Whole truth and nothing but

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

"The key for the desk is hanging on a hook behind it" I offered as I stood at the doorway "It had occurred to me your tastes might be of a different palate then mine and I came up to offer you a trip to a local but quite good fireside lounge"

And I found her up here instead a voice inside me finished silently, small bells ringing inside my head.

"I guess once a reporter always a reporter" I excused gently, my hand on the doorframe. "I'll be downstairs when you're done investigating"

I traced my footsteps back down the stairs and then to the door leading to the basement, pausing and wondering just what she was looking for. It didn't really matter but something inside me pulled tight when I thought of her sneaking around behind me.

The hard drive was out of the borrowed terminal and in my own and I clicked to its location, then entered the password to the familiar query and moved to the screen that displayed the list of files. It was all there yet as I had promised, names, lists, dates and breakdowns of the agents used in the "serum"

The floor above me creaked and knowing Jill was on the main floor I climbed the basement stairs and stepped into the kitchen.

"I'm going to boil some water,” I offered quietly, not looking at her as I spoke. "I have coffee and tea if you'd like either?" Filling the small glass pot I put it on the stove top and turned the gas on, watching the blue flame hiss around it’s base and crackle at the moisture.

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

His quiet acceptance of my intrusion made me feel sub-human. I stood up, never bothering to look in the desk. Will's question reverberated in my mind. What the hell had I been looking for anyway? The simple answer was I was desperate for something, anything to show that I shouldn't get involved with this man. Maybe I had even wanted him to catch me, to fly into a homicidal rage that would mean he was something I could never have feelings for. I dabbed at the tears collecting in my eyes with a crumpled Kleenex from my pocket.

Damn! Damn! Damn!

I knew I had to at least try to make things right. After almost running down the stairs, I quickly walked into the kitchen. Will came up the stairs and I stopped in the middle of the room, watching him. What I saw broke my heart. He didn't look at me as he quietly set about heating water, politely asking if I wanted something.

Shit!

If even half of what Will had said were true, this was a man life had dealt some pretty harsh blows, and tonight I had delivered a real roundhouse. I felt like shit. What could I possibly tell him? What could make things right? The only thing I could come up with was the truth, god help me.

"Will, look at me."

When he didn't, I walked over to him and put my hand on his cheek.

"Please. Look at me."

My voice was gentle but insistent.

Slowly, he turned his head to face me. The look in his green eyes cut me to the quick. So much raw hurt.

"I... I... I know you thought I was looking for dirt because I'm just a reporter, but that's not entirely true. The truth is I was looking for something, anything that would give me ammunition to combat these feelings I'm having for you. Will, I'm rapidly losing any sort of professional attachment here. Jesus Christ! Look at me!"

I impatiently swiped away the tears that had begun to spill down my cheeks.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

"I... I... I know you thought I was looking for dirt because I'm just a reporter, but that's not entirely true. The truth is I was looking for something, anything that would give me ammunition to combat these feelings I'm having for you. Will, I'm rapidly losing any sort of professional attachment here. Jesus Christ! Look at me!"

The words stung. Stung more than she knew and yet?

"I can't condemn you for anything, Jill, but this isn't about being a professional. I gave that up when I tested the blood and tissue samples of each patient and refused the hospital in telling their lies. They took my profession away that day and I gladly let them have it. If killing others deliberately for money is professional then I was better off the way I am. But I am a killer, I took the life of each of those women knowing they would die anyways, looking into their eyes and saying goodbye to them as life faded from them. It stopped being professional when I killed the first and promised her to either find a cure or at the very least stop the bastards from pushing their "wonder serum" past the FDA and into the public. I wished I never asked for the position as lead Doctor, wished I never knew of this drug and all it's incriminations. But I WILL NOT STOP WHAT I'M DOING."

I had spoken towards the now shrilly whistling pot, my voice becoming louder as its insistent scream did and I turned, bring the pot with me to the table and setting it down.

"I was a Doctor and used to people dying as I tried to save them. But I'll never get used to looking people in the eyes knowing I'm the one killing them and hearing them thank me for it. The look in their eyes will haunt me long after this is over and I'll die questioning myself if I actually did the right thing. Hate me if you need to Jill, if that's what it takes to get this over with and stop them, but don't worry about me."

I poured the water into two mugs, my hand calm, steady and I marveled at it. I had become the monster I feared the most and my body reveled in the feelings I had experienced with each woman.

"What you did was a simple mistake, all you needed to do was ask and I would have showed you, my deepest secrets are waiting downstairs for you as we speak. Why it bothers me doesn't matter, but why it bothers you is the issue, because without you I can't win this one. And I HAVE TO WIN, for them and the others that will follow if I fail"

And then it hit me. All the emotions I had refused, all the guilt I coolly set aside and I rose from the chair I had just sat down on and moved to the door and outside, walking to the trees and a spot I had spent many happier times at. The files below would tell it all, who they were, why I had begun this despicable chore and why it meant as much as it did to me.

Sobs came, then the anger...and with the anger my curses at the entity I had so wished would lend his hand and instead had left it to me. If this was being a god I understood why hell was created only too well.

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

Cold hard reality had slapped me in the face. I had just admitted my growing feelings for the man and he had completely ignored the declaration. Probably to help me save face. And how stupid of me to try and burden him with something like that. A woman's stupid emotional upheaval was the last thing he needed to worry about.

I looked at the door Will had just walked thru and then over to the basement stairs. Going after him would only make matters worse, so I chose the stairs, actually eager to see this evidence.

