Fast Fingers...

[Angelus]

"No... you are not going to do it. I don't care what you say but you are not going to use yourself as bait to get Barton alone. He will find out what you are doing and try to kill you and I will not be there to stop him."

He looked up at her and knew that she wanted to get Barton. He had lied to her, betrayed her and she now wanted revenge which was a dangerous thing to be thinking of. But he was thinking the same thing as well, he wanted to kill Barton right now.

 

[Isolde]

Desiree crossed her arms in front of her and looked down at Marcus. She knew she had to win this argument. It was the only way to get the information they needed.

"Marcus...it's perfect. I call up Barton crying and going on about my partner dying....he comes to comfort me and I get the information we need from him. He will fall for it-you know that. His ego is too big for him not to."

"We need that info, Marcus and Barton is just waiting to fall into a trap. Besides, I can have Tom back me up."

"Come on, Partner...trust me. I can handle it!"

 

[Angelus]

"As long as Tom backs you up. I do not want you going in there alone as I don't trust Barton one bit, especially now. Just watch him because I have the feeling that he is the one that set me up and if he has the feeling that he is being set up by you then he will kill you without any sign of remorse."

He took Desiree's hand into his and said, "I just want you to be careful because I don't want to be the only one that was wounded becuase of this."

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Mac felt invisible in that moment. She felt like she intruding on a very intimate moment. She cleared her throat a little, they looked away from each other, it looked as though they were a little uncomfortable.

Mac thought about their situation. Obviously they knew this person, Barton. He was a part of whoever killed her family. He was her link to the killer, and she was going to find out what he knew. "I can help."

"What?" Marcus and Desiree looked at her.

"I'm going back with Desiree. I'm going back to my apartment. If the killer is looking for me then he will find me there. Maybe it will draw him or her out, if Desiree can't get Barton to talk."

 

[willywanker]

Tom had been standing in the door listening to the plans and he agreed with Desiree and he was sure he could protect his sister. But when Mackenzie said she was going back too.....

"Now, hold hold one damn minute. I can back up one of you, but I can't be in too places at once. Mac, I know you want and I know you NEED to help, but lets do this one step at a time." Tom crossed the room and knelt beside the chair where Mac was sitting. "I know your used to doing things on your own. You don't have to anymore. I don't want you to anymore. If I know you're in an unsafe place, I'm not going to be able to keep my mind on protecting Desiree. Please, Mac, I've already come to care a great deal about you and I don't want to loss you now. Let me do this with Des first and then I can me your back up. I'm the unknown in this plan. None of the cops in your house know me by sight, Des, so I can back up you. And I've never worked one of Mac's capers so no one there should know me either. We all want this to be over, but lets be smart, and do things one thing at a time." Reaching out, Tom took Mac's hand in his and said "Please, Kenzie?"

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Mac looked away from Tom, his eyes pleaded with her to understand. Kenzie, no one had ever called her that before. She had always been Mac.

"Tom you don't understand. He knows something, I know he does. I can't just sit here and not do anything," her voice was soft. She knew somehow that he would win this argument.

"Kenzie, look at me." Something in his voice compelled her to look, and she did, deep into his eyes, "For once in your life you are going to have to trust someone other than yourself. My mother and father will look after you, they will help keep you busy and give you lots to do, and I promise I will call you and tell you what's going on."

She didn't want to agree, she wanted to find what she was looking for and get on with her life. Her sigh was deep, "Okay. I'll stay."

 

[Isolde]

Desiree looked from Marcus to Mac, knowing that neither one was going to be happy sitting here at the ranch doing nothing. She looked over at her parents who had been silent during all of this and saw they werent too happy about thier only children going into something like this but they knew that this was something they had to do.

"Look, if it will make things easier, we can set up HQ here and you and Marcus can monitor us. I will wear a wire and we can have the reciever here in case anything goes wrong, you can call the Captain and he can come in and rescue us."

"That way we have more than one avenue of escape..should we need it and we can tape anything else he tells me."

 

[Angelus]

"I still don't like the idea of this but you want to do this and I know that I am not going to be able to stop you so I will be monitoring you every step of the way and if I feel that it is getting too nasty then I will call the captain in a second. But please tell me that you will come back to me in one piece as I don't want to be the only casualty in this and I don't want to have to tell your parents you were wounded."

Marcus then looked over at Desiree's parents and saw the shocked look on their faces before saying, "She will come back in one piece- that I promise you."

