NIKKI/NORA

In Even Deeper

docwho2100 and writerghost2000

Title: In Even Deeper

Authors: docwho2100 and writerghost2000

Fandom and Pairing: Nikki/Nora - F/F

Timing: Takes place after the TV pilot

Rating: Heavy R

Disclaimer: Nikki & Nora are the property of Nancylee Myatt and Warner Bros. Television. No infringement intended.

Authors’ notes:

Character thoughts appear between ~ ~ symbols

This one is a sequel to “In Too Deep”. HUGE thanks to Doc who is helping on this one!

Feedback: Oh Yes Please - You can email docwho2000@hotmail.com

In Even Deeper

docwho2100 and writerghost2000

Video: “Pain” by Three Days Grace:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poalTChx2nk

Nora surfed through the channels - up and down the dial. She wasn’t really paying attention to what was on the screen, her thoughts were on Nikki. They had been for several weeks.

The note she’d left by Nora’s bedside explained her whereabouts but didn’t do much in terms of answering the growing list of “why’s” in Nora’s head.

Nora sighed heavily as she lay on the couch, annoyed that her recovery wasn’t going as quickly as she wanted. She didn’t like to admit to being hurt or in pain and this time she was hurt more than she cared or dared to admit. It was almost an equal balance of physical and emotional pain.

Then there were the flashbacks that continued to haunt her at night. The latest one felt so real that she swore it was happening all over again. Her senses took over and aggravated her injuries to a point where she’d bolted upright in bed, searching her torso for fresh stab wounds. Despite her finding nothing but her current collection of healing wounds, she spent the rest of the night with the light on - eyes wide awake and her mind racing with a heavy mixture of fear, anxiety, anger and pain.

Her mother and brother stopped coming by as often, mostly due to the fact that Nora was a horrible patient - disobedient and stubborn, constantly insisting that she was fine and could get around the house on her own. And she could, but it was slow going. Her usual quick and confident steps now slow and painful. She wished Nikki was there to take care of her because she knew exactly how to - in more ways than one. She knew when to push and when to back away. A tear fell from Nora’s eye just thinking how she thought she knew Nikki and chuckled slightly at the old saying, “You think you know someone.” It was true.

Nora painfully got to her feet and began her trek to the kitchen for a glass of water when she heard the back door shutting. Reaching for her gun by the end table, she raised it towards the doorway as she limped forward. Ever since she came home she kept the gun there. It made her feel safe knowing it was within reach - blame it on the nightmares.

Nikki soon appeared, stopping dead in her tracks and holding her hands up in front of her. “Whoa! Whoa! It’s just me.”

Nora tried to swallow down the lump that had leaped into her throat as she continued to hold the gun in Nikki’s direction. Another flashback took her back to the room they were in when Nikki pulled out her gun and shoved it into her chest. She swore she could still feel the sting from Nikki’s fist when it connected with her face.

Nikki could see Nora drifting off in thought as she slowly walked towards her, gently placing her hands over Nora’s and lowering the weapon. “Easy. It’s okay. Let’s put this away, okay?” Nikki felt her release it. She took it and placed it in the drawer of the end table. “You better sit back down, you don’t look so good.” She started to slide her arm around Nora’s shoulders but was swatted away.

“Don’t touch me.” Nora turned and limped back to the couch. Wincing, she slowly sat back down.

Watching her tore Nikki’s heart out. She knew how bad Nora had been hurt, her doctor had given her a list of her injuries after she’d gotten out of surgery. But far worse was knowing that she caused some of them. While she didn’t know the details, Blade had said enough for her to realize more than a few thrown punches had taken place.

“I’m sorry, Nora.” Nikki took a moment to watch her. She felt helpless standing there and felt like a complete stranger. The tension in the air was thick and heavy. It created an awkwardness that Nikki had never felt between them before, not even when they’d first met.

“Sorry?” Nora huffed.

“I know that word means nothing to you right now because it can’t undo what happened, but…”

“What the hell happened? That’s what I want to know.”

Nikki swallowed hard, not knowing quite how to answer.

“I don’t even know where to have you start,” Nora said as she absently held her hand against her side where the first stab wound Nikki inflicted on her was located. She would never forget the look on Nikki’s face the moment she’d stabbed her. It was something that couldn’t possibly be described and would most likely haunt her for the rest of her life.

“Would you rather I leave and give you more time? I didn’t mean to just barge in here like this and…”

“No,” Nora said quietly as she looked away for a moment and lowered her head. “I think I need to know what happened to you and you need to know what happened to me. That’s the only way we’re going to get past this.”

Nikki sat down in the chair next to the couch, feeling extremely uneasy. She wasn’t sure she was ready to hear what had happened to Nora because she could see the end result right in front of her - the bruises and cuts still visible. But she had to hear it, every bit of it, no matter how hard it was to hear.

“I know you’ve been away at a rehab facility, I got your note. And I now know that you’ve had some trouble with drugs in the past. So why the hell would you ever think of taking them again? Why couldn’t you just pretend you were taking them? Or better yet, why couldn’t you steer clear of this case all together? And why didn’t you tell me about your past?”

Nikki licked her lips nervously. “I hate their world so much and wanted to take them all down, but I got so caught up in it that I…I couldn’t help myself. I felt like I had to take them to really sell my cover so that I could bust Blade and everyone involved.”

“You completely lost sight of the entire assignment and it became YOUR world too.” Nora stopped for a moment to collect her thoughts. “You…you almost got me killed.” Nora’s voice cracked as she spit out the last part. Then she started to cry.

Nikki looked down towards the floor, ashamed. “I know.”

“NO! You don’t! You don’t remember any of it because you were so fucking high. You had no clue as to what was going on because I believe that you would never intentionally hurt me.”

Nikki looked up at Nora, her own eyes brimming with tears. “I fucked up.”

“You blew my cover, Nikki! You told him I was a cop.”

“What?!?” Nikki immediately felt sick.

“You were mad because you couldn’t find your drugs and yeah, I flushed them. You were out of control so I got rid of them. It pissed you off so much that you ratted me out. Then you pulled your damn gun on me.”

Nikki’s stomach lurched and she put her hand to her mouth, afraid she might vomit. “Oh God.”

“You stabbed me four times.” She began pointing them out on her body, “Here…here…here…and here.” Her hand came to rest on her side again. It was not only the first but it was the deepest and still throbbed with pain, even after several weeks of healing.

Nikki got up quickly and ran to the bathroom, emptying the contents of her stomach into the toilet. Blade had told her she participated but she had no idea to what extent. She loved Nora with all her heart and soul and to even think that she’d inflict pain upon her was simply unbelievable.

Running the water, she rinsed her mouth out and splashed some water on her face, taking a few moments to try and recover. She wiped her face on the towel and then returned to the living room.

“Sorry. I…I didn’t expect you to be saying what you’re saying.” She sat back down and ran her hands through her hair.

“You took something that made you sick and it completely disoriented you. I didn’t know who you became.”

“The drug is no excuse for what I did, Nora.”

