Blurred Lines by KD Williamson (25 page)

Thirty minutes later, Kelli shoved the phone in the pocket of her jeans as she exited her car. With only a slight limp, she made her way up the sidewalk. Kelli pressed the doorbell and decided on “Jingle Bells” or as close as she could get to it.

Nora opened the door and glared. “It is nowhere near the holidays.”

Kelli smirked. “Christmas lives in my heart.”

Nora bit her bottom lip, but couldn’t hold back her smile. She stepped back and let Kelli inside. “No cane today?”

“I’m convinced that it made me a little too bitchtastic at times.”

“I’m sure that only happened with Dr. Rader,” Nora said dryly.

“Possibly.” Kelli chuckled. She brushed by Nora, barely touching her. The potential heat between made her insides sweat, but Kelli ignored it. She sat down on the sectional. “Coffee, scones, or hell, I’ll even take some of that nasty yogurt you like.”

“That is one of the best Greek yogurts—”

“It makes my mouth feel like it’s wearing a coat, Nora.”

Nora scoffed. “Then why did you ask for it?”

Kelli grinned. “Because even after all this time, it’s easy to get a rise out of you.”

Right on cue, Nora blushed a bright crimson. She glanced away and murmured, “The coffee is fresh. I will—”

Kelli saw Nora’s anxiety. Instead of letting her escape, as she walked past, Kelli reached for Nora’s hand. Nora gasped at the contact, but she still covered Kelli’s fingers with her own.

Kelli squeezed. She smiled at the tingle the touch caused, as well as Nora’s helpless response to it. “Sit,” she murmured huskily. “I’ll get it.”

Nora opened her mouth, presumably to protest.

“I won’t break anything. I promise.” Kelli stopped her.

The color in Nora’s face returned to normal, and a smile came with it. “All right.”

As Nora sat, Kelli stood. “You want anything?”

Nora shook her head and said breathlessly, “No. More caffeine probably isn’t the best of ideas.”

Kelli found the statement peculiar. Not the words, but the way Nora said it as if there was more to it. Silently, she stared at Nora for a few seconds, but she refused to meet her gaze. Kelli walked toward the kitchen and a weird prickly sensation at the back of her neck made her stop. She was being watched. She glanced over her shoulder. Caught, Nora’s eyes widened, but this time she didn’t look away. Kelli saw hunger, confusion, and a bunch of other indecipherable things.

“I have bacon scones,” Nora whispered.

“What?” Kelli wasn’t sure if she heard correctly. It was such an odd thing to say at the moment. Then again, it was so very Nora.

“Bacon scones. I was sure you would like them.”

Kelli smirked. “Hell yeah. Fat is tasty, especially bacon fat.”

“I’m sure.” Nora’s eyes twinkled.

Kelli turned and made her way into the kitchen.

* * *

Kelli groaned in pleasure and swallowed the last bite. “My God, that was—” She groaned again.

“So, I was correct?” Nora asked.

“I think the answer’s pretty clear. Did you make those?”

“No, I got them from the bakery not far from here. I’m sure I could. A maple glaze would probably complement the saltiness—”

“Please stop. I think my mother is getting jealous of you as it is.”

Nora’s eyebrows shot upward. “I’m sorry?”

Kelli grinned. “She’s a great cook. She asked me about your—”

“Your mother?” Nora asked.

“Yeah? That loud, tiny, nosy, dark-haired lady with green eyes?”

“I’m familiar. I just don’t understand why she would ask about me.”

Kelli shrugged. “Sean runs his mouth a lot, and, apparently, I need to keep mine shut.”

Nora looked dumbfounded. “You…you talk about me?”

“I guess.” Kelli paused. “That’s not weird. I mean, is it?”

“You’re asking me?”

Kelli chuckled. “Well, I usually don’t…about anybody. Talk, that is. I think that’s why they’re both being so catty about it. I need to go back to my old policy.”

“Why? I’m not sure I understand.”

“I just don’t want to share you.” Kelli said the words before thinking about their impact.

Kelli swore she could see the exact moment when Nora stopped breathing. Nora’s mouth fell open, and her eyes grew dark and filled with a lush heat.

“Oh…I…” Nora mumbled. For a few seconds, she stayed perfectly still and didn’t speak. The temperature around them spiked a few degrees. Nora clenched her hands into fists, and Kelli wondered what she was stopping herself from doing.

