An Angel To Watch Over Her

An Angel To Watch Over Her

What about the devil inside?

By Aoife

A/N - As I look to challenge myself, I was intrigued by the

Pandemonium 2024 writer's challenge

. I present my attempt in the Non-Human category. Though I don't think I am very skilled as a writer, I do try and I do enjoy it. This idea came to me one early morning over my second favorite morning ritual, coffee. Here is my pseudo take on promising your soul and getting what you want.

Though this story is posted to the Non-Human category, this story does contain Sapphic love and exclusively lesbian sexual activity. If this type of story isn't to your liking, I understand and I appreciate you stopping by.

This storyline as well as the characters and names are purely fictional. If there is a chance of any misrepresentation of reality, it is pure coincidence and not intended.

I can not thank Nicole enough for her work and edits. Props to her and for tolerating me. Any mistakes you see are mine; these eyes aren't what they used to be.

*****

Sgt. Mary Alice Barnes stood in front of the Chief of Police. Her Captain and her Lieutenant were also present but stood off to the side. It had been a long night. A long stressful night as she completed just over two hours of paperwork and then the almost hour long interrogation.

She knew it was a good shoot. The piece of shit, drug dealing, and local gang member thug was threatening the poor woman, Maria Elise. He had a gun on her as she stood behind the counter of the Dairy Mart Xpress store. Maria Elise had always been kind to Mary Alice when she would stop in for her coffee. This was a good shoot, it was a justified shoot. In Mary Alice's perspective and her professional judgment as a tenured law enforcement officer, there were no questions in her mind.

"Chief Gibbins," Sgt. Mary Alice Barnes spoke. "This is a good shoot. This bastard was robbing her, again! This piece of shit meth head needed to be put down as soon as he pulled the trigger killing Maria Elise."

The Chief held his hand up which silenced Sgt. Barnes immediately. "Department and City policy seven days administrative duties pending a full investigation."

"Aww come on Chief that is bullshit and you fucking know it." She raised her voice louder and louder as she spoke.

She turned to her Captain as he spoke. "Sgt. Barnes, you need time off. These things have to cool, you just can't go back on the street, not yet."

She looked between the two, the Chief and her Captain. Then she turned to her mentor, her longtime friend, they had served together in the Marines Corps, and they knew each other.

"Nate, tell them this is bullshit. Tell them this white fucking scum threatened and when he shot Maria Elise killing her. I followed my steps and the use of force guidelines, the fucker shot her then turned on me. It is a justifiable fucking shoot!"

Lieutenant Nathaniel Peters knew it was a good shoot. He trusted Mary Alice now, just like he trusted her then as a Military Police Officer in the Marine Corps during OIF.

He spoke firmly but directly at her. "Sgt. we must investigate this, you know that." He turned to the Chief, "I recommend a supervised or at a minimum unsupervised with daily check in leave of absence. Sgt. Barnes has too much vacation time saved up."

The Chief looked up at the Lieutenant. "Go on?"

"I have a friend; she is ABI, Alabama Bureau of Investigations. She and I collaborated on a few things in between my discharge from the Marines and me coming here. I can make a call and have Sgt. Barnes take a week away while the investigation is going on. This way, she stays out of town, away from here, and is supervised."

Lieutenant Peters turned to Sgt. Barnes. "Or stay here held up in your condo and be watched while this works out. I know you don't want that."

All Marie Alice heard was the one single word from the deep baritone voice of the Chief; 'Done', the decision was made.

*****

Monday Morning

It took two days for her to get the flight book, and her stuff packed. So yes, two fast paced days later she exited the rideshare and stepped into the airport. She checked her bag at the kiosks of her favorite airline, the one with the 'Open Seating' policy. She stepped to the counter, with her checked bag, her backpack, gun case, and all of her documents in hand.

The agent smiled at her, "Well Officer Barnes everything looks in order; welcome. I will let the Gate Agent know you will have your carry-on case. I am sure you are aware you must turn it over to the Gate Agent when you board the plane. They will stow your case with the Captain."

Mary Alice nodded, she knew the routine. She had flown with her personal firearm before. She put away her Real ID, her CCP, and her phone and made her way to TSA. Getting through TSA was not an issue at all. She handed the agents her documents, having everything in order. She was just pulled to the side and walked to the secure screening area where all professional courtesies were extended.