“I’m not saying it is but it’s why you did what you did. I just don’t understand why you would have taken it in the first place, cover or no cover.”

“I made a mistake. A big one.”

Silence hung in the air for a few minutes as the two women decided what needed to be said next.

Chapter 2

Video: “Familiar Taste of Poison” by Halestorm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZOmtPR_MTU

Nora got up without saying anything, hobbling over to the counter. She did not look back at Nikki, but could feel the dark eyes taking in every movement. Pausing, she leaned over a little as a twinge of pain ran through her body. She’d not been using the painkillers, trying to tough it out, she was beginning to regret skipping the last dose considering her focus was now diverted.

“Don’t…” She said sternly, having barely heard the chair scrape, knowing Nikki had started to rise to help her. Silence greeted her command and after a moment, she resumed her journey.

A very worn folder was the target, which she retrieved and then managed to make it back to Nikki, slamming the folder down on the table in front of her partner before wobbling and falling into her seat.

“This is the final case file. I took what you had managed to put through before disappearing on your medical leave,” Nora paused trying not to let her frustration and sarcasm coat her words.

Nikki read through the paperwork, somewhat confused as she thumbed through it.

Nora nodded. “That’s right. I covered for you.”

“You lied for me.”

“However you want to put it.”

“But…why? After what I did to you?”

“The drugs are what did this to me. I know that deep down inside you would never intentionally physically hurt me. I just wish you would have told me about your past so that I could have pulled the plug on the whole thing from the beginning.”

“That’s just the thing, you wouldn’t have let me do it and we would never have been able to put all these assholes away.”

“Was it worth sacrificing my life or yours?”

Nikki was silent and awkwardness began to fill the room.

Nora took a deep breath, rubbing her side with a creased brow, “This whole thing has unleashed so many things, Nik.” Nora stood on shaky legs, trying to ignore the annoying pain that still crept through her body.

Nikki got to her feet and slowly walked closer to Nora. She needed to touch her, to hold her. Extending her hand, she managed to rest it on top of Nora’s shoulder, feeling the blonde flinch slightly but not resisting. “I’m so sorry, Nora.”

“My mother knows now, about us.”

As if the shock of everything had been enough, this was something that Nikki never expected. “What?”

“When I was in the hospital, my mom asked what was going on between us….”

~FLASHBACK~

Nora’s mother took a seat next to her daughter’s bed, taking her hand. “So, what’s going on between you and Nikki?”

Nora gave her mother a confused look, “What do you mean? I haven’t seen her since this whole thing happened.”

“I don’t mean about this case, I mean in general. She was by your side for days while you were unconscious, talking to you, kissing your hand. I know you two are partners and friends, but I’m no fool.”

Nora swallowed hard. She wasn’t prepared to have this conversation, especially not while heavily medicated and lying in a hospital bed after nearly losing her life.

Shifting slightly and wincing at the pain it caused, Nora looked at her mother who was patiently waiting for a response. “Looks like you’ve already figured it out.”

“I want to hear it directly from you.”

Nora shut her eyes for a moment. “Do we have to discuss this now?”

“Do not use that tone with me Nora and do not run away from me on this. It seems you have been running away and lying to me for quite some time. I thought I taught you better than that. It seems I have been wrong about many things. First this case taking you away from your family more and more. Then you end up here, almost taken from me…” The elder woman stopped and stood, having to turn away a moment as she went to fetch a Kleenex box, trying to compose herself as she knew she needed to get through this conversation.

“I’m sorry, momma,” Nora said weakly.

Her mother dabbed at her eyes, sopping up the tears on her cheeks. “It’s always been hard for me to accept that you’re are a cop. You’re my only daughter and while I don’t mean this to be taken the wrong way, girls are more fragile than boys. It hurts me more when you’re hurt.”

“I know. That’s why I don’t always talk about my cases. I don’t want you to worry.”

Snuffing away the last of her tears, Mrs. Delaney frowned slightly in Nora’s direction. “You don’t talk about a lot of things, obviously. I’m sure Nikki knows more than I do.”

“Ouch,” Nora said to herself as she closed her eyes and sighed heavily. “Nikki’s a fellow cop, my friend, my partner and I…I love her.”

“How long has this been going on?”

Wincing, Nora’s brow creased with anger. “This? You speak of our relationship as if it’s a phase or…” A surge of pain ignited throughout her body, silencing her.

Her mother stood, frightened by her daughter’s pain but she kept her fear out of the expression on her face, “We can talk about this later. I’ll get the nurse to come in and give you something.” Rubbing Nora’s arm, she turned and exited the room.

~ END FLASHBACK ~

“She had me cornered so I had to tell her.” Nora paused for a moment, remembering that day in the hospital and how hurt her mother made her feel. “I so wanted to tell her how our relationship grew from my curiosity, to me just saying ‘fuck it’ because I knew my family wouldn’t approve, to you seducing me to a point where I couldn’t deny my feelings for you anymore.”

Nikki’s heart melted. “Oh, Nora.” She stood up and slowly walked over to the blonde, kneeling down in front of her and taking her hands into her own. “I am so sorry that she had to find out this way.”

Nora chuckled a bit. “I know, huh? I thought of so many scenarios in which I could tell her but this one was never on the list, that’s for sure.”

Nikki kissed Nora’s hands. “I promise you from this day forward, I’ll never keep anything from you ever again.” Reaching up, she stroked the side of Nora’s face. “I don’t want to lose you. I came too damn close this time.”

Nora leaned into Nikki’s hand, “I don’t want to lose you either.”

Chapter 3

Video: “Never Ending Nightmare” by MSG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekzSFsiD35Q

“No. Nooo,” Nora whimpered in her sleep, a nightmare taking full control of her mind. Her body shook as she tossed and turned.

The sound of Nora’s cries were enough to wake Nikki who was sleeping in the guest room. “Nora,” she whispered as she cautiously made her way into the room.

“NO!” Nora bolted upright, panting as she struggled to catch her breath. She was covered in sweat, beads of it rolling down her cheek and neck.

“Nora, sweetheart, it’s okay. It was just a dream.” Nikki put her arm around her to comfort her.

Nora flinched as she felt Nikki’s touch but soon began to calm as her heartbeat began to reclaim it’s normal rhythm. Wiping the back of her hand across her brow, she sighed heavily and then winced as her adrenaline began to fade - unmasking the pain that was lying beneath. Her hand moved to her side as she turned away from Nikki and swung her legs off the bed.

“Are you okay?” Nikki asked as she walked around the bed and knelt before the blonde.

Nora licked her lips and smiled, shaking her head, “This is why it’s taking forever for this damn thing to heal up. Happens every night.” Her smile was forced and more out of frustration.

Tears welled up in Nikki’s eyes as she rested her head down onto Nora’s lap. “I’m so sorry, Nora.”

Nora stroked the back of Nikki’s head. “It’s strange because it’s a dream but it’s not really because I’m seeing what happened happen over and over and over.”

