A Legal Trap - Chapter 7

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The author retains all rights to this original work of fiction.

Last Updated: 2/15/2024 to smooth out portions of the story.

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March 11th, 1:41 PM
I had to think about whether I really wanted to reply and then what I should say.

There was no denying there being an attraction, something was going on between us, but Paul's fears about being with me, reconciling us being more than co-workers was sobering. He’d made the advance and pulled back. I thought hard trying to get him to read my mind and see that I was willing to take things further. How far? I’m not sure, but that kiss should have told him I was maybe lusting on him a bit.

Yeah, we’d arguably had a stressed last couple days of work trying to find Amber, so that may have lead to the need for his exploration and my willingness to participate. There had been alcohol involved with some of our decision making last night certainly, but was his act of kissing me all just a moment of weakness for him?

It wasn't like I hadn't experienced this same kind of reaction a few times before, even in those cases the men knew I was Trans and purportedly didn’t care. Some of those men ignored that I was Trans completely just to see what it would be like to be with me or whether they could or were feeding some fetish fantasy. Who knows? My dating profile did clearly spell out my being a transgendered woman, so it made their rejection that much more difficult to deal with and categorize. I’d had too many guys who ran after meeting me and could not even go through with a simple dinner date. Those guys tended to drive me crazy.

It was frustrating, that they could like the person they were talking with online, in text messages, even Facetime a few times, but somehow being Trans was never part of the equation for them. Like they didn’t think that out fully and before meeting would run for the exit! It was just part of this phase of my transition I kept telling myself. I’d likely have to deal with this many more times I was sure, Paul wasn’t a ‘one-off’ disappointment. I prayed one day it wouldn't matter - that was probably a pipe dream.

The difference with Paul though was he knew about me and he knew much more about my past than I cared for any man I had the slightest romantic interest in knowing about. The same set of fears I have always had to deal with on my side of the equation, same frustrations about not being complete enough for him or any man were always front and center in my mind. The I truly thought, no felt, Paul was different.

He seemed comfortable being around me, talking to me, and even arguing with me. It was hard for me to accept he couldn't overcome my not being complete. He had to have thought this shit over - why did he have to kiss me?! If he'd have just said, "See ya..." at my door last night and not come back - I would have gotten it completely - not interested, no harm, no foul, and I still think you’re a nice guy. But he didn't do that - he kissed me and now I was conflicted.

Would it have mattered if I was fully who I was supposed to be? Only one way to find out and I looked at my phone and began typing:

"We should talk. Meet in the lobby at 6. Wear comfortable shoes. There's a park about a mile from here. Let's go for a walk and see what we really think about last night."

I read it twice, removed 'We should talk' and 'and see what we really think about last night'. Read it again and pressed 'Send'.

Not twenty seconds later I had my reply.

"Thank you. See you at 6 in the lobby."

I was nervous, but what did I have to lose? It's going to be what it's going to be. I needed to NOT over-think any of this! To not anticipate how the conversation was going to go and twist and turn those words into something they weren't. 'Good luck with that' I thought absently.

I clicked out of iMessenger and pulled up Janet's phone number. I was dreading this call, but pressed the button to make the call. On the third ring she answered.

"Elizabeth... How are things going?" she asked almost too cheery, and sounding very relaxed.

"They are good Ms. Larson. Amber is home resting, the Carson’s continue to work with the authorities. Not much is really going on that I'm aware of." All those bits of information were truths.

There was a momentary pause, almost like one of us had bad cell phone coverage, but she jumped into asking questions and I stammered to reply to them without lying or giving away too much of the truth.

How was Jacob? What were the Carson’s doing about Amber long term? Were they any closer to knowing more about this 'David' character? That question made me wonder how she'd found out his name, as I had only found out today his first name. Was there anything useful the doctor told the authorities? Was the FBI fully investigating now? The questions came fast and much like I’d expect a lawyers mind would think trying to understand the situation down here.