Pulling up a chair, I sat down in front of the computer. On the screen were the twelve names, the files of the doomed women:

Virginia Thompson
Courtney Wilder
Patricia Montgomery
Laura Bishop
Maria Gonzales
Elizabeth Gold
Allissa Mordeau
Camille Williams
Briana Clemons
Jill Butler
Jennifer Bechard
Barbara Pope

Seven women have died at my hands, Miss Devont. Five more will die before this is over.

This could not be right!

I clicked opened one of the files and the blood drained from my face as I scanned the contents. When I stood up, I almost knocked over the computer, but I didn't care. I stumbled out of the cottage, scarcely making it up the stairs.

Will was nowhere in sight, and I had no desire to see him. I ran to my car, fumbling in my purse for the keys. My hands shook, making it difficult to fit the key in the lock. I scratched the paint.

"GOD DAMN IT TO TOTAL AND BLOODY HELL!"

I screamed the words, kicking the car savagely. Intense pain shot through my toe and I lost it, hurling a string of obscenities at the inanimate object, pummeling its shiny exterior with my purse.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

"Stop it! STOP IT!" I yelled at the suddenly insane figure and grabbed her shoulders from behind. "Cut it OUT"

I had followed after mixing the coffee in my cup expecting to see her at the keyboard. Instead? An empty seat greeted me with the screen on the list of infected women and screams coming from outside.

"JILL, STOP IT" I barked again and spun her, capturing her arms and then pulling her to me, our faces inches away from each other.

"GODAMNITALLTOFUCKINGHELL!" She finished, her face red, tears in her eyes as she struggled in my arms.

"Jill, WHO was in that list of names? Was it a friend? A relative? WHO?"

It had to be...She KNEW someone on that list either alive yet or dead.

We stood in the middle of the drive, my arms wrapped around her and holding her feet off the ground, her legs flailing against me as I controlled her and continued.

"That's it Jill. You're OUT. I can't have another person I know destroyed over this. I don't need another woman to mourn."

Jill had quit struggling; her breathing harsh and ragged and I realized I was cutting off her breathing as I held her aloft. I lowered her to the ground and released her, then bent and scooped up her keys and the torn purse.

"My mistake. I'll find some other way to do this alone and you can write your story. Just give me six hours and I'll be packed and no where to find"

I pressed the keys and purse into her hand then turned and moved back to the doorway and downstairs. I thought my plan was fool proof and in fact proved myself a fool. Shutting the linked together systems down I began to tear them down, mentally listing the bare minimum I would need and where I could go. Shaking my head I knew I had just about ruined any chance of success but I wouldn't give up!

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

The crickets had began to sing. The sound seem thunderous in the quiet left by the aftermath of my outburst. I got in the car and scanned the darkening woods through the windshield. Winter was coming and nature was dying. You could feel it in the sharp snap of the air. My eyes fell upon the glove compartment and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. I snapped the box open and saw my revolver glittering in the low light of the car's interior.

The metal was cool to the touch, it's shape comforting and familiar. I checked to see that it was loaded and felt a sense of resolve when I saw that it was.

The edges of my reality seemed to soften and it was difficult to breathe. I made a little choking sound that sounded pathetic even to my own ears. Still I got out of the car.

By the time I had reached the front door of the cottage, my chest was rising and falling like a marathon runner's, a thin sheen of sweat breaking out upon my face. The door was unlocked and I slipped through it, not caring if I made any noise, but moving silently regardless. I decended the stairs that I had come up so recently.

In the basement, I watched Will. Studying him. Waiting.

Perhaps he sensed my presence because he looked up and when he did, he saw a chrome-plated, double-action revolver leveled at his head.

"Hello, Will. Bet you didn't think you'd see me again."

I laughed harshly as I slowly pulled back the hammer with my thumb, my hands shaking, my inner turmoif fighting to get out.

"You've got two choices. One, you load all those computers in the trunk of my car. Or two, I blow your head off. Your choice."

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

"And then what Miss Devont? You take the only information I have and sell it to the highest bidder? Make the biggest "break" in the past ten years and expose the people behind this but it gets hushed up in legal tape? What purpose could you need the information for that I haven't covered already or can't take care of? Perhaps this was your plan all the while and you've been a superb actor, making a fool of me as I tried to "save the world"?"

I had closed the last cover on the box and stepped aside, her pistols ugly snout tracking me as I did.

"Then do me the favor and shoot to kill, Miss Devont, better yet let me make it easier for you though I'm sure you're an expert shot"

Clasping my hands behind my back I took a quick step forward, pressing my forehead to the open barrel and looking into her eyes.

"Remember my face Jill when you pull the trigger, look at my cheekes, my hair and then my eyes. I'll haunt you just like all the others haunt me for the rest of your life"

 

[Honey_B]

It was a moment frozen. We stood unmoving. Unblinking. For an instant, I actually wanted to pull the trigger. His words were a torment and I wanted to put an end to them as much as I wanted to get those computers.

In the end, I lowered the gun and released the hammer. It really didn't matter. Nothing did. I tossed the thing on a table. I had gone from rage to madness, and now I was just numb. Turning on my heel, I walked up the stairs without looking back.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

I picked up the gun and hefted it feeling it’s weight and how it balanced in my hand then checking for a load in the chamber and cocking the hammer a single time, then lifted it.
I had to know. What drove her from sane and competent reporter to over the edge woman in such a short time and why? When I announced earlier my feelings didn’t matter what happened between us and her eyes grew guarded was that all of it?
The hammer rolled back a second click and I closed my eyes then pulled the trigger, the round detonating in the small confines of the concrete basement with the sound of a cannon. It was the last thing I heard.