She then made her way to the gate area, the case now in her backpack over her shoulder, and made her way to the coffee shop for a coffee and bagel, waiting on her flight to Nashville and then the two-hour ride off to Huntsville Alabama.

Just five hours later, Sgt. Mary Alice Barnes came to a stop in front of the address which she plugged into her phone maps app. She put the rental car in park. She checked the app address once more then sent her Lieutenant a text. 'Are you sure this is the right address?' Sgt. Barnes snapped the address and sent it as well.

'Yes Mary Alice, trust me please?'

I responded, ensuring that I trusted Nate implicitly, and that I was safe and sound at the address that he had provided. It was less than thirty seconds later that the expansive front door opened and out stepped a very tall athletic looking woman.

Mary Alice was slow to exit her rental car but left it parked on the street. She stood looking upon the front of the house. She could only describe it as pure southern charm. The front of the home exuded charm and warmth. It was set back a bit from the road. The front yard was spacious. There were blooming flowers surrounding the three smaller trees on the left. There was a beautiful row of trimmed hedges which lined the left side. The lawn was the greenest she had ever seen. The sidewalk was inviting and led straight to the front porch.

The wide front porch spanned the entire width of the house, and sturdy white columns dotted the four corners. Three rocking chairs and a settee all white as well were placed perfectly for sitting and enjoying conversation.

I heard her footsteps as her sandals crunched the ground rock and pebbles of the driveway. It shook me from my daydream. "Welcome, I am Janie. Janie Angelea Pearson. Nate just sent a text. I thought I should come greet you."

Now I'm not sure if 'shockingly beautiful' would properly describe her. She was so much more. Janie was tall but as she walked she exuded grace and elegance. She appeared to be a beautiful runway model. She stood well over me, at least a full head taller. I stepped back slightly as her presence immediately dominated my thoughts and held my tongue and lips closed.

Goodness, she was so beautiful. Her hair is long and dark, the darkest chestnut brown hair I have ever seen. There was sheen to it and as she moved her hair flowed effortlessly, I was amazed. I was then immediately drawn to her eyes. They were bright, shiny, and a deep, deep brown as well. Even more amazing was the tone of her skin. It was sun-kissed to perfection. There was just a tiny bit of makeup. Her darker eyelashes were thick. I found her eyes hypnotizing. My heart was fluttering; she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life.

I was shook from my gaze when she smiled again and touched my hand. "My apologies Janie, thank you for your hospitality. When Nathanial suggested ..."

I paused, that wasn't the truth, he demanded almost. "When he forcibly suggested that I take a break, a supervised break. I really wasn't certain that I needed a vacation until I got on the airplane."

Janie smiled and still hadn't let go of my hand. "Come on up, let's have some iced tea. We can unpack your car later when it cools and after dinner, we can relax with a glass of wine and chat some more."

Janie walked me into her home, the hall and foyer were painted a soft wheat color and the beach scenery paintings which were placed perfectly on the walls drew me in deeper to this escape from reality. The accent pieces on the hall table matched perfectly. In the corner was a tall black colored umbrella stand. It reminded me of my grandmother's house.

We walked into what she called the sunroom. It was through the hall, through the main living room and off the back of the house. There were two padded rocking chairs, a sofa, and an ornate camel back seat. On the side table was a pitcher of iced tea with mint already in it. It was floor to ceiling windows all the way around. Magnificent thin sheers hung from the ceiling and appeared they could be closed if needed.

"Please have a seat and tell me about the horrific life being from Pennsylvania." She offered me the rocker or the sofa, so I decided on the rocking chair. As I sat she poured me a tall glass of iced tea, and then sat on the rocker next to mine.

"I hope you don't mind sweet mint tea. It's a favorite of mine."

I smiled in gracious appreciation. I went on to tell her a little bit about life as a seasoned female police officer living in the city. I did 'okay' and went on to explain that I was glad that spring was turning into summer. I really wasn't a fan of winter. I commented at one point, she smiled and winked at me agreeing with me. I told her a little bit about my family. I was an only child from a broken home, truly raised by my grandmother, and that my grandfather had died serving in the Marine Corps.