Nikki looked up, tears rolling down her face. “It’s about me, isn’t it?”

Nora nodded and cupped Nikki’s face, kissing her on the forehead.

Nikki stood - her hands holding Nora’s. “Oh, baby, I…I don’t know how to make this better for you.”

“Come to bed and hold me,” Nora responded in a quiet voice.

She climbed onto the bed as Nora laid back down. “May I?” Nikki asked as she wanted to tend to the source of Nora’s pain.

Nora took in a breath and nodded. Despite what had happened between them, she missed Nikki terribly. She knew that most would tell her she was crazy to accept her back so quickly, or at all, after what she had done. But there was no denying the love between them and she couldn’t throw it away that easily.

Nikki gently placed her hand over her lover’s wounded side as she melted into Nora. Nora’s hand then came to rest over hers, enjoying the feeling of her being so close and hoping that this was the beginning stages of moving on and silencing the nightmares that tore her from sleep.

“Do you want to talk more about it or are you not ready?” Nikki asked hesitantly, not wanting to spoil the moment. “I don’t want to push you.”

Nora sighed. “I guess we have to face it sooner or later.”

“I take it Dan doesn’t know what really happened seeing as I probably wouldn’t have come over so early, spending time on my resume and all.”

Nora smiled but only slightly. “I had to cover for you because this was something far too big to let out.”

“I suppose I should be nice to you from here on out seeing as you’ve got this deep dark secret about me, huh?”

Nora didn’t respond to the comment. “When they told me you were gone and that you had requested some leave, Dan asked me if I knew where you were. I didn’t, exactly, but I just told him that given what had happened you were struggling with it and needed to get away to clear your head.”

“What about Blade?”

“He said you were in on the whole thing and that you were taking the drugs, but when they questioned me I told them there was no way that was true. I figured they would believe me over some scumbag drug dealer and they did. Dan just wanted them off the streets, really. All of them got put away.” Nora paused for a moment and a worried look washed over her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Only two of them received life sentences for the murders of those kids, but Blade. He’ll be out in ten. I’m sure he’ll be back for me since I sent him up the river and he….he wasn’t able to kill me, just like I told him he wouldn’t be able to.”

Nikki swallowed hard. “What happened in that room? I woke up that morning and you were…” Tears began to well up in her eyes. “You were dying in my arms.”

Nora licked her lips and prepared herself to speak, trying to keep her composure as she was about to re-live the nightmare. “You were tripping bad on whatever they gave you and you were really sick. Blade was furious because he thought I was trying to get away. I remember him pushing you to the floor and then standing over me about to continue beating on me. I honestly couldn’t take much more at that point and knew I was dangerously close to the end. But just as he was about to hit me, you stopped him. You managed to convince him that you wanted to ‘play’ with me some more and he let you. He left the room and…that’s when…when you kept stabbing me.”

Nikki was sobbing, her bottom lip trembling as she heard what she didn’t want to hear.

“You were in a fit of rage from the drugs but then you just stopped. It was almost as if someone turned off a switch. You stopped and passed out onto the floor. I don’t remember anything after that.”

Nikki put her arms around Nora and closed her eyes as she squeezed her gently, not wanting to ever let her go.

Chapter 4

Video: “As I Am” by Dream Theater

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWkSD1eLyUA

Nora zipped up her leather jacket as she grabbed her keys on the kitchen table. “You ready?”

“Do you really think this is a good idea?” Nikki protested as she hesitated in leaving.

“I told my mother that I was bringing you so you’re coming, end of story.” Nora went outside and got into the car, starting it up.

Nikki climbed into the passenger seat and stayed silent.

“If I recall correctly you were the one bugging me about coming out and now that I have it’s like you’re making a dash for the closet. What gives, Nik?”

“I guess this just isn’t the way I wanted it to happen.”

Nora sighed. “My family doesn’t know what really happened on that case and I intend to keep it that way. Yes, my mom confronted me but it’s not as a result of her knowing the details.”

Those words only made Nikki feel slightly better. “I’m just a little scared. I never thought I’d feel this way.”

Nora took Nikki’s hand into hers and held it the entire ride over to her parent’s house.

When they arrived, they entered the home and were immediately greeted by Mrs. Delaney. “Nora, sweetie.” Wrapping her arms around her daughter she gave her a gentle hug. Moving away, she turned her attention to Nikki. “Nikki, it’s great to see you.” Nikki was surprised to receive a hug of her own.

“Thanks for having me, Mrs. Delaney.”

“Come on in, let me take your coats. The boys are in the living room fighting about this morning’s football game. Dinner is just about ready so if you could tell them to stop arguing for five minutes and go into the dining room that would save me a headache.”

“Okay, momma.”

They both headed towards the source of yelling and cursing. Bobby looked up and noticed them approaching, doing his best to shush the others. “Nora. How you feeling?”

“I’m good,” she replied, giving him a hug.

Bobby could tell his sister wasn’t 100% as she didn’t give him her usual tight squeeze. In order to avoid an argument, he thought it best to refrain from commenting. Instead, he turned his attention to her partner. “Nikki, how are you?”

“Good, thanks.”

“Where’s my little girl?”

“Hi, pop.” Nora moved through the crowd of men to greet her father.

“Are you back at work yet?”

“Not yet. Soon though.”

“That’s my girl, tough as nails…take after your old man.” He looked up and noticed that Nikki was awkwardly standing in the doorway. “Nikki, how are you? Welcome.”

“I’m good. Thank you for including me.”

“My daughter’s partner is always welcome in my home.”

Nikki smiled, confused as to what type of partner he was referring to.

They conversed with the others for a bit before everyone went into the dining room, leaving them alone.

“Does he know?” Nikki whispered.

“I don’t think so.”

“Didn’t you ask your mother if she told him?”

“It never came up again and I certainly wasn’t going to bring it up. Come on. Let’s go eat.” Nora rubbed Nikki’s back as they went into the dining room.

The room was filled with random chatter throughout the meal and just as dinner was about to wrap up, Mrs. Delaney decided to start a new topic.

“So, Nora. I saw Peter the other day at the grocery store. He was asking about you.”

“Really. Haven’t seen him since high school.”

“He’s working in construction and is still single. A man like that is rare because he’s handy AND can cook.”

Nora looked up at her mother and gave her a stern look.

“I told him to come by some time. Perhaps you two could get re-acquainted.”

Nora put down her fork, sliding her plate away. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what, dear?”

“Try and set me up with every single guy in town. I’m happy…”

“Happy with what? With this little experimentation you have going on between you two.”

Nikki followed Nora’s lead and stopped eating.

Bobby put his hand on his mother’s arm, “Mom, stop.”

“You’re not getting any younger and you need to start thinking about settling down with a good man and starting a family.”

“What’s going on?” Nora’s father asked, puzzled by the sudden information being spewed forth.

“Tell him, Nora. Tell your father.”

Nikki’s hand squeezed Nora’s thigh under the table.