Footsteps sounded on the drive outside and grew louder, more intent, then changed tone as Jill’s heels hit the wooden staircase and her legs appeared moving down them.
Will? My god no…Will? Her voice echoed in the smoky room as she stepped into it, concern written over her face.
I stepped thru the haze, the discharged gun unloaded and laying on the counter behind me and apologized as the ringing left my ears.

“I’m sorry Jill but I had to know for sure” Her coming back and the worry written over her face gave me my answer. There was no doubt she was sane and that she cared for me, even if it was just the concern of a woman reporter had for her prize story. Walking over to the still stunned and tear stained face I wrapped my arm around her waist firmly and gripped her wrist, then looked into her eyes.
“Now who is on that list you know and why was it worth threatening to kill me over?”

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

I couldn't say. I wouldn't. Especially not to him. I tried to put some distance between us, and was surprised by how firmly he held me. Will possessed a strength that I hadn't guessed at. His lean hard body continued to press into my own. I looked up into his eyes. Would it be possible for him to read my thougts. He seemed to see right into me, yet I couldn't begin to fathom what he was thinking. No, I couldn't tell him everything even if he was all I had.

"You would have made a pretty decent reporter, Will. You ask all the right questions. I do know one of those names on that list, but it shouldn't really matter to you who it is. Suffice it to say, you won't be 'helping' any more of them. The remaining women on that list will be informed of their illness by myself. That is unless you can convince me otherwise. It's not as if you can offer them something they couldn't get from a bottle of sleeping pills."

I struggled again to get free, defiance in my eyes.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

"I'm a killer Jill but not a murderer" I replied, holding her close and keeping my eyes locked on hers. "If I were a cold blooded murderer what would stop me now from killing you?"

She didn't struggle and my estimation of her went up another notch, knowing she would keep this on an intellectual level and not a physical one. But something else was there as well, something that puzzled me and made me more determined to find out what it was. I sighed; it would have to come later, after I had given her the proof I promised from the very first.

"Each woman on that list was supposed to have been sent a full medical report. NONE did because of the actions of the hospital and those I worked for"

I let the pressure slack off of Jill's waist and watched her, then released her all together and stepped to the desk, reaching into a drawer.

The thud of the heavy envelopes told us there was a lot of information in them and I pushed them towards her, the five envelopes sliding over and revealing the handwritten addresses on each.

"Of course I could have just made these up and the women are fake as well" I admitted watching her closely as she moved to the desk and lifted each. "Just like the list on the computer could be a fake as well. But something tells me you believe it isn't and are fighting the idea that the rest of my story is the truth as well"

She wanted proof and that was the reporter in her, but what I faced now was the woman and I wasn't sure.

"Jill, think back. None of the women had any signs of rape did they?" I pointed out. "NONE died not wanting to live another day. If you dug into the medical histories of each you'd see the amount of prescriptions given to them by other Doctors and how the doses were increased to almost insane levels"

It was true, all of it was carefully recorded in the files I had kept and was the basis on how and why I contacted them and in what order.

"When I contacted each and explained who I was? Each responded with anger. Then after a few days they called me back and we met. Each had thought of suicide, several had tried and failed and it seemed a perfectly natural solution to them for what we did"

Jills face had become sober, unreadable as I stared at it and I broke my gaze, knowing I hadn't completely convinced her.

"Take the files and anything else you want or need" I offered "And take your gun. Or stay and read it all here and use the phone, fax or computers to verify what I've said. You've got about six hours to do it all."

Stepping around the desk I lifted the pistol and handed it to her butt first, holding the barrel as she gripped the handle.

"Camille and I have agreed to meet at eight tonight. She is aware that I asked a reporter for help in her story and will talk to you if you want for a short time before she and I meet."

Jills eyes widened in understanding of what I meant about our "meeting" and I heard a hiss of air pass over her lips.

"Load the gun Jill and bring it with. If at any time you think I'm lying?" I shrugged and let go of the barrel, backing up a step.

"Then you have the ending of your story and you're a hero."

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

I watched Will retreat up the stairs, leaving me alone with this nightmare.

The story. It needed to be written now more than ever and my motivations didn't have anything to do with furthering my career. The bastards had to pay and a front page exposé would do just that. Will edged up a notch in my estimation. For him, this wasn't just about clearing his name as I had previously thought. No, he wanted those responsible to be held accountable. He had already done much of the work for me. All I had to do was weed out the culpable parties and write the story.

I shoved aside the dread I felt over the impending meeting and delved into the evidence. Certainly the primary physician was involved, but he had died in a car accident three months ago. Did Will know about Dr. Wilkins’ untimely demise. I made a note on a legal pad to ask him.

And the pharmaceutical company…

What was the name? It was a smaller firm, not one of the big guys. I flipped through the papers. Vestron. That was it. If the Wallstreet Journal could be believed, they wanted to make a name for themselves, challenge Lilly and Upjohn. Still, it was hard to believe a company would do this. Human clinical trials without FDA approval, without informed consent – It was inhuman, harkening back to Dr. Mengala and his experiments.

Anger bloomed anew and I pounded the desk with my hand. The pain felt good. Real. A welcome distraction from this web of lies.