"That is where I met Nate, in the Marines. We served together a bunch of years, and then we both got out right at twenty."

She let me speak for a while as we drank our tea, and then I stopped and apologized. "Janie, I am so sorry I didn't mean to overtake the conversation. You have a beautiful home. The breeze in your sunroom is absolutely relaxing."

She turned to me with a wink and a smile. "Nathaniel told me you needed a break. So a break you shall have."

"A supervised break," I commented.

"Now now Mary Alice, let's be positive. From what he told me it was a good shoot. If some son of a bitch was pointing a gun at me. You bet I'd shoot his ass." She smiled.

"Enough about work. You are on vacation and tomorrow I am going to show you a good time. I have lots planned for this week." She winked again and smiled.

"Wait" I cursed under my breath. "What all did he tell you about me and what is going on?"

Janie turned in her chair and looked deep into my eyes. I could feel a sense of immediate comfort, the panic which hit me seconds ago disappeared. She affirmed that I was to relax and allow the stress of the investigation to stay in Pennsylvania and I was to relax here in Huntsville.

Then it happened again, suddenly I was gob smacked by her beauty. Damn, she was beautiful. Her eyes widened and were so hypnotizing when I looked at her. I broke out of my gaze.

"I am sorry Janie, your eyes are the most beautiful I have ever seen. Forgive me for being so rude." I swallowed and tried to calm my racing heart. "I don't mean to be rude towards you."

Janie smiled and blushed slightly. "Hmm you northern women sure do like to tease me. Don't worry, you continue to compliment me all day, I won't disagree nor think you are rude."

"I think we should unload your car. Then you can get a shower or enjoy a relaxing bath and get you into some relaxing clothes. When you are finished dinner will be ready and we can get you that relaxing vacation glass of wine with me.

I simply agreed. Janie stood and extended her hand, assisting me up, and walked back the same path to the rental car. I grabbed my backpack, my gun case, and my suitcase. She escorted me upstairs to her second bedroom and gave me a quick nickel tour of everything I needed.

We stood looking at each other for a moment then I tilted my head upwards, gazing again into her hypnotic eyes, I opened my arms and smiled wide as she nodded, hugging her like we were the best of friends. I felt a twinge of satisfaction and frankly, excitement as her breasts pressed into my upper chest. Mine pressing into her body, just below her breasts.

There was sudden warmth which rushed over me as we hugged. It was a feeling of comfort and compassion that was overwhelming. Her breath felt perfect against my skin.

It felt as if the hug was ending but Janie pulled me a bit closer, lowered her head, and kissed my cheek. "You let all of your stress disappear. Then you come down when you are ready."

She released the hug and stepped away walking out of the bedroom and closing the door behind her. I shivered feeling a calmness come over me. It was as if there was someone else in the room.

I took my time, unpacked a tiny bit, and secured my pistol under the pillow. I made my way to the bathroom and decided on a bath, versus a shower. I started the water, dropped the previously offered bath salts in, and went back to the bedroom. I got fresh panties, shorts, a camisole and a t-shirt. I walked back to the bathroom to soak in the tub.

Now, if you have ever soaked in a tub after a stressful day, then you know how amazing it can feel. But after a day of hurrying to the final packing, waiting on the rideshare to the airport, smiling while checking luggage, then TSA, boarding, deplaning, and a two and a half hour drive, well, let me tell you, this bath was the best.

I washed the grime off, shaved my legs, cleaned up the lady parts, shaved my underarms and well just made myself feel prettier. I leaned my head back resting on the tub pillow and must have dozed off. I was shaken awake by Janie who touched my shoulder gently nudging me.

"Hey sleepyhead." She smiled and looked down at me. I scampered covering myself in the cooling bath water.

"Supper is ready. Why don't you warm up in a quick shower and come down." She smiled and stood then walked out of the bathroom.

I stood flushed with embarrassment. I haven't had a woman see me naked in, oh my god, a long time, well that was a lie. I haven't had a strange woman to see me naked since Basic Training and Job Training in the Marine Corps. I quickly showered allowing the warmth to return to my body then dressed.

I looked in the mirror and well, I was still embarrassed. I inhaled deeply, then swallowed my pride and made my way downstairs to face the music. As I turned the corner at the base of the steps, I heard some soft music. It was music from the 60's and 70's. Stuff my grandmother listened to when she was alive.