“Fine. Everyone, Nikki and I have had a relationship that goes beyond partners at work. We’re in love and I’m sorry if you all don’t understand it or agree with it because frankly…” Nora stood up and tossed her napkin onto the table, “I don’t give a shit.” She stormed out of the room in search for her jacket.

“Nora, you get back here!” her mother yelled, still seated at the table.

Nikki got up, smiled slightly and went to go find Nora.

When she found her, Nora tossed Nikki her jacket as she took the car keys from her pocket. “So much for a nice evening with the family,” Nora said as the two walked out the front door.

They got out to the car and Bobby came running up, leaning into the passenger side window. “Nora, wait. Mom’s just…”

“Just what? Homophobic?” Nora started the car. “I knew this would happen, Bobby, and that’s why I liked it in the closet. Now everyone knows and I’m sure it won’t be long until everyone in the precinct knows too.”

“No one’s gonna say anything.”

“Bullshit! Guys talk just as much as women do. Especially cops.”

Bobby turned towards Nikki, “I’m sorry for what happened in there.”

“Not your fault.”

“We gutta go,” Nora said as she put the car in drive.

“I’ll call you later.” He stepped away as Nora stomped on the gas and drove off.

Wincing and biting on her lower lip, Nora put her hand on her side as she drove.

Nikki picked up on it. “You okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe I should drive.”

“I’m fine.”

The only thing that filled the air during the ride home was silence.

Chapter 5

Video: “Going Under” by Evanescence

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLCbreTRKqQ

“It’s okay,” Nikki said as she rubbed Nora’s back.

“I’m not so sure.” Nora tossed back the last of the vodka in her glass.

“Who cares, anyway? It’s our business.”

“It’s going to become everyone else’ too. You know how cops are, Nik.”

“I dunno. I think it’s fine. I think if we were men it would be a bigger issue.” Nikki looked at her watch. “Come on. We better get going before it gets too late. It’s your first day back tomorrow and the last thing you need to be is hungover AND late.”

The two women got up and walked out of the bar, breathing in the cool night air that greeted them as they opened the door.

Nikki rummaged through her bag. “Dammit. I think I left my keys on the table. I’ll be right back.”

Nora shoved her hands in her pockets as she waited. She absently paced back and forth as she looked up at the moon.

“Delaney!” a man’s voice called out to her.

She spun around and saw Frank Young walking towards her. “Hey, Frank.”

“Toby’s out back and I think he might be having a heart attack. Can you help?”

Nora rushed to follow him. “Did you call an ambulance?”

“Yeah. He went out to get some air and we found him on the ground.”

She followed him to the alley behind the bar. It was dimly lit but lit enough to see two other officers standing there, including Toby. “I thought…”

Frank shoved his fist into her already aching gut, sending her down to the ground like a sack of rocks. He followed it with a kick, stealing the wind from her lungs. “We don’t need any homos on the force, Delaney.”

“Ugh. Sssstop,” Nora pleaded. Her side was on fire and she thought for a moment she might pass out.

Toby reached down to grab a fistful of her jacket. He hauled her up and smashed his fist in her face. “Dyke!”

They all began to kick and punch her relentlessly. At first she covered her head with her arms, but a rage blew through her and she started defending herself. Throwing wild punches and feeling her fist connecting with flesh.

“Stop! Nora!” a female voice yelled trying to get through to her. “Nora!”

Nora stopped when she recognized the voice belonged to Nikki. Breathing hard, she realized they were lying on the floor of their bedroom and she’d been hitting Nikki all along.

Scooting away, she held onto her throbbing side and leaned against the bed as she took in the sight of Nikki’s bleeding face.

“I always knew you had a mean right hook slugger,” Nikki said with a cavalier tone as she too leaned against the bed, she twisted a little, looking away from Nora to cover her wince as she stretched up to the bedside table, her fingers searching for and then finding the Kleenex box. She pulled it down, taking out a few tissues so she could dab at her injuries. “Nora, you are hurt…” She reached out a hand towards where Nora was holding her side.

Nora shook her head. “I’m fine, it’s okay. I…I’m sorry. I thought you…”

Nikki scooted over so she could sit next to Nora, “It was just a nightmare. Same one as before?”

“No. It was the guys at work giving me a hard time for being gay.”

Nikki pulled Nora close, “Oh, sweetheart. Maybe you need to take more time before you come back to work. Maybe tomorrow is too soon.”

Nora moved away, “No! I can’t sit home here forever and just dwell on everything, nightmares or no nightmares.”

Nikki placed her hand gently on Nora’s side. “You’re still healing. Give yourself some more time. There’s nothing wrong with taking some more time.”

Nora stood up, ignoring the nagging pain from her wound. “I’m going back tomorrow, end of discussion.” She climbed into bed and pulled the covers over her.

Nikki didn’t argue, there was no point. She climbed in beside Nora and shut off the light.

Chapter 6

Video: “Back In The Saddle” by Aerosmith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ_aXyStWO0

Taking a deep breath in, Nora opened the door to the precinct and stood just inside the door. She griped her coffee cup a bit tighter as she looked around. A few passing officers noticed the blonde and smiled, altering their path to walk by, waving and welcoming the detective back. Nora plastered a smile on her face and returned the greeting, keeping the replies banal and simple.

As soon as there was a break in the greetings, she headed towards the main squad room and her desk. Her journey was a little longer than usual; this due to a mixture of her slight limp still and stopping every time someone greeted her and adding in to the welcome back.

Each person that stopped was suspect in Nora’s mind, the detective searching for any slight misstep, visual cue or other hint that they knew. That they knew the things she had kept hidden and that had bubbled to the surface daring to erupt and forever change her life; at least in her mind she was sure once people knew, her life would be radically different forever.

She leaned against the door, weary as she took in a few deep breaths, her side aching already as she’d foregone her dose of medicine. She looked around the room, glad it was fairly empty. Settling on a familiar brunette, she resumed her false cheery mask and headed to her desk.

“Hey,” Nikki looked up as Nora sat down. They had agreed earlier to come in separately; the idea Nora’s; a subconscious attempt to try and keep the space she’d always fostered at work. Nikki had gone along with it, understanding that Nora needed the distance. She’d not deny Nora anything; she owed her lover and intended to make it up to her in every way possible.

She had caught the slight hesitation at the doorway, the brief lines of weariness that crinkled at the edge of Nora’s eyes. It had taken all of her willpower not to leap up and go to her lover. But she’d managed to keep her eyes on the report, letting Nora come to her. Of course she was planning tonight to bully the blonde into resting more and making sure to take care of her self, even if it meant being ultra sneaky and tricky.

“Don’t get too comfortable Detective, I have work for you.”

Nora and Nikki looked up as Georgia had stopped by, the detective smiling as she held a thick stack of folders. “I am returning all of the paperwork I was working on to cover for you. Consider it a welcome back and get your ass in motion present.” She plopped the folders in front of Nora.

“There’s cases here I don’t remember.” Nora replied, smirking a bit as she thumbed through them.