I picked up a copy of Camille Williams’ medical history. She shared many similarities with the others. A chronic sufferer of endometriosis, she had already had surgery to treat the condition and it had returned. Dr. Wilkins had put her on a new drug, Veston’s Carletex. Ostensibly the drug was supposed to eliminate the growth of the uterine lining, but there was a problem. Carletex caused a fundamental defect in red blood cell production, attacking the body’s marrow. With such a catastrophic side effect, the test should have never gotten out of the laboratory, let alone be tested on human beings.

I picked up a pen, wincing at the pain in my wrist. A broken toe and now this, I had to stop beating myself up even if I was angry at my own stupidity.

The hospital! I had forgotten Clavier General. They had fired Will when he uncovered this information. Why the cover-up? Obviously the hospital needed to hide the fact that they had allowed the treatment to occur under their own roof. The bigger question then was why did they cooperate in a study that was so risky in the first place. Vestron didn’t have that kind of money.

Where was that annual report? I dug through the stack of papers until I found the glossy booklet. Flipping through its pages, I found my answer.

Vestron’s Research and Development Department
promises a breakthrough in one of the most lucrative
segments of the market, birth control. We are
developing a non-hormonal based oral contraceptive
that will eliminate the side-effects linked with traditional
medications.

No doubt Clavier had a percentage in the development of Carletex as a contraceptive. If they had been successful, the profits would have been astronomical. I leaned back in the chair and gently rubbed my bruising wrist. Footsteps on the stairs indicated my time was just about up. Will confirmed it.

”It’s time to go.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

"All for the love of Money" I told myself and shook my head. It was the worst time before each time I did this and I was sick to my stomach from the tension of waiting. I took a shower and shaved, meticulous in it making sure there was no shadow as the sharp blade moved across my skin over and over.

Then I dressed, a pair of Levi's that fit too well, snug in the curves and bulges and showing off what I had, then finally the shirt. Dark red in color it was warm to touch and fit my chest well, the short cut arms letting my arms be seen from shoulder down.

A slap of cologne Camille had asked for and I slid into the only item of clothing that was me, a set of worn and comfortable hiking boots I had bought after the last death.


”It’s time to go." I heard my own voice announce as if from a far distance,and moved down the stairs and into the basement, grateful in an odd way that Jill had stayed, and then moving to the stairs that led out of the lower room.

"I promised Camille I'd be there early if you came with" I explained over my shoulder as Jill silently followed and I led her to the garage. "I'll drive as I don't want a chance of your car being seen, this one was rented under an alias and will be reported stolen"

I held the door open of the dark maroon sedan and closed it as Jill slid in then moved behind the wheel and began to drive. Camille was close, her apartment less than twenty minutes away from the freeway and despite the short drive it was a long, silent journey. Pulling into the underground parking I picked a spot close to the elevator and then opened Jill's door for her.

"I'm sure I don't need to say this but to be careful, Jill" I warned as she stood and waited for me to lead. "Camille will answer any question about the past and do it truthfully, but don't remind her about anything else, ok?"

We rode the elevator up as Jill replied and then minutes later we stode in front of the door and knocked, the door moving open from the weight of my hand.


"It's open Will. I assume the good reporter came with you as you're early?" The musical voice floated to us from down the long hall and I pushed the door completely open, motioning Jill to enter.

The hallway was dark, the only light to guide us the flickering shadows coming from the living room and we followed, moving towards it and the smell of Jasmine that came with it.

We stepped into the room and stopped our eyes adjusting as a short, petite figure moved towards us.

"I chose my favorite candles and hope the scent doesn't bother you?" Came the lilting voice as she approached then stopped, her violet eyes looking into mine and then towards Jill.
"Introduce us Will and then leave us alone for awhile please? I think there are a lot of things this reporter needs to hear from a womans point. There's your favorite coffee on the kitchen I just made for you."

I brushed the dark brown, shoulder length hair back from thin and high cheek bones, smiling at the five foot woman and did as she requested.

"This is Jill Devont, she works for the Herald and has agreed to write the TRUTH as she sees it" I carefully replied, stressing the word truth. "Answer her questions as you see fit then call for me when you're ready"

I bent forward and kissed her full lips gently, fighting the lump in my throat as I straightened and looked into her eyes, knowing in a short time they would be closed.

"Thank You Will, Now get out of here and let us women talk." Camiile responded bravely a smile on her face that spoke volumes and I nodded, avoiding Jill's probing eyes.

I would be waiting, but for the wrong reasons for a sane person, but the right ones for this insane world...

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

I was glad when Will left. During the ride over, I knew I had stared. It was as if the man had thrown off a mask, revealing his essential nature. For one instant, for one insane moment, I wished I were Camille. The sudden thought had brought tears to my eyes.

Camille and I sat down on the sofa. I began with routine questions designed to confirm whether the information I had seen was accurate. It was. Camille, then began to tell me her story. She spoke honestly, the words coming from her heart. As I watched the woman speak, I saw Allissa. No, that wasn't true. I saw myself and it became difficult to speak. Camille had no such difficulty.

"I think what you're doing is so courageous, Jill. It means so much to me, knowing that all this will be brought to light."

Courageous! How could she call me courageous? It was she that was inspiring. So near death, yet appearing the picture of grace and calm. Was it Will? As if answering my thoughts, Camille continued.

"Will is amazing. It's as if, at the darkest point in my life, a little magic came into it. What will happen, what will occur here tonight is entirely my choice. You have no idea how healing a little fantasy can be."

It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her, to let everything pour out, but I stopped myself. It must have taken Camille a great deal to reach this place, to immerse herself in the fantasy that she and Will had created together. I couldn't bring it crashing down around her by unloading my troubles.