Nora averted her eyes and brought the moment to a screeching halt. “Maybe…” She cleared her throat. “Maybe more coffee is just what I need.” Nora stood.

Kelli did as well. She refused to let Nora off that easily. Quietly, she followed her into the kitchen.

Kelli leaned against the counter. “Nervous?”

Nora glanced her way. “Excuse me?”

Kelli didn’t even try to control her smirk. “About the meeting. What did you think I was talking about?”

Nora licked her lips before answering. “Without some sort of segue, I wasn’t sure what you were referring to.”

“Mmm.” Everything started to crackle around them again. Kelli loved the feeling.

“To answer your question, no. Not in the least. It’s a step closer to ending all this nonsense.” Nora lifted the coffee cup to her lips, and her hand shook. It only increased the electricity in the air.

As if pulled by an invisible thread, Kelli slowly closed the distance between them. Nora set the cup back on the counter and stepped away toward the door.

“We should probably go,” Nora said airily.

Nora moved quickly, but Kelli was faster. She grasped Nora’s forearm and brought them to a standstill.

“We have time,” Kelli said.

Nora’s gaze dropped from Kelli’s eyes to her mouth and back again. Her breathing hitched, and the sound nearly sent Kelli’s stomach to the floor.

“I didn’t forget about what happened between us,” Kelli whispered. “Just because I haven’t said anything about it doesn’t mean I forgot. I can’t.” She took a step closer, and the sparks between them became flames. “You’re scared, I get that, but I’m not gonna stop this.” She leaned in and brushed her lips against Nora’s forehead.

Nora whimpered softly.

“I don’t think you want me to,” Kelli added. This was Nora. She needed to be gentle despite her body screaming at her to do the opposite. Kelli kissed her tenderly. Their lips clung to each other as they shared the same breath. Nora fingertips dug into Kelli’s arms. Afraid to let her go or afraid to pull her closer? Kelli couldn’t tell.

Nora didn’t say a word in response, but she didn’t need to.

* * *

When Kelli placed her hand at the small of her back, Nora stiffened slightly. It was a gesture meant to reassure. Still, the contact also denoted possession. Her mind whirled with questions. Hadn’t Kelli possessed her with her words, her kiss? Nora knew the answer, and she was defenseless against it. She relaxed and allowed her resistance to melt away. Her senses tingled, and she was so much more aware of the things around her. It was a strange sensation, but then again, all of this was.

They walked into the lobby of Thomas, Young, and Associates and stopped at the front desk. The receptionist smiled brightly at Kelli, but her expression seemed to dim when she noticed Nora.

“Nora!” Tom Young stepped away from the small group surrounding him. “Early as always. Don’t move. I’ll be right with you.”

“Now that’s what I call service,” Kelli whispered.

“Indeed,” Nora peered over her shoulder and caught Kelli’s gaze.

Kelli smiled. “What?”

“Nothing. I’m just glad you’re here.”

“It was either this or daytime television.” Kelli stepped closer. “You’re a lot more stimulating.”

Nora looked down and tried to hide her flushing features. However, she could do nothing against the surge of heat.

Tom reappeared. “Ladies, please follow me.”

* * *

Tom leaned back in his chair and watched them expectantly. “Due to your existing friendship, I’m sure Ms. Fuller’s lawyer will have you labeled as hostile. Regardless, I’m confused as to her reasons behind this.”

Kelli shrugged. “I’m sure they are trying to establish pattern of behavior. I was a patient in the hospital and witnessed a conversation between them.”

“Was it something volatile?”

“She commented on Dr. Fuller being on Rader’s service.”

The lawyer blinked. “That’s all?”

Kelli smirked. “She was bitchy about it. It wasn’t any different than she was with some of her other residents.”

“So, you’re saying that from what you saw, Dr. Whitmore treated all the residents the same?”

“Yeah, but she was also hinting that they were sleeping together. She just didn’t come out and say it until I asked directly.

“I believe that was common knowledge,” the lawyer said.

“It was.” Nora agreed.

“Did she sound jealous or hurt by this?”

Kelli snorted. “I’m a cop. I’ve seen plenty of jealous lovers. This wasn’t it. She said that sleeping with him had been a big mistake. Seems to me, Rader has the problem with letting go.”

“What do you mean?” Tom asked.

Nora glanced at Kelli. Her expression was serious.