“Oh we all chipped in to get you this gift, didn’t we boys?” Georgia waved at the room, the other officers having stood a bit and were focused on the exchange. A chorus of yes’s and you bet filled the room.

“Oh gee, thanks, I missed y’all too.”

“It is the least we could do. Oh and here, we chipped in for this too.” One of the officer’s handed Georgia a wrapped present. She presented it to Nora with a showy flourish.

Looking at Nikki, the brunette returning an “I don’t know shrug’, Nora tore into the package, laughing as she revealed the “gift”. “wow, you shouldn’t have spent so much. She held up the box of ball point pens.

“Well, we thought it would compliment the other gift, besides, wouldn’t want you to have an excuse not to start pulling your weight around here again.” Georgia remarked, moving then to hug Nora, “Welcome home Detective.”

The rest of the squad clapped, the others coming up, hugging and shaking Nora’s hand, assorted jibs, jabs and teases exchanged. Nikki leaned back in her chair, her grin wide as she watched Nora flush in excitement. “Yes, welcome home Nora…” she whispered as she could see her partner was once more in her element, the change a sight for sore eyes.

“Ok, enough with the touchy feely, I believe every one has work to be doing.” Groans rang out as the crowd dissipated due to Dan’s pronouncement.

“Oh, we are hitting O’Tootle’s tonight, a proper welcome back. See you there? We all chipped in and drinks are on us.”

Nikki saw the look of fright starting to creep across Nora’s face, the woman’s body tensing and going rigid. She knew the nightmare Nora had described must be coming back. She stepped smoothly into the conversation. “I’ll make sure she finishes all her work early and is there with bells on.” She nodded at Georgia as the woman moved off, glad the others seemed not to be catching onto Nora’s frozen state.

“I may actually have to rain on that parade ladies.” Dan interjected, pulling both Nora’s and Nikki’s full attention. “Come on, in my office, and ah…. welcome back Nora.”

“Thanks,” Nora responded softly, her mind still stuck on the nightmare.

The two women took a seat in front of Dan’s desk as he shut the door. “I’m assigning you two protection duty.”

“What?” Nora gasped.

Dan held up a hand, “I don’t want to hear it, Delaney. I’m transitioning you both in slow.”

Nikki didn’t protest. She knew this was coming. Her father had a hand in them being assigned to the case for multiple reasons. Of course, those reasons would have to be explained to Nora at some point.

“Angelique Lacoste. She’s fifteen years old.”

“Great, a freaking babysitting job,” Nora cracked as she swiped the folder from Dan’s hand to look at the girl’s photo.

“Her parents are extremely wealthy - from the oil trade. Several attempts have been made on her father’s life, all unsuccessful but too close for comfort. Now they’re beginning to target Angelique in order to use her for ransom.” Dan took a seat on the edge of his desk, smoothing his tie. “You’re going to have to rough it for this one.” He almost found himself cringing as the words came out of his mouth because he knew they wouldn’t take the news well.

“Rough it?” Nikki asked.

“We’re sending you to a remote location in the swamps.”

Nora rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “Dan. Come on.”

“It’s the only way. She’s too high profile to be kept local.” Dan handed them a slip of paper, “Only pack a few things and be at this location by 3pm tomorrow.”

“Why do I feel deja vu all over again?” Nora commented quietly as she looked over the address on the paper.

“All you have to do is keep an eye on her for a few days. There are a few teams closing in on the guys behind the attempts on Lacoste’s life. Once they’re in custody your job is done. It’s a cake walk.” Dan stood up and motioned towards the door. “Now go on, get outta here. Go find something to do.”

Both ladies exited his office.

“It’ll be fine, Nora. Maybe we can rent a bunch of movies or something.”

“This is going to be boring as hell.”

“Good. I think we both deserve something sans drama.”

“You’ve lost your mind,” Nora said as she eased herself down onto her chair - a wince escaping her.

Nikki sat on the edge of Nora’s desk, noticing the wince. She leaned close, being careful that no one overheard her. “You need to take it slow. Hell, we both need to take it slow. We can’t just get back out there guns blazing.”

Nora gritted her teeth, more out of frustration that her injury was hindering her ability to move on. “I’m not saying let’s go out there and tear the streets upside down, shaking out every perp that falls out, I’m just pissed that we’ll be spending days in the middle of nowhere with a spoiled, rich brat.”

Nikki frowned, leaned back and crossed her arms.

“What? That comment’s not aimed at you, my dear.”

“Why do you always assume that rich kids are spoiled?” Nikki tilted her head as she waited for an answer.

“Look, that’s not the point right now. I just spent weeks sitting around on my ass doing nothing and I don’t want to come back to work and continue to do nothing.”

“Would you rather be assigned to desk duty because I can go back into Dan’s office and tell him that you’re hiding the fact that you’re still injured and…”

Nora held up her hand. “Alright! Enough. You win.” Nora paused for a few moments, stewing over the conversation. “That’s blackmail, you know.”

Nikki got up off the desk, smiling at her victory.

Chapter 7

video: “Bad Attitude Shuffle” by Cinderella

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1WFt8RsbqM

Nora pulled into the parking lot of a fast food joint, immediately frowning at the location. “No way am I eating here. That shit is like eating death.” Nora took pride in her healthy eating habits, her trim, muscular body clearly a result of her efforts.

“No one says you have to. We’re just here to pick up the kid and get on the road. We’ll pick up food somewhere along the way.” Nikki looked up and saw a white pick-up truck and then glanced at her watch. “That must be them.”

They got out and walked over towards the truck as it parked. Two agents got out, one opening the door for Angelique.

Out stepped a petite teenager dressed in a bright pink velour tracksuit with a Coach bad draped over her arm. Her over-sized sunglasses made her head look even smaller, but that was the popular trend.

Nikki reached out for her arm but the kid shrugged away. “Don’t touch me.”

“Fine. Let’s go.”

“I’m hungry. I want food but I’m not eating the slop they serve here.” Angelique scrunched up her face and pouted. Doing so usually meant getting her own way. At least at home it did.

“Good luck to you two,” one of the men said to Nora.

“I can tell this is gonna be great.”

Angelique stood with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. “Take me somewhere where it’s not filthy. This place is disgusting and everyone here is disgusting. They’re all a bunch of fat, poor pigs.”

Nora moved closer towards the girl. “Either you eat here or you don’t eat, that’s all there is to it. We don’t have time to stand here and argue over this so make a decision.”

“Fine! I won’t eat, I’ll starve to death and you can explain to my father how you killed me. I need to go to the bathroom.”

Nora rolled her eyes and looked at Nikki who could only shrug. “You have five minutes to get your ass back out here. If you’re not back here in five minutes, then I’m coming in there and dragging you out even if it means that your pink get-up is down around your ankles.”

Angelique sneered at Nora as she disappeared into the restaurant.

“All she’s done is complain since we left her father’s house. Maybe you ladies can find a way to get her to settle down and shut up because we sure as hell couldn’t. I thought my own daughter was bad. She’s an angel compared to this one.” The two men climbed back into the truck, thankful for having dumped the kid off.

