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  “You sly dog. You’ve kept Will a secret all this time,” Frankie said, smiling.

  “We didn’t want anyone to know until we knew it was going to work out,” Trey replied.

  “Not even your best friends,” Frankie said, feigning shock. “Seriously, though, we’re happy for the both of you.” She tilted her head, leaned toward Johanna, and kissed her cheek. “I hope you two have the same happiness and joy that I’ve found with Johanna. I can’t even begin to describe how wonderful my life is because of her and how contented I am.”

  Johanna’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I never knew what love was until I met you, Frankie,” she whispered in a cracked voice.

  Frankie put an arm around her and pulled her close. “I love you, sweetie,” she whispered. “I can’t imagine not being with you.”

  Trey looked at Will. “See, I told you that they’re as much in love now as when they first met. You’d think they were a new couple if you didn’t know. I’ve never once heard a hateful word between them.”

  “Oh, we have our share of disagreements,” Frankie cut in, “mostly about our work, but we never let it interfere with our personal lives.”

  “Is it ever difficult being together all the time on the job?”

  “No,” Johanna said. “We each have our strengths and weaknesses so it balances out. Usually Frankie’s more of a risk taker than I am. I like to plan each move and Frankie likes to dive right in head first.”

  Will nodded. “I hope I’ll be seeing a lot of you two.”

  “Well, since you’re with Trey, you’d better. At least now we know why we haven’t seen Trey for awhile,” Frankie said with a sly look at her friend.

  Trey massaged Will’s shoulder with his fingertips. “We’re going to remedy that. How about you two coming to our place for dinner next weekend if you don’t have plans?”

  “Your place? You two are living together?” Frankie squealed.

  “For a couple of weeks now,” Trey admitted.

  “Congratulations!” Frankie raised her glass in a toast, at the same time playfully slapping Trey on his back. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “Let’s just say, that we were enjoying our new partnership,” Trey said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

  “We’re so happy for you, two,” Johanna beamed, touching her glass to everyone else’s.

  Trey set his glass down. “I was telling Will that you two used to be cops in Philly before you became private detectives.”

  “That must be exciting,” Will said. “Is that how you met?”

  Frankie grinned. “Johanna had transferred to my precinct and became my new partner, since my previous one had retired from the force. One look at her and I was in love.”

  “Yes, but it took awhile before we got together, but once we did I knew I’d found my soul mate.” She squeezed Frankie’s arm. “We stayed on the force for a couple of years then came here and decided to go into business for ourselves.”

  Trey leaned his elbows on the table and peered at the women. “So, what fascinating cases are you two working on? Anything exciting?”

  “As a matter of fact, we’re working on the Cassandra McHenry murder,” Johanna replied. “Believe it or not, Graham McHenry hired us.”

  Will raised his eyebrows. “That was gruesome. Point blank, the papers said.” He shuddered. “I would have hated to be the first one on the scene.”

  Frankie nodded. “It was horrible and I’m glad we didn’t see it. We saw too much of that in Philly.”

  “So are you working in conjunction with the sheriff?” Trey asked. “You two haven’t worked a murder case since I’ve known you.”

  “This is the first. No, this is strictly on our own, but of course, if we uncover anything we’ll definitely let the sheriff know,” Frankie answered. “After I help Johanna clean up, let’s have our coffee and dessert out on the front porch and I’ll fill you in.” She pushed back her chair and stood up.

  “You three go out and make yourselves comfortable and I’ll be with you in a few minutes,” Johanna said, rising. “I’m going to clear off the table.”

  “Let me help you clean up,” Frankie offered.

  “No, you go and relax, sweetie. After all, you made this fantastic dinner so it’s the least I can do.” She began clearing the table.

  “You’ll have to give me your recipe, Frankie. That was absolutely delicious!” Trey said.

  “It was,” Will agreed. “And lasagna happens to be one of my all-time favorites.”

  Frankie beamed. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Pasta is my downfall. Can never get enough of it.”

  “Among other things,” Johanna teased.