I smiled walking into the kitchen and immediately complimented Janie on the music. Janie's back was turned away from me but I could see her moving slowly, left to right as she spoke, I couldn't help but watch her hips sway. Goodness, she was attractive.

She spun around and caught me staring at her near perfect ass. I blushed and she winked. "Help me with the salad Hun?"

"Of course." I took the salad from her hands and made my way to the table. Janie carried over the fish, and au gratin potatoes, they looked amazing. "Goodness Janie, I will move here and let you cook for me every night. This looks and smells delicious."

We sat and as we did, Janie reached over and took my hand. "Let's pray."

We clasped hands gently and she spoke. "Dear Lord, bless our meal and my new friend. I ask that Michael your Archangel watch over our law enforcement officers. Shine a light for folks who do good and please protect those traveling. Lastly, send your calming spirit down for Mary Alice. She could use a little comfort. Amen"

I am not one to pray, I am not a non-believer but most importantly, I respect those who do believe. I softly whispered "Amen" as well. She released my hand, raised her wine glass, and toasted our meal and the comrade that we were enjoying. We enjoyed the light conversation. There was one point I swear I saw her staring at me. But I was maybe just hopeful for this, she was extremely attractive, easily the most attractive woman I have ever seen in my life.

When we finished dinner Janie stood. "Let's do these dishes quickly then I am going to change and we can sit and have some more wine." I smiled offering to help which she accepted. We teamed up and finished the dishes. I grabbed the wine bottle and our two glasses.

"Meet you out front?" Janie smiled and I walked out to the front porch to enjoy the evening breeze. I sat and honestly, for the second time in three days, I felt relaxed. As I sat there I felt a breeze blow carefully across the land and then heard the soft whimsical chimes ringing from the side of the porch.

My relaxation was disturbed when I heard the door open as Janie stepped out. I was sitting where I couldn't really see her. I turned my head slightly and looked upon the sexiest legs I have ever seen in my young forty years. They were firm, sculpted, and tanned. Janie placed her hand on my shoulder and squeezed me softly.

"Relaxing I see?" She smiled and then sat. I reached to the table between us and handed her a refilled wine glass.

She accepted the glass and just sat back and relaxed with me. We continued our very casual conversation about life in the South versus life in the North. After nearly twenty minutes, Janie turned and smiled.

"You know, earlier in the bathroom, I do apologize, I don't want it to, you know, to be a thing between us." She smiled and nodded hoping for me to understand.

I stammered and was challenged in my phrasing as my mind still pondered her beauty and gracefulness. "I must have been tired, I was caught off guard." I quickly took a sip of wine to hide my smirk.

We chatted for a few more minutes. The long day had caught up to me as did the wine. I yawned without intending to. "Janie, I must apologize it was an early day. I think I am going to turn in and rest up for tomorrow and our day not knowing what you have in store for me."

I stood and watched as she looked up and smiled. She bid me goodnight. I was tempted to bend down and hug her. I hesitated; I shook it off, and entered the house. I walked to the kitchen and rinsed my wine glass and placed it in the sink. As I walked up her hallway, I made a decision. I walked out the door and interrupted her silence and quiet time.

"Forgive me but." I bent forward and gave her a side hug and whispered, "Many thanks for hosting me. Good night."

I stepped away and made my way inside and then up the steps to the bedroom seeking the softness of the bed and her pillows. I stripped out of my clothes, pulled down the sheet and comforter, and crawled into bed.

I am not certain what time it was but I was startled awake from a light sleep when I heard the creak of the door. I looked up and saw Janie just checking on me. I gave her a little wave and laid my head back down, closing my eyes.

It was around one o'clock when I woke up to use the bathroom. When I returned to bed, I felt a soothing warmth surrounding me, as if someone was protecting me. Simply put, it was angelic.

*****

Tuesday Morning

For all the years I traveled, the years I spent in the Marine Corps and the Police Academy, I was always slightly spooked when I woke up in an unfamiliar bed or room. I believe it is human nature to be a tiny bit on edge, but the absolutely crazy thing about waking up in Janie's spare room, there was none of it. No fear, no typical moment or millisecond of 'Where am I?'