“Told you she was going to be a brat,” Nora said to Nikki as she gave a wave to the men as they drove off.

“Well, there’s not much we can do about it is there? Let’s just try and make the best of it and hopefully in a day or two she’ll be out of our hair.”

Angelique went into the bathroom and nearly gagged at the sight. It wasn’t like her large, private bathroom at home where her maid was sure that it was always sparkling clean. This was littered with used paper towels, cigarette butts, water on the floor and perhaps even urine.

Nearly dry heaving, she decided that she needed to get out and the best possible way to do that was through the small window next to the row of sinks.

Tipping the trash can over on its side, she used it to boost her up to the sill. Opening it with ease, she climbed out and jumped down into the alley way behind the restaurant.

Frantically, she whipped out her jewel encrusted cell phone and began to dial. “Reggie, you need to come pick me up right now! I am in the back of some craptastic food place called The Patty Palace hiding behind a dumpster. This place smells like shit, I am starting to feel nauseous and I swear if one more pig wearing a stupid saying printed T-shirt, jeans and boots looks at me for more than 5 seconds I am going to go apeshit. I feel so dirty just being among these people and I have to get out of here! Find the address and come get me now!”

“You know, you should try to keep your voice low, the rats squeaking might have covered your own screeching.”

The young girl screamed a little, jumping and running into the dumpster, dropping her phone in the process. “You fucking bitch, you made me drop my phone. If it is harmed, I will sue your ass for 12 new ones.”

“Don’t you mean your daddy will sue my ass? Somehow I doubt you would have the ability to even file the paperwork to come after me. In fact, it probably wouldn’t be your daddy even but some hired schmuck.” Nora leaned against the dumpster, crossing her arms over her chest and appearing unconcerned by the teen’s actions.

“Do you have any idea who I am? If you did, you probably would not be wasting your breath rather praying to god I don’t take you for all you have. Although I doubt you’d be worth more than the cheap house or trailer you live in is worth. I mean look at your clothes, those are what, the new line at Target or some other low-end outlet?”

Nora pushed her tongue in her cheek, puckering the surface outward. She was currently wishing it had been one of the others to find the girl, but her luck seemed to have been soured for a very long time, so why change things now? “I know who you are, you are Angelique Lacoste. And you seem to have worse manners than a jackass in heat.” Nora smirked as she saw her comment made the girl wince, her nose wrinkling in disgust. Somehow it felt good to know she’d pricked at the girl. Of course this was replaced by the slow burn of shame as she realized she was gloating at having gotten into a childish back and forth with a 15 year old brat. ~~Who’s the kid here Nora…~~ She prodded her self as she pushed off the dumpster and leaned down to pick up the phone.

Angelique roughly grabbed the phone out of Nora’s hand. “Gimmie that!”

“Sneaking out of the restroom. Not a very nice way to thank the people trying to save your life. Now come on kid back to the others or I can promise your 500 dollar Juicy Couture outfit will be sporting rat paw prints as you try and pick fast food trash from your hair.”

“You would not dare dump me…” She scurried back as Nora had turned, opening the large side door in the dumpster, taking in a large breath as the motion pulled at her side and injuries.

“Move it to the front now, or else we call daddy and I happen to know he’ll not be happy his daughter is not being taken care of…”

This shut the girl up and she reluctantly started toward the front. “How did you know this was a Juicy?” She asked as she walked past Nora.

“Maybe you should not assume you know me from what I wear.” Nora responded, inwardly glad she listened to some of the stuff Nikki talked about regarding fashion.

Chapter 8

video: “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Warrant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te1iSbyaR9I

Nora just looked at the three bags sitting on the ground by the trunk of the car. She eyeballed the small trunk already packed with food supplies and their bags. Looking back to the girl and her bags. “Where exactly are those going?” Nora waved at the bags.

“I don’t know, Detective, that is your job to figure out since you have been assigned to me.” Angelique sneered as she looked at her nails. She was pissed for having been dragged back here. Pissed Nora had called her father and let the man know what the teen had done. Pissed her father had not backed her up. And now determined to make this blonde bimbo cop pay for making her life a living hell.

“Assigned to watch you, not assigned to be your serv…” She cut off as Nikki laid a hand on her partner’s shoulder.

“Nora,” Nikki said quietly, “Let it go.”

Angelique sneered at Nora and walked away towards the small cabin, leaving them to handle her bags like her hired help.

“There are some thoughts going through my head right now about that girl and I’m not going to say them out loud because it just wouldn’t be right.” Nora grabbed two of the bags while Nikki grabbed the rest of their gear.

“As much as I can understand how you feel, it’s best that you keep it to yourself. For now at least.” Nikki smiled as she brushed past Nora and headed towards the cabin.

They all went inside and set their things down. It was old, dusty and small but relatively clean.

“Shit,” Nora cursed, noticing there was no TV. “Looks like we’re left to enjoy each others company.”

“Bullshit on that,” Angelique said as she started to head for the door.

Nora grabbed her arm. “Where are you going?”

“Outside to call my…”

“Give me the phone.”

“I’m not giving you my phone. And let go of me!” Angelique tried to wriggle away but Nora’s grip was too strong.

“GIVE me the phone NOW.”

She paused for a moment and then shoved the phone into Nora’s hand. “Happy?”

“Listen you snotty little brat. I don’t give two flying shits who you are or who your father is, got it? All I know is that I have a job to do and that job, unfortunately, is protecting your disrespectful ass. Now I suggest that you sit down and stop complaining. I don’t like this any more than you do. No more phone calls to your boyfriend or anyone else. No one’s supposed to know you’re here and we’d like to keep it that way because if I have to take a bullet for you I’m REALLY going to be pissed off.”

Angelique, for the first time in hours, remained quiet.

Nora let go of her arm, giving her a shove for good measure, and stuffed the cell phone into her jacket pocket. “Go read a book or something. Enjoy the peace and quiet here in the middle of nowhere.” Brushing past Nikki, she went outside to get some air.

Angelique sat down and looked up at Nikki, hoping to find sympathy.

“She’s right. You’re putting us all in danger if you let someone know we’re here.”

“I…I wasn’t going to tell him.”

“Save it. From here on out you do what we tell you and neither of us want to hear any more about it.” Nikki’s statement was sharp and to the point. Turning, she went outside to find Nora.

Nora leaned against the railing on the porch, closing her eyes and rubbing her side as the throbbing intensified from her rant and rise in blood pressure.

Nikki caught the movement and put her hand on Nora’s back, rubbing in small circles. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Fine.”

“Maybe you should take a painkiller. I can keep an eye on her while you get some sleep.”

“I didn’t bring them because I don’t need them.”

“Um, I beg to differ.” Nikki held onto her stare into Nora’s eyes. “You’re obviously still in pain and I’ve seen the wound. This is why I agreed to this case instead of something too rough out on the streets. If Dan knew you were still in this condition there’s no way in hell we’d even be out here right now.”