"I spoke with Jacob an hour ago, sounds like he was going to release you to come back to Seattle. You'll have ticketing information in an email later tonight. We agreed that a Sunday return would work best? Gives you a chance to decompress, enjoy the nice weather, take in some sights maybe... You deserve a little break, I'm sure it's been stressful these last couple days," she said.

I wasn't sure what to think about getting to go home, but realistically it only made sense that eventually I'd be going home. It was a nice gesture to let me stay over the weekend, especially since all my expenses were being picked up by the firm. What could I say?

"That would be great Ms. Larson... I would enjoy a few more days here. Thank You... I... Guess I will see you Monday morning then," I finally got out.

"Excellent. Oh, Elizabeth... If something significant breaks free, I would like to be notified immediately, understood?"

"Of course Ms. Larson... I will do that."

"Alright then... Well, enjoy your down time. We've got plenty of work here waiting for you. Goodbye..."

"Good..." And the call was clearly over, I thought the word 'bye' for my own satisfaction.

It was plain rude to just hang up like that, right? Janet Larson was an interesting woman, driven, and not likely to be put into a corner without a fight. I had seen her during cross-examination on a DUI case and she was merciless in getting legal points made to get her defendant acquitted. I wasn't sure why she had to be in the know about everything about Amber, but since I didn't want to lose this job I was going to do whatever I was told to do - even though Jacob had said not to mention what was going on to her.

Augh!!!

Too many high-level, high-powered people I was trying to please all at once. More like dodge, while trying not to be squished. I think I will be happy to get back to my job and the mundane legal research I did for Brandt, Larson, and Wentz.

March 11th, 6:07 PM
I was running late and had over-slept the power nap I thought I could sneak in before meeting Paul. I was rushed dressing, getting my hair to do what I wanted, and deciding on what I should wear. Too many things were giving my brain a cramp right now and I was annoyed about being late. One of my biggest pet peeves was being late or others being late for that matter. I needed to let it go, but it was an idiosyncrasy that was pretty consuming at times. I probably had OCD. No, I'm sure I was in the deep end of the OCD pool.

I turned the corner to the lobby just as Paul was checking his phone, probably for the time or to see if I’d texted him.

"Sorry I'm late... Note to self - set two alarms and get a wakeup call from the front desk if you're going to take a nap." I huffed that out way too fast when I was within earshot.

Could he tell I was nervous? That a lot rode on understanding what had happened between us last night? I didn’t want to come off as desperate, would he think that? Was I projecting my insecurities?

He chuckled, "Don't worry about it. I was a couple of minutes late myself... My excuse was I was talking to Jacob. He mentioned you are free to get out of here, Sunday right?"

"Yeah, I spoke with Janet and she told me that he said I could return to Seattle. Not sure, I'm value added at this point anyway. I don't have mad computer skills like you." I tried to make that last part sound playful, but it sounded like I was being guarded.

Relax! Breathe...

"You have skills Miss... Don't cut yourself short."

We headed out into the Arizona sunshine, it was at least eighty degrees out - even at 6:00 PM. Seattle gloom and rain was going to suck compared to this. I was glad I decided on a light top and shorts, with anklet socks and white Sketchers. Paul was in shorts, polo, and tennis shoes. I was glad he also went the comfort route also.

"I'm following you," he said when we made it to the curb.

"Think it's this way," and I started us in the direction of the setting sun. "Anything new happening?"

I figured we could maybe knock the small talk stuff out of the way first, and then see what organically rose to the surface with this little jaunt to the park I had run past earlier.

He hesitated a second, "Yeah, pretty sure we know who the guy is."

What?!

"Oh my God... That's great!" I was looking at him and his excitement about having told me the news put a permanent grin on his face.

"Yeah... I really didn't have much to do with it other than following that lead on the guy not being at the house because he went out for donuts. I started looking for places he could get them, gave the list to the FBI guys, they did some traffic camera stuff, compared the sketch artist renderings from the staff at the doctor's office, and they got a potential match at a grocery store about two miles from the Air BnB they were staying at. With a good screen shot of the guys face from the stores security camera they ran facial recognition and got nothing."