  Frankie’s face flushed.

  Trey stood with his hands on his hips. “Why, Frankie, I believe this is the first time I’ve ever seen you blush. And you, Johanna, I’m totally shocked.”

  Johanna giggled. “I only speak the truth.”

  Frankie smiled. “Okay, I admit you caught me off-guard.” She turned to Will. “She usually acts so innocent, but now you’ve seen that she’s not.”

  “You two are something else,” Will said with a laugh in his voice.

  “Okay, now you three go relax on the porch and I’ll be out in a few minutes,” Johanna ordered.

  “Let us help you clean up, Johanna,” Trey offered as Will nodded.

  “Thanks, but it’ll only take me a few minutes. I’ll be out shortly,” she replied, smiling.

  Frankie escorted Trey and Will to the large front porch. After they’d settled into the comfortable wicker chairs, Frankie filled them in on the case. Fifteen minutes later, Johanna walked out onto the porch carrying a tray laden with coffee and cake.

  Will and Trey jumped up, took the tray from her, and carefully set it on the table. Trey sniffed appreciatively. “Wow! You’ve even made my favorite…carrot cake!”

  Frankie smiled at his boyish exuberance. “Johanna made the cake.”

  “Thank you, my dear,” he said as he passed a plate to Will. “I’ll tell you…these girls really know how to cook and bake.”

  “I do most of the cooking, but when it comes to baking Johanna’s the pro.”

  “Like I’ve always said, you two complement one another perfectly.” Trey took a large bite of cake. “Delicious!”

  “It’s really nice here. It’s so serene.” Will glanced around the front yard. “Must be nice to have all of this privacy.”

  “We love it,” Frankie said as she passed a cup of coffee to Johanna. “We fell in love with the land the minute we laid eyes on it. We bought enough land on either side of where we knew the house would go to ensure our peace and quiet. After living in Philly, this is heaven.”

  “And Trey did all the landscaping and keeps everything under control,” Johanna added. “Which reminds me, we want to do something with the flowers in the front yard. We’re thinking of adding something near the fence…you can give us some suggestions.”

  “Okay, I’ll get over here in a day or two.”

  “No hurry. We haven’t decided what we want yet.” She looked at Frankie. “Any ideas, babe?”

  Frankie shrugged. “The flowers are your department, but I like your idea about the perennials.” She squeezed her hand. “I mostly like to pick them.”

  “You’d better not.” Johanna playfully slapped her shoulder.

  “What do you do with all this land?” Will asked. “It’s amazing!”

  Johanna sighed contentedly. “We let most of it stay in its natural wild state and fenced in the area we wanted to use. We also have a huge backyard. A few years ago we put in a pool. Trey will have to bring you over for a swim. He knows he’s allowed use of the pool whenever he wants.”

  “Unfortunately, this summer’s been so hectic I haven’t had time to do much of anything,” Trey said.

  Frankie cocked an eye. “Uh…you’ve obviously had time for something,” she teased.

  Trey laughed. “Okay, I admit that I was putting all of my energies into c
ourting Will.”

  “You didn’t have to try so hard,” Will said, patting Trey’s knee. “I was already yours.”

  “You guys are so sweet together,” Frankie said. “The four of us are going to have to go out together some night.”

  “I’m definitely holding you to that one,” Trey promised.

  “We will,” Johanna assured him. “It’s been ages since we’ve been dancing. We should make a night of it…dinner, the theater and dancing. Let’s go to New York City.”

  “Oh, I am definitely going to hold you to that one,” Frankie said. “I think maybe I’ll even spring for a room and make a romantic weekend out of it.”

  “You’ve got a deal. It’s been too long since we’ve gotten away.”

  “There go the lovebirds again,” Trey said with a laugh in his voice. “Maybe we’ll get a room, too.” He winked at Will.

  “I’d love it,” Will said. “Trey, did you really landscape this whole place?”

  He nodded, pleased. “Those are the work of Johanna,” he said pointing in the direction of the flower garden.