“Well, I overheard Rader and Fuller talking in my room one night. They thought I was sleeping. I’m pretty sure they were talking about setting Nora up. Fuller sounded like she was ready to back out, but Rader told her that it would work out and whatever they were planning was worth it. Plus, since they brought me in, maybe we need to establish our own little pattern. I’m gonna assume you guys have video surveillance of the building? Entrances, exits, even the garage?”

“Interesting but that’s pure conjecture. Did either of them use her name?”

“No, unfortunately.”

“Too bad but if I wait until the right moment, I may be able to use that. They’re sloppy, I’m sure we’ll find a smoking gun soon. As for surveillance, yes, we do. Complete with audio too. You’d be astonished how much help 
that
 is at times.”

“Good, pull the files from the day of the first deposition. You’ll see what I mean.”

“All of this sounds extremely promising. It could put some exploitable cracks in their case. Thank you, Detective McCabe. Now, if you would excuse us. I have some things to discuss with—”

“I’d prefer for her to stay.” Nora interrupted.

Kelli peered in her direction, grinning. “She’s the boss.”

In response, Nora smiled.

Tom cleared his throat. “That she is. I just wanted to let you know where we are. Our investigators are still interviewing security personnel, but so far we’ve gotten nothing. I think that just means we’ve been asking the wrong questions. We need to concentrate on the day the accusations were made, as well as a few days before and after. As far as the security footage goes, we hit some red tape. If we get some answers from personnel, that may help clarify things. I was able to get the medical records for Gerald Travis Jr. as you suggested. It will go a long way to show cause and weaken their argument that you pressuring her sexually excluded her from your surgeries.”

Nora nodded and experienced a renewed sense of hope.

* * *

Kelli buckled her seatbelt and glanced at Nora. “All that made me kinda hungry.”

Nora started her Mercedes. “Really? It’s only been two and a half hours since you had scones.”

“Yes, well talking burns calories. What can I say? Besides, things are looking up. Shouldn’t we celebrate? There’s a food truck farther downtown that serves the best carnitas tacos I’ve ever tasted.”

Nora pulled out of the parking garage. “From the back of a truck?” She asked hesitantly.

Kelli smirked. “Well, welcome to my world. We celebrate with meat and beer, even if it’s from the back of a truck. Now c’mon.” Kelli begged. “Live a little.”

Nora scrunched up her face, and Kelli laughed. Without looking at Kelli, Nora said, “As a doctor, I’m uncomfortable with that practice.”

“I guess you’ll just have to trust me.” Kelli pointed at the turn she wanted Nora to make. “Make a right up here. And, sorry, they don’t usually sell the type of wine you drink at these things. Maybe box of wine.”

“Why on earth would someone do that? Is beer ever sold in a box?”

Kelli felt nauseated. How could Nora say something so…disturbing? “Hell no. That’d be nasty.”

“Precisely.” Nora’s face crinkled again. She looked ten kinds of disgusted. It was fucking precious.

“Well, get ready, because you can’t have a taco without beer. That’s just sacrilegious.”

“I’ll take it under advisement.”

“You do that. Hang a left on the next block, then an immediate right on Fourth Street, then get on Yesler’s Way. The truck is usually near Pioneer Square.” Kelli enjoyed the banter, and she didn’t want it to stop. Plus, Nora’s skittishness from earlier seemed to have disappeared. “I’ve had your wine, you know. So, it’s only fair that you try beer. I wouldn’t make you drink the bad shit. Some of the most popular beers in America taste like moose piss.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Diluted moose piss. That’s all you need to know. Again, trust me.”

“That doesn’t sound encouraging.” Nora shook her head.

“Beer is just like wine. There’s the good stuff, which is pretty much anything produced by Founder’s brewery and a few other ones. There is the middle of the road beer, like Abita, and then there’s utter crap.”

“America’s favorite,” Nora said.

“Quick study.”

“Thank you.” Nora’s voice was laced with sarcasm.

Kelli smiled and then turned to scan for traffic and parking. “Pull in here.” She pointed at an empty spot in front of one of the local credit unions. “I thought we were gonna have to walk back down. I’m surprised there’s parking.” Kelli was far too excited, and she wasn’t sure why. But she was content to just go with the flow.

When Kelli got out of the car, she circled around to the driver’s side to open Nora’s door. Nora stood and stared across the street toward their destination.

Wondering why Nora hesitated, Kelli offered some encouragement. “There’s always a crowd, but they’re fast.”