"I do understand, Camille. More than you know. Thank you very much for your time."

I began to stand, but Camille put her hand on my arm.

"What is it that you are not telling me, Jill"

I couldn't bring myself to look at her.

"Jill, I saw the look in your eyes when I told you my story, the understanding. What's more, I recognize you from Dr. Wilkins' office. You are one of us."

It was as if a great weight had been lifted from my heart. Someone knew! At the same time, her knowing made it all the more terrifyingly real. I turned frightened eyes to Camille.

"Will doesn't know. I can't let him know."

Camille nodded with understanding and wiped away a tear that had fallen down my cheek.

"Jill, I'd like you to stay. I don't know if you will choose this option when the time comes, but you should know the beauty of it."

I nodded silently. Camille stood and led me to a chair blanketed in the shadows. I sat down, curling my legs beneath me and waited for Camille to return with Will.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

I stood looking out Cam's kitchen window, past the bright yellow curtains, past the tiny bears hanging with the words swinging underneath tiny little feet. "Bless this Home"

And I cursed the world outside her window for letting this happen to her and for making me aware of it.

"Will?"

Cam's voice cut into me and I raised my hand, brushing away the moisture that had accumulated on my cheeks, then turned.

"Just washing my cup out Cam" I replied brightly putting on my best smile and turning to face her.

"You never touched the coffee and your cup is still on the table."

I nodded, caught in my own small lie and smiled for real this time, still amazed at the utter realness of this woman and her blunt honesty.

"I offered your lady friend to stay, Will"

And knowing it was no use to question her or deny the growing feelings I felt, I nodded.

"Cam are you sure of this? 100 percent sure?"

Her dark violet eyes turned upwards to me and I felt my heart lurch knowing this woman was meant to be loved, kissed, cared for...everything except what she was asking for from me.

"More sure than anything else in my life, Will"

She took my hand and led me from the dark kitchen and into the candle lit living room, shrugging off the thin robe she wore and revealing herself to Jill and me.

"Take this Cam" I offered the small vial I had pulled from my pocket. "It will stop the pain and let you enjoy your final...our final moments together"

Her dainty hand reached out and accepted the vial, her nails trimmed and carefully painted to match her eye color, and she opened and drank the contents then handed it back with a grimace.

"Why does everything a doctor give me taste like bitter apples?"

I laughed a short laugh, wanting, willing myself to focus on her beauty and telling myself this was just a game two lover played, and she laughed with me, her eyes dancing with pleasure and then changing before my own to lust.

"Kiss me Will"

And I did, bending, gathering her nude body in my arms and pulling her close to me, caressing her lips with mine and feeling the arousal build in me as I did, blocking out the reality of what I was going to do and the fact that Jill sat huddled in a chair in the same room. Kissing her and tasting the bitter apple taste and her own peppermint she always chewed, drawing from the great strength that she had inside her, the heat of her body warming my own and helping me forget.

I felt her push me to the edge of the couch, then folded, her smaller body atop mine and glowing in the candlelight, her smile and eyes shining at me as she pulled the shirt from me, then cooed and grunted at my pants and let out a small squeal in triumph. I felt her hands on my body like butterflies, her lips hungry and insistent nibbling at my flesh and drew her back to me, pulling her body against mine and feeling the warmth of her cleft, the rigid nipples as she kissed me and continued to touch.

"So warmmm" She moaned and kissed me again and I knew the drug was racing thru her veins as the lust was rushing thru mine.

Cam raised herself atop me, her legs astride me, her sex hovering over mine as her eyes met and held my own...and she nodded.

I raised my hips and pushed, the tip of my length moving into her willing body and feeling her accept me, then demanding more as she returned the pressure and slid down on my length, hissing with pleasure. At that point my own lust took over and with a moan I gripped her hips, thrusting up to meet her own sex coming down, my eyes watching her as for long minutes we met each other, forcing us closer to the inevitable conclusion.

"Yesssssssss" Cam moaned, her head thrown backwards, her eyes clenched shut as she grew closer and closer, her thighs slapping mine harder with each thrust, demanding one more final.... release.

She was there, hovering, at the very brink of that release and I knew it, cursing, muttering under my breath so softly she wouldn't hear and reaching behind her to pin her wrists with my left as I raised my right and caressed her stomach, her ribs, her breast and then finally...her throat.

And as Cam's body shuddered with her release, her sex washing me with it's juices I increased the pressure of my right hand, the tendons bulging, knotting as I closed off her breath, denying her the oxygen she needed to live the life she no longer could bear...

I rolled over. Her body limp and still warm on me, holding her close to me as I kissed each eye closed and felt my tears wash over my cheeks and to hers.

The last thing she saw was my face, her eyes focused, clear, knowing who she asked to keep the promise had done just so. And those eyes would haunt me forever, not accusing but warm and thankful, the pain gone finally in them.

I stood. Pulled the shirt and then the pants on, my mind functioning at it's basic level as I made sure I picked up everything I had came with. Wiping the table off where I had touched it and then moving to the kitchen and doing the same, my movements mechanical, forced as my brain fought the inevitable reaction.

I moved back to the living room and knelt, placing Camille's hands over herself and crossing them over her breasts. A gentle cough behind me reminded me that I wasn't the only one left alive in the room, that Jill was with me and had witnessed the entire, horrible event.

The candle flickered, the wick sputtering then dying and I knew it was time.

