This is one part of a longer crime/romance story that is connected to the other parts. To fully appreciate the story, please start at Part 1 and read through. Thanks
Part 11: Raven Reveals Her Secret Past
Jordan awoke and stretched luxuriously. Her eyes were still closed, but she had a smile on her face. Rolling over, she reached for Raven's warm body, but felt only an empty space. Disappointed, she opened her eyes.
"Raven?"
The blankets were thrown back; Raven wasn't in bed beside her. She called louder, "Raven!" Getting no response, Jordan rose from bed. Maybe Raven was taking a shower and didn't hear her, but the water isn't running. Slipping on her bath robe, Jordan went out to the kitchen and found a note on the table in Raven's handwriting:
Dearest Jordan,
I had an appointment this morning,
but should be back before lunch. I hope
you had a good night and are ready for
your surprise tomorrow! See you
then darling. Raven
Looking down at Simba, Jordan said, "Looks like it's just you and me this morning. What should we eat for breakfast?" Puttering around the kitchen, she turned on the small radio sitting on the countertop; an Eagles song was playing. Jordan listened to the lyrics:
"I like the way your sparkling earrings lay,
Against your skin so brown.
And I want to sleep with you in the desert tonight.
With a million stars all around..."
...and thought of Raven. Now that her strength was back, her thoughts returned to her desirous feelings for her girlfriend. She peeked out the curtain through the kitchen window; the sun was shining and the weatherman on the radio was predicting above average temperature. It only added to Jordan's good mood.
Jordan began to feel a bit naughty and wondered if she should put on some sexy lingerie and perfume and await Raven's return.
As she was thinking about what to wear the phone rang.
"Hagan here, sorry to bother you, but some things have come in over the wire I think you should see. "
Jordan arrived at the sheriff's office a few minutes later, "What have you found out Bill?"
Hagan looked at her. She didn't look like the same woman who arrived in town only a few short weeks ago. Missing were the tailored pantsuits, the perfectly coiffed hair, and the makeup. She had on jeans and a simple knit top, her hair was longer and combed away from her tanned face. She had no makeup and a little purple smudge under one eye remained as a reminder of her ordeal.
She was still the prettiest woman he had ever seen
.
She was starting to notice him staring at her, so he went on, "The Kansas State Police have informed me there is no George or Meryl Anderson in Kansas. That means Lindsay Grant could be anywhere. I requested our records from the phone company to see what number she was calling from the night we raided Grant's house and right now Jimmy is back over there looking for anything else he can find."
"Good."
"Also the doctors are going to fax us what they have later today." He looked at Jordan, "I guess this means you'll be heading back to Washington and leading the case from there?"
"Actually, no Bill. My expertise is not needed now. My primary task is profiling criminals to assist law enforcement agencies in apprehending them. However, if this Lindsay Grant is an accomplice in this case, the FBI will take over since she jumped state lines. Then it's a matter of finding her."
She paused, then went on, "I'm sure you will keep a finger in it. I would love to be working on this, but FBI Regional Headquarters called and confirmed I'm on leave."
Hagan looked happy and sad at the same time. We couldn't quite let go of Jordan and longed to work with her more on the case, but yet, at the same, time he was glad he was out of it or soon would be. He had been working out of his league all through the case and he was lucky no more deaths had occurred.
He controlled his emotions and said, "Well Jordan it's been a pleasure working with you. I don't suppose I'll see you much if at all."
" I am glad I've had the chance to get to know you too Bill, and as for not seeing me much, I wouldn't be so sure about that."
He guessed what she meant, but didn't say anything.
They shook hands and he impulsively hugged her. She wasn't bothered by this at all and hugged him back.
"Say goodbye to the deputies for me and to the detectives too.
"I will."
Jordan drove off in her well known BMW and headed back to the motel, thoughts of danger, Hagan, Taylor, and most importantly Raven in her head.
***
An aroma of Jasmine filled the air from scented candles. Raven was in the kitchen dressed in her silk robe fixing lunch when Jordan came in. She walked over to Raven and wrapped her arms around her neck.
"I saw your note. I have a surprise for too Raven, the FBI Regional Office called and said they are transferring the case to the Fugitive Division. I won't have to be on the hunt for bio-killers any longer."