rider the pretty Mac might be, I moved to the end of the barn and started to saddle a mare that Dad had had for years. She was a cutting horse he used for shows so she had plenty of pep, but whe was still such a mild mannered horse, I thought she was a good choice. I heard movement at the front of the barn and looked thru the rails as Mac stood in the door. If anything, this outfit made her even sexier to me. Her tight stomach just peeked from under her sleeveless shirt and the jeans fit REAL well. The pony tail just set the package off. I was looking so hard, I almost jumped when she asked if anyone was there.

"Back here" I hollared, as I lead the mare out. She walked to meet us, her eyes checking out the horse and then moving to me. The corners of her mouth turned up as she asked "So do I get the John Wayne impersonation for the rest of the day?" We both laughed and I knew it would be hard for me not to like this gal, but knew I had to get some information. Maybe she wanted to tell, maybe thats why she agreed to ride. Well, we'd soon find out.

"Ready?" I asked and help her into the saddle, then climbed up on the gelding and we walked the horses into the bright sunshine.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

She had to admit, he was fun and charming, and very sexy in his stetson. If Mac wasn't careful, she was going to tell him all her dark secrets, and then he would hate her. How could a cop like a jewel thief?

"Ready?"

"Only if you are." He took the lead, and Mac followed, enjoying the sight of his tall form on his horse. She could hear the sounds of nature around her, and was instantly in love with the place. "Where are we going?"

Tom glanced over his shoulder, "That, little lady, is a suprise."

Mac had to cover her mouth to stop the laughter that pealed out of it. John Wayne was back. Yup, she really had to becareful around him.

 

[willywanker]

Looking back over my shoulder, it was easy to see that Mac had spent some time in a saddle somewhere. "You ride well, where did you learn to ride?" I asked, an innocent question, but hopefully, I'd get some idea of her background, where she grew up, something to start to fill in the pieces. The trail widened and I slowed up to allow her to bring her horse up along side mine. As I waited for her answer, my eyes followed their own trail, up and down a trail with some delightful hills and valley, one I really wanted to explore.

Damn, it Tom, keep your mind on what your trying to do, I reminded myself as I looked back at the trail ahead and suddenly remembered where this particular trail lead, the old swimming hole.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

"When I was six, I convinced my father to let me take riding lessons. I stopped when I was seventeen. God, I haven't been on a horse in years, but it's just like riding a bike, you never forget."

Mac cast a sideways glance at Tom. He seemed to be concentrating on the trail. She would have challenged him to a race, but she didn't know the trail, and the mare she was riding didn't stand a chance against his gelding.

"You never did tell me where we are going."

 

[Angelus]

As they walked along Jack looked at Desiree and said, "You have always been my little girl and you know that but I have to talk to you about your partner. Just listen, he seems to be a nice guy but he is a cop. It is alright that he is a cop as you have something in common but I am afraid that you might get that call in the night saying that he has been killed. Look at you now and he only been wounded, it's true that he has been wonded quite badly but what is going to happen to you when or if he is killed?"

 

[Isolde]

I sighed. I knew my dad was doing this out of concern but...
"Look, Dad, I know you are just concerned about me but did you ever think that it could be the other way too? Marcus could get a call that I was dead. Hell, you and mom could get that call about me or Tom."

"Besides, Marcus and I have been through all of that. We went over the 'what ifs' of this relationship. And, yes, I know that us being partners is not the best thing in the world but at least I can be there for him to back him up."

We came to the barn where the cows that were ready to deliver were kept and went inside. Leaning against the stall, I tried to explain to him how I felt.

"The problem is, Dad, that I have been letting my emotions get in the way of backing Marcus up. Thats why he is in the shape he is in. Thats why I am on forced leave from the force. Because I couldnt see my way around my emotions long enough to back up my partner."

"You know me. I dont get that emotional about guys. I mean look at the time I was dating the football guy at high school. He stood me up on the day of the prom. Did I go all emotional on him? No. I punched him out but not one tear was shed-not by me anyhow."

I heard him chuckle as the tenseness was broken by the long running joke between us. "Seriously though, Dad. Marcus flips so many switches in me that it drives me nuts sometimes. I have emotions I didnt even know existed from frustration to ecstasy and everything in between. I just dont know if he is going to be around long enough to explore these feelings with. You see, someone is trying to kill him and that is why I brought him here. I couldnt think of anywhere else to turn."

Well, the cat was out of the bag and I waited with baited breath for his response.

 

[Angelus]

Jack looked at Desiree, a shocked expression on his face and said, "Why didn't you tell me on the phone. I thought that he had been shot in a robbery attempt that he stopped but I am just now realizing how stupid that is because no bullet from a punk robbing a convenience store could go through a bullet proof vest. Okay, I am glad that you have told me but I have to ask this.... what do you need from me?"