"Time to go"

Jill's silent figure rose and we moved, myself following her and wiping the door handles after us, closing them ever so gently so I wouldn't disturb the woman resting in peace on the couch.

"Drive us to 4254 Fairway Drive" I spit out, fighting the bile that was building in my throat, and slowly losing. "There is a red two door parked on the street, we'll abandon the sedan and take that"

No more words were spoken. We moved into the elevator and down, then to the car and my eyes closed out the rest, clenched tight as I fought the nausea, my stomach heaving at what I had become...and lost.

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

I had few words to describe what I had just seen. Less to describe how I felt about it. A very odd place for a reporter to be. Then again, I wouldn't have seen what I had if I had only been doing my job. I stared out into the night, but the restless shadows of twilight offered no solace. Will sat in complete silence while I drove, an utter wall that I didn't even try to scale. We had kept to our own thoughts since we had gotten into the car. I drove where he had directed and the red coupe was located on Fairway just as he had promised.

We solemnly exchanged cars, still without saying a word. It hadn't been so long ago that I found this the cloak and dagger of this game thrilling. It was amazing how much had changed in such a short time. Now, all I wanted to do was go home and crawl into bed. I looked over at Will and immediately got concerned. He looked like the walking dead.

"Will, I'm going to take you to my place."

He didn't respond and I grew more worried. I suppressed the strong desire to speed home and drove at a sedate pace. It wouldn't do to attract undo attention. The ride seemed to take forever, but I finally pulled in front of the comfortable brownstone that was mine. I parallel parked across from the building.

"We're here."

Will didn't move, didn’t even acknowledge that he had heard me. I got out of the car and went around to his door. Even after I opened it, he still didn't move. I knelt down and took his hand into my own, holding it in my lap. The skin was ice cold.

"Will, look at me.”

Nothing.

“We are at my home. Come inside with me."

Lifeless eyes turned to meet mine and he silently nodded. I moved back so he could get out of the car. Not letting go of his hand, I led him inside.

"Sit down here. On the sofa."

I pressed him down onto the couch and pulled down the quilt that my grandmother had made me, wrapping it around his shoulders. He closed his eyes, but it was not to sleep. Jesus! What would someone who knew what the hell what they were doing do? What would Will do? I bit my lip. Probably make coffee. I could do that.

"Will, I'll be right back. I'm going to go make some coffee."

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

I was in hell again and they were all with me, smiling lips and eyes filled with pain, soft whispers of gratefullness coming to my ears as they reached out for me.

Virginia Thompson mother of three, Courtney Wilder...singer, Patricia Montgomery...secretary, Laura Bishop...engaged to be married, Maria Gonzales...college graduate, Elizabeth Gold...cross country athelete, Allissa Mordeau...owner of her own business and now Camille Williams...artist.

Each floated in a lazy circle around me, peaceful faces and eyes slowly changing from pain filled to intense passion.

But it wasn't the passion of love or even lust. It became anger and then hatred as they spun faster and faster about me, voices changing from low monotones to high pitched screeches a single word blending all eight together.

"Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" And as the faces and bodies blurred I could feel the flames of eternal damnation rising around us all, burning the clothes of our bodies, searing the skin and then melting the flesh. Tears streamed from my own face and words of insignificant apology came from my lips, and as the tears struck the flames I welcomed to end this once and for all, they hissed. Eight blurred faces about me began to weep as well and the combined tears slowly fought the flames, qualming them and leaving us to stare at each other, the damage done by the flames before they receded.

"I'm sorry, so sorry" I repeated over and over to each face as they now slowly spun around me,my own voice distorted with their pain and then lifting my blackened hands to my ears as they responded.

"Damn youuuuu"

Eight faces spun around me where there had been only seven and still the bell tolled behind me, low and mournful ehoes announcing more to come.

"I'm sorry" I repeated a final time and this time my voice was normal and I opened my eyes. I was in a dark room, sitting again on a couch. Was I still in Camille's apartment? No, I decided. It was different, the smell of the candles gone and a heavy, hand crafted quilt of many shapes and colors was wrapped about me.

A hand touched my shoulder, then my face, Jills voice came to me and I was aware she was repeating a question for the third time as her eyes looked at me.

"Will? I've got coffee ready...?"

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

“Will? I've got coffee ready?"

I laid my hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze before softly stroking his cheek. Thank God, his skin didn’t feel as feverish as before.

“Will? I’ve got coffee ready?”

Finally he looked at me with some comprehension. I had a mug in my other hand, a pathetic chipped affair decorated with little purple hearts. The coffee was no longer steaming, but it was still warm. He raised his hand and I passed him the cup, watching carefully as he drank. During the long minutes I had waited for Will to return to me, I came to a realization.

I would never ask Will to do for me what he had done for Camille. Not after seeing the terrible toll it took on him. Never have I seen such haunted eyes and it didn’t take a psychic to know who haunted him either. No, I wanted Will to see me as alive, to know me as he hadn’t those women.

“I’m here if you want to talk, Will. If that’s too difficult, we can let it lie. In any case, you’re staying here tonight. You are in no condition to drive.”

He’d have a fight on his hands if he tried to leave. Not tonight. Not now. I needed him too much.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

"It's temporary I assure you." I tried and received a scathing, no nonsense look in return.

"If I'm going to be your prisoner then could I ask a pair of favors?" I teased gently, wondering at my boldness after what she had just witnessed and the response I would receive. "I really need a shower and something to drink?"

I could still feel Camille's hands and lips on my skin and the scent of her perfume was too strong in my nostrils as the fog left my mind.