I must have looked confused, so he added, "But that's when Jacob mentioned you telling the Carson’s what Amber had said about the guy was 'already on his way home' or something like that. One of the FBI analysts ran a search for air travelers to Santa Fe Regional Airport and there he was. Flight checks, customs, TSA, all of that searched and we found David James Lafleur - Canadian national with a criminal record including lewd contact with a minor and an arrest for soliciting a prostitute.

“He left Vancouver BC three days ago and returned yesterday on a modified ticket - he was going to be here until mid-next week, then return. I’m guessing that means he was taking Amber back with him after a bit of recovery, possibly. We knew some of the length of stay stuff from the Air BnB rental agreement – so the airline ticket in conjunction maybe suggests she’d have been taken to Canada - possibly."

"Oh my, that is creepy and an amazing breakthrough. The guy came all this way? Do they know anything else about him?"

"Works for a software development company, divorced – coincidentally around the time of the soliciting arrest. Wild stuff, huh?"

Wild, crazy, and certainly unexpected. Someone from another country makes contact with Amber, grooms her for a relationship, spends time and money to get here, convinces her to get breast implants, pays for them, gets her on film, has sex with her, and escapes back to Canada. Tell me that isn't one crazy list of happenings! What would have happened if she left the country with him?

"Does she know yet?"

"No, they don't want her to make contact and warn him. The Carson’s know, Jacob of course. This case has gone from Phoenix PD, to FBI, to Santa Fe PD, and now they’ve brought in the RCMP in Vancouver. I doubt this guy is going to get far. Not bad timing wise, the authorities should have him in their sights within a couple days. I have to monitor Amber's computer use - to see if there is some other way they are communicating. If she creates a new email account and knows his or some other way to contact him - well we might not be out of the woods yet."

Yes, they know who he is and found out pretty quickly, but he got here and back to Vancouver, BC. Until he was in custody I wouldn't be saying he was a shoe-in to be captured.

"God, I hope Amber isn't going to try and contact this guy. I'd like to see his ass behind bars and then have them throw away the key."

"Me too. I got the cliff note version of your talk with Amber from Jacob, what do you think? Is she going to be alright?"

We stopped at a corner to let a delivery truck get around a car stuck at a ‘Stop’ sign with its hood up for some kind of mechanical issue. When the truck passed we crossed.

"She's going to need someone, a professional to talk with."

"No big sister, little sister connection?"

How could he make that kind of statement, but ran away after kissing me last night? I thought about saying something, but I held my tongue - the ‘us’ last night conversation would start when I was ready, I just needed to be patient.

"No, not really. She's your typical millennial and has a rebellious streak I'm pretty sure. I'm six years older than her and she acts like I'm as old as her mom."

Paul assured me I didn't give off an old woman vibe, and then turned the conversation to the legal charges that might face this guy. Again with a normal, expected, comment about who I was from his mouth! I gave him a look, like he should expand on that train of thought, but he miss-read it and jumped into explaining how Jacob had done some work with a Canadian law firm and asked them to look into the law from their side.

That Amber was eighteen at the time of their physical contact - the time they had made their sex video - well, there could be trouble giving the guy anything more than a slap on the wrist. I was sure of our laws would be a bit more brutal. It made me sick to think this guy might not get everything that was coming to him in Canada.

The block before the park Paul began talking about working with the FBI. He was like a kid, giddy, geeky, and pumped about every aspect of it. He was sure he would have had such access, but because of Jacob and Landon's relationship concessions were made.

"You know their crypto abilities..."

"That's interesting and all, but you've said a few things about me that make me wonder what you really think of me Paul." I had interrupted him midsentence to get that out and I figured I'd waited long enough for him to start talking about last night and just couldn't hold my tongue any longer.

What happened to his mind reading abilities?

He looked confused, "Like what?"