Nora kept her silence.

“I brought your pills.” Nikki reached into her jacket and placed the bottle on the railing. “I noticed you left them behind.” Nikki leaned closer. “Stop trying to play tough, Nora. If you’d just let me help you maybe the nightmares will stop and if you take these pills you can relax and give yourself a fair chance to heal.”

Nora took the bottle, shaking it a little. “I don’t want to end up having these become a crutch.”

“You won’t let them. You’re too strong for that. Look at the amount of pills in that bottle. You’ve only taken one or two since you were released from the hospital.”

“I don’t need them and I hate the way they make me feel.”

Nikki shook her head and held her hands up. “I can’t force you to take them, but you don’t need to make yourself suffer through the pain. That whole ordeal was painful enough, why continue it?”

Nora didn’t answer.

“I need to go check on our beloved guest.” Nikki rubbed Nora’s back and kissed her temple, “I love you.”

Nora returned the smile. “I love you too.”

Nikki walked back inside, leaving Nora to continue staring at the plastic bottle in her hand. She took off the cap and placed a pill in the palm of her hand - looking at the shape and size of it as she debating about taking it. Nikki’s voice played in her head. She knew Nikki was right but Nora wasn’t used to allowing herself to admit to being in pain - physically or emotionally. In a quick movement, she tossed the pill into her mouth and swallowed it down, wincing as the dry pill made its way down her throat. Placing the cap back on the bottle, she tucked it into her jacket and went inside.

Nikki was unpacking the food they’d brought with them while Angelique was sitting on the couch doing her nails.

She reached out and squeezed Nikki’s hand. “I’m gonna take a nap for a while. Sleep this off.”

Nikki smiled, relieved that Nora listened. “Thank you,” she said softly.

“Try not to kill her while I’m asleep. At least wait until I wake up so I can watch.” Nora disappeared into the bedroom, looking forward to some relief.

Chapter 9

video: “Panic Attack” by Dream Theater

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7b_DaILYiQ

Nora faintly heard her name being called. Soon, it became loud enough to rouse her from sleep.

“Nora!”

Her eyes opened and she found Nikki standing above her. Groaning, she shielded her eyes from the light. “What?”

“Nora, get up. Angelique is gone, I can’t find her.”

“What?” Her brain wasn’t used to so much sleep and she struggled to process what Nikki was saying.

“She’s gone. She ran away. We have to go find her.” Nikki reached down and grabbed Nora’s arm, trying to haul her up.

“Alright. Alright I’m up!”

Nikki pulled Nora to her feet, handing her her gun. “She went into the other room to take a nap and when I went to check on her she was gone.”

“How long?”

“Maybe a half hour.”

“A half hour! Shit,” Nora cursed under her breath.

The two women went outside and began calling Angelique’s name.

No answer.

“Did you hear anyone come in?” Nora asked as they traveled along the edge of the swamp.

“No, nothing.” Nikki stepped in a sinking puddle of mud. “Dammit! My boots are going to get ruined in this God forsaken dump.”

Nora chuckled a bit. “Honestly, who wears three hundred dollar boots out in the swamps?”

“I didn’t think we’d be hiking through the actual freakin’ swamp, Nora.”

They continued to make their way through the marshy area. It was thick with tall weeds, branches from trees and thick mud. Definitely a departure from the streets of New Orleans.

When they reached a small clearing, they stumbled upon Angelique and her boyfriend sitting under a tall tree, making out.

“Ahem!” Nora yelled as she pretended to clear her throat.

The pair jumped at the sound of her voice.

“What the hell are you doing out here and how did he get here?” Nikki placed her hands on her hips as she waited for an answer.

“I…I…”

“Did you call him?”

Angelique didn’t answer.

“Get up and march your ass back to that cabin, the both of you!” Nora’s face began to turn a deep red as anger consumed her.

“But…”

“Shut it and MOVE!”

The four of them headed back to the cabin. Not a word was uttered the entire walk back. Angelique held onto her boyfriend’s hand but she knew better than to open her mouth.

Just as they rounded the bend towards the cabin, the sound of rapidly firing gunshots filled the air.

Nora shoved Angelique and her boyfriend to the ground as she and Nikki knelt down and looked towards the cabin. Two men armed with guns littered the cabin with a hail of gunfire and then turned their focus on their car - rendering it completely useless.

They paused for a few seconds and then two massive explosions could be heard as they shot out the propane tanks that were located on the side of the cabin.

Angelique screamed as the explosions shook the earth beneath them. Nora’s hand quickly covered her mouth but it was too late.

The men turned their attention towards the scream, curious about its source.

“Fuck,” Nora whispered as she looked at Nikki.

“Run!” Nikki said to Nora as they wasted no time in scrambling back in the direction in which they’d just come from.

Nora did her best to keep up but the wound in her side began to hinder her ability to do so. She stopped by a tree to catch her breath, putting her hand over her side.

Nikki turned back to find Nora lagging behind. “Nora!”

“Go! I’ll catch up.”

“Are you okay? Let me see.” Nikki moved Nora’s hand away and gasped at the sight of blood. “Dammit.”

“It’s okay. It’s not as bad as it looks.”

They could hear the men approaching and then bullets began flying through the air. One embedded itself in the tree above Nora’s head, splintering the bark.

Nikki began to return fire in the men’s direction - unsure of where they were because the weeds were so high. She grabbed Nora’s hand, “Come on!”

“No, use your head.” Nora pulled on Nikki, digging in her heels. “You take them and circle back. I’m going to draw them away.” She jutted her chin out and pressed a finger to Nikki’s lips seeing the brunette about to protest. “Stop thinking with your heart. I’m not sacrificing myself.” Nora paused seeing Nikki wince. “This is just smart thinking. Swamp rat thinking as my father would say. I know a thing or two about this type of place, how do you think I developed my love of crayfish?” she winked and then leaned in, kissing Nikki’s lips. The action as much to keep her partner quiet as to give her strength.

“You sure about this?” Nikki asked.

“Yes, now go! I’ll catch up with you.” Nora pushed at Nikki’s back, trying to get her to begin to move.

Nikki grabbed the kids and began to run, looking back as Nora went into the opposite direction - towards the men. Her heart sank to her feet but she held onto her focus. It killed her letting Nora out of her sight and knowing she was heading right into harm’s way, by choice. Her concern morphed into anger as Nora’s pig-headedness irked her. But it was that anger that drove her to complete the task at hand.

Chapter 10

video: “Time To Run” by Phantom Blue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9_SEr-ORyk

Nora ignored the throbbing pain in her side as she tried to crouch low, staying out of view from the men. The weeds were high but the problem was even if they couldn’t see her she couldn’t see them either.

Working her way back towards the cabin, she could hear the men yelling to each other off in the distance. Their voices sailed through the thick swampy air. They were frustrated by not being able to find anyone so they were heading back to the cabin area as well.

“Shit,” Nora swore as she knew she had to hurry because they were now heading her way.