"I mean if you wouldn't mind?" I added as she sat beside me on the sofa looking at me as it were the first time she had seen me.

"No, of course not. I have a robe that might fit you..." Jill replied her brow wrinkling as she dealt with the logistics of having a man in her home.

"I always bring a set of clothes to change into Jill they're in the trunk of the second rental."

I couldn't read her mind or the strange look that was on her face as I rose and moved towards the door I vaugley remembered and paused as I held the handle.

"I'd like to talk to you Jill, off the record if possible and get a clear veiw of what's happening from your side?"

It took a minute and I returned, the bag in my hand and most of my composure, a forced smile on my face.

"I set out fresh towels for you, Will. Second door to your left"

Nodding and thanking her I knew I had involved much deeper than just the normal limits of a reporter getting a story and felt the guilt of it in my stomach as I closed the door door behind me and found no lock.

The water felt good, revitalizing me at a time when I needed it the most. I was physically tired but knew I couldn't let up for a minute. Too many lives were wrapped up in the balance now, and too many deaths, I had made contact with all the women and wondered how she dropped off the face of the earth.

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

I stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall and listening to Will take his shower. He wanted to talk about my side. Of course he did! I had tried my best to be evasive, but Will wasn't an idiot. He knew I was hiding something, something that I wasn't about to share. My only hope was distraction. While Will had been in my bathroom, I had stripped and put on a long ivory robe, brushing out my long blonde hair so that it hung freely down my back.

Outside the bathroom, I waited impatiently for several minutes, tapping my foot. I moved to the other side of the hallway and leaned against the wall provocatively before moving back to my original place. This was ridiculous. Seducing someone clearly wasn't my forté.

I gave up on the posing and walked back into the living room, feeling more than a bit silly. For the first time in over two years, I craved a cigarette. Nerves. I knew the jitters weren’t entirely because I was trying to distract him. What was happening to me? I had risen through the ranks to become on of the Trib’s top reporters because I was fearless, bolding venturing into inner city war zones if need be. Clearly, my feelings for Will were making me into a coward. I walked back to the bathroom. The water could still be heard running thru the door. I didn’t open it quietly. It wasn’t my intention to surprise him. Through the misty air, I could see Will’s vague outline through the opaque shower curtain. I stood watching, mesmerized by the man that I was very likely falling for.

”Jill?”

I let the robe drop to the floor, forcing myself not to think about the rejection I could soon face. Moving the curtain aside, I stepped inside.

“Yes, it’s me. You wanted to know what’s happening on my side? I want you, you complex, crazy, haunted man. I think I’ve wanted you since the moment we met, when you scared the living daylights out of me.”

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

I had finished and was basking in the simple luxury of enjoying the warm water as it washed over me when I heard the door open and a pale figure come in.

"Jill?"

I spoke the single word knowing the answer as the mist of steam rose and the curtain slid back.

“Yes, it’s me. You wanted to know what’s happening on my side? I want you, you complex, crazy, haunted man. I think I’ve wanted you since the moment we met, when you scared the living daylights out of me.”

The curtain slid back and the steam enveloped us as she moved into my arms, her softer curves pressing against my maleness and harder chest.

"I know Jill" I returned the confession. "Somewhere between meeting you and now I've lost the professional viewpoint myself."

I pulled her to me and slid a hand underneath the flowing and lustrous blond hair and kissed her, letting the pent up passion come out as our lips met and opened. For a short eternity it was all that existed, the sound and feel of the water miracously gone as her tongue crept out and gently caressed mine, her own arms wrapping themselves around my waist and holding me tight.

"It might not be safe Jill" I continued as the kiss broke and we held onto each other, my hand stroking the nape of her neck as I spoke my worries. "The women I was with...the virus...I've checked myself for infection after each, spent hours on exhaustive tests and come up with nil...But I don't dare risk the chance?"

This time it was Jill’s hands that rose and pulled my own head down, her lips crushing against mine as she kissed me and pressed her full curves tighter to me.

"It doesn't matter Will. I want...no, I need you now...here. Unless you don't want me?" She spoke out of breath, her eyes raised to mine showing her fear of me rejecting what she offered.

It was all it took, a woman so strong and capable, her beauty taking my breath away each time I stole a glance at it, now offering herself to me and confessing her vulnerable needs.

I kissed her, pressing her against the wall of the shower stall and letting my hands caress her skin, stroking her cheeks and then her long, graceful neck before sliding to the full bosom that announced how much of a woman she was. My fingers found and teased each full nipple and I felt her gasp, showing how sensitive she was in those tender points and I broke the kiss, half kneeling to lower myself and suckle each in apology and want, feeling her hands wrap themselves in my wet hair and press my face to her waiting mounds.

The pressure increased in my hair as she responded to my tongue gently teasing her aureoles and her nipples and she pulled me upwards, to stare into her wanting eyes.

"NOW Will, NOW" She husked at me, her eyes heavy with passion.

I felt her mound pushed against me, her legs spreading as I pushed in response to it and knew what her words meant, bending my knees to lower myself. Her hand crept down, finding my length and caressing it, the mere touch of her soft fingers sending shivers of delight and need through me as she guided me to her wanton cleft.

And without words I took her, the swollen head of my cock pressing into her moist womanhood and deep into it, a hiss of approval coming to my ears as I slowly straightened and plunged myself upwards into her.