"For one, 'Big sister' and not an 'old woman' for another, what is that?" I snapped a little too forcefully.

He looked like he didn't get the point I was trying to make, but attempted to put out the steam coming from my ears.

"I'm not really sure what you mean, but I thought you might have had better luck with Amber since you two are closer in age," he said giving up trying to pin words together into a cohesive explanation of his thought process.

"Do you mean we're both Trans, so that's the connecting bond we share?"

"Sure, no doubt that's something you two have in common. I just thought as women you could connect."

"There! That's what I want you to explain to me - that we're both women and could connect. Do you really see us both as real women?" I was about done mincing words with him and felt my frustration coming out angrily in my reply.

We caught a look from a couple walking a pathway around the park. I didn't care. Paul looked at a bench just ahead and motioned toward it. I followed him. After we sat he looked like he was trying to figure out my last question.

"Yes, I see you both as real women. Do I understand how this happens to people? No. Do I think it is real, absolutely!"

"And last night? Good conversation all night, dinner, drinks, all the flirting we did..."

He was a little quieter, "All enjoyable, yes..."

"So, what the hell happened?"

Now Paul looked really uncomfortable. He had certainly thought about this meeting more than once over the last however many hours, it’s time to reveal the truth Mr. Kline.

"I'm not sure..."

"Look, this is still new for me Paul. I've tried dating a few times in the past couple years, lots of communication, lots of trying to figure out if there was an attraction, or whatever. Break this down for me though; do I have a good personality?"

"Yes, I think you're very intelligent. You are caring, speak your mind... I like that you push back and don't just roll over when confronted."

That was insightful, not sure I speak my mind as much as I'd like, but I'll take that.

"So, there's an attraction to my personality?"

"Of course, personality is part of what makes a person attractive," he replied.

"How about looks? I was good looking enough to kiss, right?"

"I kissed you, yes, I... I wanted to and I did."

I thought I detected a tinge of defense in his voice or maybe uncertainty.

"Are you gay?"

"Gay? No, I'm not gay and I don't care if people are or not."

"You identify me as a woman, though I'm not biologically one and you know that. You aren't gay and I'm not either by the way. You like my personality. You know more about me than anyone I've ever met. For the record ‘again’, I am not that person in any way, shape, or form from anything you may have seen or discovered about me online from over three years ago. I have not been with a man, let alone a woman in over two and a half years - like what you may have found online.

“I've been on HRT for twenty months now and everything you see, that I present or represent as female is all me. I’m faking nothing and after I have surgery to get rid of the last remaining reminder that I was born in the wrong body, well, it's not likely I'll ever be questioned about who I really am."

I finally took a breath, and continued to watch his face as he was listening intently, and processing my words.

"What were you afraid of Paul? We're beyond BS'ing each other, just tell me…."

He jumped in as my voice trailed off to answer, "Elizabeth, this is new for me. Transgenderism or whatever the technical term is, it's all new. I understand so little about the struggle, your journey, and I... I can't even fathom what this would be like for someone."

Nice, but no surprise - most people don't get it. They don't get the unexplainable itch, tickle, that something about how you feel in the body you see does not match what you feel inside. I was going to say that, but didn't want to control the direction of his answer. I moved my head ever so slightly as if to say, 'And?'

"I, I don't have all the answers Elizabeth. I look at you and I see a pretty woman with a strong, beautiful soul, and a spunky personality that I really like. I barely know you, and I truly do think that. I feel, I don't know exactly how to explain, but I feel like I want to know more about you. But, I know a lot about your past and it's not what I see in you now, but I've seen it. Does that make sense?"

Amber, if you could be sitting here listening to this, could feel my heart-ache, the pain, you'd realize what I said about those choices you made coming back to fuck you up. Okay, this is now going where I expected it would end up. He's made up his mind and can't forgive my past, I’m partly attractive and mostly damaged goods because of my past. I get it, no surprise, but no less demoralizing.