 

[willywanker]

"Damn right she will" responded Tom. "Somebody tries to mess with my baby sister and I'll unload a can of whop-ass on his head!" That drew tight lipped smiles around the room.
"Okay, sis, I've got a friend who's gone into private security. I can borrow all the survellience gear we need from him. I'll call him and set it up, then you can make your call and see if we get a bite."

Tom looked back at Mackenzie, "How about you and I go for another horse back ride later this afternoon? We can't set this up until tomorrow and I can't just sit here all day. What do you think? I bet we could even talk Mom into packing a picnic lunch." The smile on Mac's face was enough of an answer for Tom. And Mom was already headed into the kitchen. "I know I've got some ham salad I fixed yesterday, let's see what else I can come up with" she muttered to herself as she left the room.

 

[Isolde]

Desiree smiled at Tom's comment. She felt better knowing he was backing her up but she was really nervous going into this against one of thier own...even if it was scum like Barton. A cop would know all the tricks and she hoped she was good enough to pull this off.

Looking down at Marcus and his worried expression, she leaned down and kissed him tenderly-the hell with whoever was watching.

Lifting her head she smiled at him and said,"I promise that I will come back. I wouldnt want the Captian to have to go through the hassle of finding you another partner now would I?"

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Mac headed out to the barn, following close behind Tom, who carried the picnic basket his mother had prepared. Mac smiled. Sara Ashford was amazing. She reminded Mac a lot of her own mother.

"Think you can handle something a little more...spunky than the mare?"

She smiled at him, "I can handle anything you throw at me buster." It felt good to be able to smile again.

"Better watch it there Ms. hot stuff. That sounds like a challenge. You can have, Coal. He's in the last stall on the left."

"You name your horse Cole? Is he more human than horse?"

Tom planted his hands on his hips, and gave her a mock glare, "Not C-O-L-E. C-O-A-L, like the black stuff you burn for heat, makes diamonds after a few million years. He's black as sin, so we called him Coal. Now, saddle up, and I'll give you the ride of your life."

 

[willywanker]

Tom could just see the top of Mackenzies head in the last stall. "Oh, yeah, be careful, he likes to puff up when you cinch up your saddle." Mac laughingly called back, "Just what kind of horse are you putting me on?" she asked.
Tom returned her laugh. "Well, he is ALMOST as hard headed as a certain lady who is about to ride him" he chuckled, "but also like her, he has a lot going for him."

He started to add more then realized that saying you can ride him all day, or talking about the horses clean lines sounded a lot like double meanings and he didn't want to push things, not yet anyway. "What were about to say" Mac asked? "Oh, nothing really. So you ready? Need a hand up?"

Tom turned to see Mac astride Coal, waiting for him to finish saddling the gelding. "You want to go back to the lake or would you like to see more of the place? I'm Tom and I will be your tour guide today" he quipped as he hauled himself into the saddle.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

"Well Tom, who is going to be my tour guide today, why don't you show me around, and we can head to the lake after that. I feel like giving Coal a run for his money."

Tom tipped his hat, and Mac laughingly put out a hand to stop the horrible immiatation she knew would follow, "Please, not John Wayne!"

Tom gave her a mock look of horror, "You mean, you DON'T like my John Wayne impressions. I'm hurt." He lead his horse past her, and she heard him chuckle. "Come on, little lady, show me just what you can do." Before she could repremand him for the bad impression, he kneed his horse, sending him racing over the plains and away from the barn.

Mac followed suit. She felt the wind in her hair, the sun on her face, and she realized that she might just be falling in love with the man in front of her. Could it be true? Could the infamous Devil's one weak spot be a cop?

 

[willywanker]

Tom knew he needed as much of a head start as he could get. Head to head, the gelding and Coal were an even match but the gelding was carring a heavier weight than Coal. He kept glansing over his shoulder as the flew across the field. A quick turn, and a jump across the creek and the trail narrowed, Tom pulled back the reins and droped to a trot. He looked back just in time to see Kenzie jump the creek, her hair flowing in the wind.

"No fair" she yelled, "you had a head start and I didn't know where we were going." Tom laughed and asked "Do any of us really know where we are going?" Mac snickered and replied "Well, if you are lost on your own farm, we got real problems."

As they talked, the horses had moved along side each other and Tom impulsivley leaned over and planted a soft kiss on Mac's pretty mouth. "What was that for?" Mac asked. "It was for trusting us, and it was just because I've been wanting to do that for about 3 hours already this morning. That Okay with you?" he replied. Mac retreated slightly back into her shell, then thought better of it and smiled. "Yeah, that is Okay with me" she said and she meant it. There were still lots of things to work out, but for now, it just felt right, to the both of them.