Black smoke filled the air and flames still burned the remains of the cabin as well as their car. Part of her wanted to just let the men take off so they’d be safe, but that would only be a temporary fix since these were the men that were after Angelique. It would only be a matter of time before they came back again.

Looking down the dirt road by the cabin, she saw their Hummer. Her mind raced with ideas as beads of sweat rolled down her cheeks. Wiping it with the back of her hand, she grimaced a bit as her wound reminded her of its presence. Choking the pain down, she darted off towards the Hummer.

Ducking behind it, she checked to see if the men were coming but didn’t see or hear them. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small pocket knife and slashed the two back tires, hearing the rush of air hissing out and rendering the vehicle useless.

Just before she was able to tuck the knife away, she felt the steel of a gun slamming into the back of her skull.

“Lookie what we’ve got here,” the gunman said as he kept it against her skull. “Drop that little knife of yours and slowly put your hands up.”

Nora knew there was no way she’d be able to make a move so she complied and dropped the knife to the ground. “Easy on that trigger, man.”

One of the other men came over and picked up the knife. It was a two-inch blade, far from being considered a substantial weapon, but they weren’t taking any chances. Nora flinched as she looked at the sun gleaming off the blade, flashing back to when Nikki had stabbed her.

The man noticed the blood on her shirt. “Aww, this one’s already damaged goods.”

The gunman spun Nora around, pushing her up against the Hummer and pressing his beefy forearm against her throat as he looked down at her side. Roughly pulling up her shirt, he smiled as he examined the bleeding wound. “Ha! Did we get you?” He smiled evilly at her, almost proud of the fact that he’d wounded her.

Nora laughed. “Please.”

The man that had taken her knife launched a fist right into the wound, sending her down to ground and doubling her over.

“Hey! Hey!” the gunman yelled at him, pushing him back. “Knock it off!”

“Bitch has an attitude. You gonna let her talk to you like that?”

“She’s gonna tell us where the others are and then you can do whatever you want with her, but until that time…hands off!” Turning his attention back to Nora, he kneeled down in front of her, putting his hand under her chin so that she’d look up at him. “You don’t want Gino to come at you again, believe me. I’ve seen him in action and the boy’s just not right in the head. So let’s avoid all that and keep your pretty little face in tact while you tell me where the girl is.”

Nora smirked. “You just said he can do whatever he wants with me after I tell you, so don’t try and bullshit me.” She coughed a little as she held onto her bleeding side.

The man nodded, agreeing with her but annoyed by her at the same time. Grabbing a fist full of her hair from the back of her head, he hauled her to her feet and slammed her up against the Hummer again. “Where is she?” He placed the gun against her wound. The threat was obvious and he didn’t need to tell her he’d shoot her.

“Put the gun down, NOW!” Nikki’s voice sliced through the air behind them.

The other men turned around to find Nikki as well as Dan and three uniformed officers aiming guns in their direction.

“Lose the weapons nice and slow,” Dan instructed as he kept a close eye on Nora - ready to pull the trigger if the man in front of her got an itchy trigger finger.

All of the men laid their weapons down and got down on their knees except the gunman, still digging the barrel of his gun into Nora’s wound.

“I said drop it!” Nikki yelled, her voice cracking from emotion. She hated that her feelings for Nora were getting the best of her and that they were on display for all to see.

“I’m going to give you until the count of three to drop it and move away from her or else one of my guys are gonna take you out.” Dan couldn’t afford to wait for him to make a move. He knew Nora was already hurt and the possibility of her getting hurt more, especially after all she’d been through on the last case, wasn’t sitting well with him.

“I’d do what he says,” Nora whispered to him. “Lance has a sniper shot and he’s gonna take your head right off your shoulders.”

“Shut up!!!” he screamed at Nora - spittle hitting her face.

“Look, you wanted the girl so this has nothing to do with Detective Delaney. Let her go.” Dan started to take a few steps towards them.

“Yeah well…this bitch got in the way so now she’s got me in quite the predicament.” He nervously licked his lips and began to sweat.

Nora felt him lean into her a bit more and she couldn’t stifle her groan.

Nikki flinched as she heard it, fraying her nerves even more. She felt helpless. Her mind wandered back to Blade and kept imagining how much hurt Nora had endured. She didn’t want to witness it again through sober eyes.

“That’s it. Count of three, man. Make the right choice. One…two…three….”

There was a split second of silence and then the sound of a gunshot.

Chapter 11

video: “Under the Gun” by Lita Ford

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7x8fxar1qE

No one moved and time felt like it was standing still for a brief moment.

The man in front of Nora fell away from her, dropping the gun to the ground as the officers moved in and secured him.

Nikki tucked her gun away, satisfied that he was incapacitated and feeling as if she owed it to Nora given all they’d been through. She brushed past everyone, catching Nora into her arms just as she started to fall to the ground. “Oh God, Nora. Nora, talk to me.” Looking over her body, she searched for a bullet wound. Her eyes couldn’t register anything to her brain as her eyes frantically roamed Nora’s body.

“I’m okay…didn’t hit me,” Nora mumbled as she leaned against the Hummer.

Dan checked the man’s pulse and shook his head at Nikki.

Nikki grabbed Nora and held her tightly.

“Where’s Angelique?”

“Safe. Dan showed up just as we were coming back around. They took her and her boyfriend home.”

“Good. She’s a pain in the ass and I don’t think I could handle another minute with her.”

Nikki smiled and messed up Nora’s hair with her hand. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”

“Ugh,” Nora groaned - sick of the “h” word.

A couple of paramedics tended to Nora as Nikki moved away to let them do their job. “Thanks, Dan.”

Dan put a comforting arm around Nikki as they walked alone towards his car. “No problem. I know what it’s like to see your partner in trouble. Let’s just say that this isn’t the first time I’ve had to pull my gun to save Nora’s life.” Dan paused for a minute, debating about whether to continue. “I have a feeling that your concern for her is, shall we say, stronger than most.”

Nikki looked at him. “What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean. I see the way you two look at each other and I’m not stupid, I can tell you care about her…a lot.”

“Dan..I…”

He held up his hand, “I’m not saying anything more about it. I care about Nora too and I want her to be happy, and she is with you. Hell, I knew something had to be up when she kept turning me down. I mean, who can resist this?”

Nikki laughed and elbowed him lightly in the ribs. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Like I said, I’m not going to say anything. I don’t want to start a shit storm for the two of you nor do I want you split up as partners. You work well together and are one of my best teams. But if it gets to be too much emotionally, then we’ll need to revisit this conversation.”

Nikki nodded and looked down at her shoes.

“I know the last case put you two through the ringer. That’s what I mean about the emotional part. No one wants to see their partner hurt but no one wants to see someone they love hurt either.”

“If Dan only knew what really happened,” Nikki thought to herself.

“Now, go make sure your partner’s okay and I don’t want to see the two of you until Monday. Got it?”

Nikki smiled and squeezed his arm, “Got it.” She started to walk away but turned back, “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Turning back, she headed for the ambulance to ride with Nora.

fini