  “You should see her with flowers, Will. What a green thumb,” Frankie bragged. “Her hands are so gentle and loving with plants.”

  “I can’t take all the credit. Trey was the one who advised me on which plants would do the best here. And he keeps them looking good.”

  “All I know is that everything here is like walking into a wonderland. Did you two design your house, too?”

  They nodded. “The only thing we didn’t do was build it,” Johanna said, before laughing. “But Frankie would have if she could.”

  “The both of you deserve everything you have,” Trey said. “Remember I told you,” he said, turning to Will, “that I met them right after the log house went up?” He smiled. “I knew they were special the minute I met them.”

  “Aw, thank you,” Johanna said. “You know that we feel the same way about you.”

  * * * *

  Later, Frankie and Johanna sat in their matching wicker chairs on the front porch watching heat lightning flicker through the sky.

  “I like Will,” Johanna said, breaking the silence.

  “Me, too. I hope it works out for them because they make such a cute couple.”

  “Yeah, they do. They appear to idolize each other.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “I got all the paperwork caught up today and paid some bills after you left. We’re doing good, babe.”

  Frankie grinned. “And I’ll bet you never once thought about me slaving over a hot stove all afternoon.”

  “I did think about you and I missed you. The office was lonely without you.” She reached for Frankie’s hand and slowly ran her thumb over the back of it. “But I do appreciate the fantastic dinner.”

  “I never thought I’d like cooking, When I was a kid I used to help my mother in the kitchen, but when I got out on my own I just never bothered. It was easier to eat out or microwave something.”

  “What about your exs? Didn’t you cook for them?”

  “Not too much.” She shrugged. “But I love cooking for you.”

  “Well, I’m glad you do.”

  “I love doing anything that makes you happy,” Frankie replied. “It’s funny, but before I met you I assumed I’d stay on the police force and live in Philly until I retired.”

  “Would you have stayed in Philly after you retired?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know.” She paused. “All I know is that I was just existing. Never in a million years did I think I’d have all I do.”

  “This is nice, sitting together like this. We need to slow down and start enjoying what we have.” She squeezed Frankie’s hand. “So, have any new ideas popped into that calculating brain of yours while you were slaving over that hot stove?”

  Frankie frowned. “I wish, but I keep going over the same things and nothing’s making any sense.”

  Johanna’s eyes suddenly popped open. “Do you think Chelsea went back to California?”

  “That’s a possibility.” She brought Johanna’s hand to her lips and softly kissed it.

  “God, I hate this case! I feel sorry for Cassandra, though. Being married to Graham couldn’t have been a picnic.”

  “I know. He is an overbearing jerk.” Frankie loudly exhaled. “Who knows what secrets that mansion holds. All I know for certain is that this case is becoming more complicated by the minute.”

  Johanna stood up, tugging Frankie’s hand. “Come on, honey. It’s been a long day. Now I want some alone time with the woman I love. How about a nice hot shower and then I’ll give you a massage. I picked up some new oil on my way home from work.”

  * * * *

  Frankie relaxed on her stomach as Johanna expertly massaged the oil into her shoulders, gently kneading her muscles. She’d doused the lights and had lit several candles, giving their bedroom a soft romantic glow. The CD player played soft, sensual music in the background.

  “How does that feel, baby?” Johanna tenderly whispered.

  Frankie squirmed below her. “It feels wonderful,” she murmured. Johanna was straddled over her and her pubic hairs lightly brushed Frankie’s buttocks every time she moved. As Johanna leaned over to massage Frankie’s upper back, her nipples softly bobbing up and down were more than Frankie could bear. She was overcome with desire and reached an arm behind her and found Johanna’s soft mound. She tenderly rubbed it. She heard Johanna’s breath quicken.

  “I thought you wanted a massage,” Johanna panted.

  “I do, but right now I want what I’m massaging.”

  Johanna slid off of her and Frankie caught her in her arms. “I never get tired of making love to you,” she murmured as she kissed Johanna’s lips. She plunged her tongue inside as her hand traveled down to Johanna’s hot waiting vagina.