"Now, tour guide Tom, where is this beautiful picnic spot you keep promising?" she asked, then followed up a narrow trail up the side of a steep hill. At the top of the hill was a small clearing, surrounded on three sides with trees, and the other opened up to show the country side for mile.
"You were right, tour guide Tom, this is a beautiful picnic spot," she teased. Tom reached up to help her down from her horse. Her foot tangled in the stirrup and she fell into him, knocking him off balance and they both landed on the ground, Mac laughing on top.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

She smiled down at him, her eyes dancing with laughter, "I always knew I was meant to be on top." The innuendo was there, she had meant for it to be that way.

Tom put his hands behind his head, deciding to play the game with her. "Well, miss high and mighty, what are you going to do now that you are there?"

Mac's smile turned michevious as she lowered her head and pressed her lips to his. His kisses had always been sweet and gentle. Her kiss was neither. Mac ran her tongue along his lips, licking and teasing until he opened to her. Her tongue invaded his mouth pulling back and invading again. She caught his groan in her mouth as his arms surrounded her and pulled her closer to his hungry body.

 

[willywanker]

Tom was enjoying the pleasent feel of her weight pressing against his body, her chest smashed against his. He enjoyed the banter back and forth, the innuendo, the teasing looks. But when her tounge slipped into his mouth, his instincts took over. His arms wrapped around her to pull her close. He groaned into her mouth, the sound pulled from the pit of his stomach by the raw urges coarsing thru his veins.

He rolled over so that they were laying side by side and his mouth slipped from her lips, to trace back up her cheek, stopping to nibble her ear, then down her neck, nibbling, licking, kissing where her neck met her shoulder, her hair flowing back to expose her white skin. His arm slid down til his hand could cup the cheek of her ass, pulling her close against him while he kneeded the firm ass encased in the tight jeans. Her moans mingled with his as her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him back up to her lips, their tounges dueling, dancing, darting in and out of each others mouths.

Macs hands on each side of Toms face at first pulled him in tight for a kiss but just as suddenly pushed him back. Tom did not understand the look of confusion on her face, but he was gentleman enough to back off and try to see what was going thru her mind. "Uhhhhh, everything ok, Kenzie?"

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Her hands were still tangled in his hair, and she could only stare at him. Was anything wrong? No, a voice whispered her head, nothing is wrong except that he's a cop and you're a thief. What if he regrets it?

She sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees, resting her head on them and looking off into the distance. Tom just sat there patiently waiting for her to continue.

"Tom, this feels so right, sometimes I wonder if I'm dreaming."

He sighed, "Why is it that I hear a but in there somewhere?"

"But, I don't know if it can work between us. Sooner or later, I'm going to have to turn myself in. My identity will come out when we catch the killer. I don't want your reputation ruined because you were involved with me." She got up and started brushing herself off, "I think we should just forget everything, and go back to the way it was before we met each other."

Mac turned and started walking toward Coal, walking away from the best thing that had ever happened to her.

 

[willywanker]

"Wait, Kenzie, Please stop" Tom called and started toward her. "Desiree and I have already talked about this. I asked her to talk to you cause I wasn't sure how to start. We have a plan, if you are willing to go along."

Mac turned to Tom, her eyes moist, but fighting the tears. "How can this work, Tom. I'm a theif, you're a cop?"
Tom reached out and pulled Mac into his arms. "The only question I need for you to answer for me is this, Do you plan on continuing to be a theif? Please, before you answer, hear me out. Des and I have worked out a plan to return the jewels you have stashed in your lock box. They will just turn up at the scene of another robbery and can be returned to their owners. The money you got from the insurance scams, we don't care about. And you and I could take your knowledge of getting thru security systems and start a security business. You wouldn't have to give up what you know, just leave out the theift part. It will all work, but the question goes back to, can you give up being a thief. If you can, I think I want to spend the rest of my life with you, if you can't, I'm one broken hearted son of a bitch."

All the time Tom had been speaking, he had held Mac tight to his chest. He loosed his hold on her so he could pull back to look into her eyes. The look of confusion there said she was still trying to digest what he had said. He waited for her to speak.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

"I...I..." the words she wanted to say wouldn't come out. Mac cleared her throat and started again, "The only reason I was a thief was to catch my family's killer. I always intended to return the jewels."

The breath left her lungs as Tom's arms squeezed her a little tighter, and his mouth covered hers.