"Yesssssss"

 

[Honey_B]

Jill DeVont

The water rained down upon us - Caressing, as warm as Will's hands on my body. I wrapped one leg around his waist and his penetration increased, his cock nudging the entrance of my womb. We stood face to face, those green eyes never leaving mine as he began to thrust, his movements small and controlled, just enough to make me crave more. I ran my hands over the warm, wet skin of his back, pulling him closer, wanting to fuse my body with his.

A smoldering heat, born of pent-up frustration and need, drove conscious thought from my mind. I leaned in and claimed Will’s mouth for my own, my tongue sliding against his as my back slid against the wet, skin-warmed tile of the bath. The kiss left us both breathless, heaving against each other, his engorged shaft spearing my own throbbing cunt.

My body ached with need, longing for the release only Will could give. Gasping, panting, I called out his name and he ran his hand down my flanks, holding me at the waist, using his strength to lift me in opposition of his thrusts. Eyes glazed, breathing ragged, two slippery bodies grinding against one another. His thrusts became faster, more staccato, pushing me towards a shattering climax. I came in a cresting wave of carnality, crying out as Will jammed up into me, his engorged shaft nearly splitting me in two.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

Jills cry of spent passion and her arms encircling my neck only drove me to greater passion as I felt her full breast flatten against my chest. And with that rising ardeur I held her hips in a grip of steel, driving myself upwards and into her faster with each stroke, feeling her thighs part to accept me into her body and the velvet interior of it wrapping around my entire length.

And then my own world spun and I heard my own ragged cry of release as I continued to plunge into her, hearing the staccato pounding of my heart inside my head and our combined harsh breathing as we fought for air and control.

It was enough. At least for now as I used the last of my strength to lift her, fumbling for the water valves and winning as I cradled Jill in my arms and moved from the shower, thru the bath and into her bedroom. She snagged several towels giggling as we swayed and wiping of the remnants of the shower from my face and then hers as I felt my knees hit the edge of the bed and lowered her figure to it.

Words? Did I need words to tell her how I felt at the moment? To give her my gratitude and love for the healing she had just given me?

"Jill, I..."

And then her hand came to my face, carressing it and touching her fingertips gently to my lips to hush, as she lifted herself and replaced her fingers with her own soft lips.
Smiling under that kiss I joined her on the bed, pulling her softer curves into my own harsher ones, wanting and taking more of that healing comfort from her as I returned her passionate kiss with my own.

For a time we would find peace. Create it within the bubble of our passion and healing emotions, and for that too short of a time I could forget I was...a killer.

 

[Honey_B]

I knew that we slept, both of us exhausted from what we had been through. For me, it was a dreamless sleep, my brain needing to shut down completely. When I woke with a start, my room had darkened but the pale light of a full moon filtered in through the window. Will held me, wrapping me securely in his strong arms. I looked down at his hands and remembered the first time I had noticed them, how I had thought they couldn’t be the hands of a killer. Now I knew differently. I had seen Will kill with my own eyes. Some masochistic remnant of my personality drew up a picture of Will’s hands around my own throat. I shuddered and Will stirred. Taking his right hand into mine, I lifted it to my lips and pressed a kiss to the back of his hand. I knew without a doubt that I was falling in love with him.

“You are awake?”

I moved away a little and turned aver to face Will, my head resting on my hand.

“More than awake, I feel alive and so happy.”

And it was the truth. Being with Will helped me to set aside the heavy burden I bore. At least for the time being. I sat up, a lascivious smile on my face.

“I don’t care whether you want it, but I’m going to have my way with you, William Randt. You need someone to be good to you.”

I placed my hands on his chest and pressed him onto his back. Running my hands down the lengths of his arms, I drew his hands over his head, trapping them with my own. I knew he could see the smile on my face because he responded with one of his own. I bent low, half covering his body with my own, relishing the feel of my nipples brushing the skin of his chest. I glimpsed the silver light of the moon glittered in his eyes just before he closed them. Claiming his mouth with my own, I felt Will yield to my kiss. I was not gentle as I plunged my tongue between his parted lips, tasting him – trying to quench my own hunger. I ran a hand down his muscled chest, down the flat plains of his abdomen, down to where I could stroke his hardening cock. Will moaned into the space of our kiss and tried to move.

 

[Indigo Spirit]

Will

“I don’t care whether you want it, but I’m going to have my way with you, William Randt. You need someone to be good to you.”

The words hammered at my heart and then melted it, the long period of icy greif melting under them as I felt her hands on my body, pushing my hands along my arms, sending waves of electric pleasure up and down them.

I knew then I would sacrifice everything for her, knew within a shadow of a doubt I had met and found my soulmate as I searched for the salvation of others, knew I would die for her if need be and forget my cause gladly.

All of that and more flashed thru my mind before I felt her hard nipples graze over my chest and her lips crush mine, the roles reversed and I smiled, happy to be in the nads of someone that...cared? for me? wanted me?

And that want was evident as I felt her own mound rub my thickening length, felt myself stir under her as her moisture heated my own body and brought it to life, and made me desire her body even more for the control she held over me.

I heaved my own hips towards hers, wanting to be in her, needing to feel the velvet lining of her bodies interior and see the lust on her swollen lips and in her smoking eyes.

And again she chuckled, a full bodied, rich laugh of pleasure that I joined in with, her body gliding up and down mine with it's silky length as she drove me mad with desire for her, my cock now slick with her desire and throbbing for the need to be in her.

"Jilllll" I moaned past our kiss and knew then what it was like to be teased and not wanting it to end, but needing her even more for it as I heaved my hips again. "Nowwwwwww"