  “Fuck me, baby,” Johanna whispered in a husky voice as she rode Frankie’s fingers.

  Frankie slowly removed her fingers while she breathed in the scent of Johanna as her mouth moved over Johanna’s body, leaving a trail of kisses. She flicked her tongue over Johanna’s stiff nipples then ran her tongue down her body, softly licking Johanna’s smooth skin. Reaching Johanna’s navel, she teasingly ran the tip of her tongue inside before continuing down to Johanna’s thighs. She planted kisses on each inner thigh. She loved the way Johanna quivered at her touch. She eased Johanna’s legs apart and buried her face in her pubic hairs before entering her. Her tongue teased Johanna’s clit, enjoying the pleasure she was bringing to her. She brought Johanna to a quick, but satisfying climax.

  After a few minutes of cuddling Johanna turned to face Frankie. “I have a surprise for you. I picked it up when I bought the oil.”

  Frankie cocked an eye. “What is it?”

  Johanna grinned. “You’ll see. Give me a few minutes.” She slid off the bed and hurried to the bathroom.

  Frankie laid on her back with her arms under her head as she waited in anticipation for Johanna’s surprise. Five minutes later Johanna walked out of the bathroom. Frankie’s eyes swept over her. “You’re beautiful,” she whispered as she leapt off of the bed and over to where Johanna stood.

  Johanna was clad in a black corset, lacy garter belt, stockings and stilettos. Her long auburn hair was seductively swept over one shoulder. “Do what you want to me, baby,” she said in a seductive voice.

  “I want this night to last forever.” Frankie held out her arms. “Dance with me.” Johanna rested her head on Frankie’s shoulder and Frankie breathed in the lilac scent of her hair. Her hands rested lightly on Johanna’s back as they slowly moved to the music. She knew that no matter what blows life would bring her, as long as she had the woman she loved in her arms she could weather any storm.

  Chapter 11

  Frankie walked into the office and set two steaming cups of coffee on Johanna’s desk.

  Johanna looked up from her computer screen. “I’ve made a list of all the motels in the county. Chelsea has to be somewhere.”

  Frankie pick
ed up one of the cups of coffee and the list. “I’ll start calling,” she said as she made her way to her desk and sat down. “I wonder what name she’s using.”

  Johanna was thoughtful for a minute. “Try the name she registered under at The Overlook Motel.”

  “Why would she use Missy Curtis? I thought that was a one-time deal.”

  “Think about it. She registered under an alias and Mason admitted he left that out of his interview with the sheriff.”

  Frankie raised an eyebrow. “If that doesn’t work, we’ll have to think of something else. But then she could also be staying at the country house. Who would think to look for her there?”

  “I don’t think so. It seems to me that would be the first place she’d be found. I’ve got another list here.” She looked at Frankie. “From what Graham said, she doesn’t have any money, but she was using Cassandra’s ID, so I’m going to check to see if there was any unusual activity on her accounts.”

  “How did you get that information?”

  “While you were getting the coffee I called Mary. I asked her to look around for Cassandra’s accounts. She said that Cassandra took care of all her personal bills online. I talked Mary through the steps and she emailed me all of the account numbers.”

  “I can’t believe Cassandra would have that information on her computer without password protection, and that Mary would send it to you just like that,” she skeptically said.

  “Well, it was password protected and she found the password taped to the underside of a desk drawer.” She half smiled. “The staff has always been loyal to the Reynolds’ family and now that Cassandra is dead what do they have to lose at this point? They’re worried that if McHenry inherits everything he’ll dismiss them, no matter how many times I try to convince them it’s doubtful.”

  Frankie nodded. “That makes sense, but I still think we should check out the country house.”

  “If nothing else pans out we will. Let’s do this first. I forgot to tell you, but I set up an appointment with Cassandra’s lawyer Martin Stedman. We have a four o’clock meeting this afternoon at the Stedman Legal Offices.”