 

[willywanker]

Tom felt such a rush as he heard Kenzie's words. She was willing!!!! They had a chance at a real life together!!!!!"Aghhhhh, Tom, I can't breathe" Mac gasp. Tom realized he had had her in such a bear hug she could get her breath. "I'm so sorry, it just you can't believe how much I wanted to hear you say that." Tom said.

Mac caught her breath. "I was surprised to hear you say you were alright with everything. But you know, we will still have a lot of things to work out." Tom nodded his head, "Yes, I know, but at least we agree on the first step. Why don't we pull out this lunch Mom packed, we can talk while we eat, then I'd really like to go back to the lake. Oh, damn, forgot my swim trunks again." The twinkle in Tom's eyes told Mac what Tom really had in mind for the old swimming hole!!!!!!!!!!

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Mac raised an eyebrow at his comment. "Why don't you get the basket, and I'll lay out the blanket."

Tom winked at her and tipped his hat, "Sure thing m'am." He walked towards his horse, smacking her on the rump lightly as he passed.

Mac swung around and gaped at him. He was definately in a playful mood. She'd get him back later, maybe a nice cold splash of lake water would cool him off.

They set up the picnic together, and ate as they bantered back and forth. Mac even got up the courage to tell a little bit about her family. He didn't comment, knowing it was hard for her, but just sat and listened patiently. When she was finished, he held her in silence, as they let their food settle.

"Well, Mr. Wayne, how about a little dip before we head back?"

Tom got to his feet and held his hand out to help her up, "Well little lady, I thought you would never ask."

"I swear Tom Ashford, I'm going to drown you in the lake if you don't give up that horrible impersonation!"

 

[willywanker]

Tom laughed and ducked as she threw the last bit of her sandwich at him. She took his hand and he pulled her to her feet. They finished repacking everything, tightened the cinches on the saddles and mounted up for the ride to the lake.

Tom couldn't believe he was so nervous. Okay, yes, he was planning on taking advantage of the fact they would again be nude in the lake. And no, he didn't really think Kenzie would have it any other way. So why was he nervous? It wasn't like this was his first time and then it hit him. It mattered because this would be the first time with the woman he now realized he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He was sweating thru his shirt and it was a warm day, but not that hot.

At a wide spot on the trail, Kenzie rode up along side Tom.
She glansed over at him, sitting tall and straight on his horse, then as she looked again asked "Tom, are you alright? You don't look so good." Tom tried to laugh it off. "OOOhhhh, thats how it is, huh, I don't look good? Well, just how bad do I look?" Tom replied, then pulling his hat lower on his forehead added "Little Lady."

Mac reached over and swatted him. "Would you quit, already. No, you look good, well, okay anyway" she teased. "I wouldn't be TOOO ashamed for you to meet my friends." she added, laughing. The tension Tom had felt had vanished. He couldn't wait to get to the lake. And he really couldn't wait til Kenzie started removing her clothes again.

 

[Angelus]

Marcus got up off the couch and walked over to the back door and out onto the porch then sat down on the large swinging chair there and looked out at the scenery. This place was truly beautiful and he was glad that he was here to look at it. He then heard a noise and looked up to see Desiree standing there, looking at him. He smiled at her, "Would you like to share this chair with me and enjoy the scenery or do I have to sit here all alone."

When she shook her head and he sighed then look out and said, "I just figured out what I would miss if I had been killed and it makes me look at what is truly important so I have something that I have to tell you."

 

[Isolde]

Desiree was startled by the tone in his voice. She had been so wrapped up in the fact that she was nervous as hell about what they were going to do that she hadnt stopped to think about what Marcus must be going through.

"Idiot," She breated herself,"Now who's not acting in a partner-like way. Anyway you look at it."

Walking over, she sat down in the chair and, although she wanted to lean against him and have him put his arms around her, she simply sat. Not only because of his injuries but because she knew that he had to say what he needed to without any distractions.

Looking up into his eyes she smiled trying to keep her own nervousness hidden and said,"I'm listening, handsome. Whenever your ready to talk to me."

 

[Angelus]

Marcus sat there, suddenly feeling extremely nervous but he knew that he had to say this or he would lose his nerve. He turned and looked at Desiree and took a deep breath, "Desiree, you know that we have been partners for a long time and probably know each other better than anyone else. It is true that we have only been a couple for less than a month and during that time I have been knocked over the head with a blackjack and then shot. But it has made me realize exactly what is important to me and the one thing that keeps on coming up is you and I know that I can't live without you in my life anymore. So, I know that this is sudden and I wish that I could ask you any other time- especially now but I have to ask you this- Desiree, will you marry me?"