"Yes, all that makes sense Paul. I really... I do appreciate you sharing with me your thoughts and feelings. I don't know what to say other than I'm sorry and that I'm not proud of a lot of things I've done. I feel plenty of shame, probably will never really get over it. Thank you..."

I stood, this conversation was over, and turned toward the park's entrance intent on getting away from him before I broke down crying. I tried to step away and felt him take my hand.

"Are we done?" I heard him saying, through a ringing in my ears and a tear rolling down my face.

I couldn't walk away because he had hold of my hand, but I couldn't look at him either. I sensed he was standing now, then felt his arms wrap around me. All bets were off and as the tears flowed uncontrollably, the sobs racked my body hard.

March 11th, 7:47 PM
It took nearly five minutes to get composed, but Paul was patient. He held me until I was comfortable enough to stand there on my own and even gave me a few tissues. I must have had a questioning look about them and he told me they were for him, allergies he said. We eventually ended up sitting on the bench again. He refused to let my hand go and truth was I liked that but I was a little confused as to why. Hadn't he indicated this was just too much for him to absorb, get past?

"We've talked a lot about feelings, but I don't think I got a chance to say I was sorry about last night. I was scared, I just... I just didn't know how we would work out the things that we might feel insecure about. I wanted to ease into whatever we were wanting."

I looked at him, his eyes were searching for some concrete sign I understood. Problem was, I didn't know what he was talking about. Did he actually want to pursue a relationship with me?

"I'm not following... You, you want to see me after this?"

There was the slightest sign of a smile at the corner of his mouth, "Well, I was trying to get to that, but you were like ready to walk away. I couldn't figure out what I'd said wrong."

"I thought you were saying my past was too much to un-see or something like that. I thought that was it, you didn't want to see if there was something we could like, like be together."

"No, I was saying I know that person isn't you. I'm not comfortable with that person, but I am with you here and now."

I was certainly way off the mark on that one. Didn't I warn myself about jumping to conclusions, putting words in places that had different meanings? Augh! I was embarrassed.

"I'm sorry Paul, I... I had over thought what you'd said."

"Well don't do that!" he was smiling and pulled my hand towards his chest, which caused me to lean into him. He wrapped his free hand around my neck leaned in and put his lips on mine. He kissed me softly, tongue searching, dancing with mine, passionate... It was brief, but felt right.

Some kids on at the climbing toy in the park were laughing at us, oh well.

"A lot about my life is complex Paul, a lot. I just want to warn you. I will be totally transparent. I mean you've already seen me at my worst, but I am trying to be so much more than that person."

"I'm really not too worried Elizabeth. I have my own set of life’s complexities. Let's just take it slow and see what happens."

The kids were now chanting something about us getting married and I didn't want to be their entertainment any longer.

"You know, I was offered dinner tonight. Any chance we could get out of here and figure that out sooner than later?"

March 11th, 10:43 PM
The walk back from the park to the hotel seemed to take less time. Not for lack of talking all the way back, which we did, but the walk to the hotel was much more relaxed. Was that it or was I more relaxed because I felt there was hope?

Maybe we were just hungry and walked faster? There was no handholding or anything of that nature, but it was nice to get back some of that feeling, the flirty banter we had from last night before things went south. My face hurt from all the smiling I’d been doing.

We decided to skip trying to find a restaurant chain nearby and just ate in the hotel's restaurant - which had a Michelin Two Star rating. The food was incredible, the drinks went down easy - I had nearly finished my third rum and coke before the check arrived.

When it did arrive, Paul grabbed for it before I could. We argued playfully about whom should pay and my offer to split it fell on deaf ears - not that I had any money on me to do that, but I could expense it. He eventually compromised after much playful harassing, saying I could pick up the tab tomorrow night. It would be a lie to say that didn't warm my heart or maybe it was just the alcohol - no, it was definitely that we were going out tomorrow night. Internal smiles a-plenty after that exchange.

I asked if he was up for getting a drink in the bar, to which he explained he had an early morning with the FBI and he was going to snoop on Amber's internet usage before bed, and bring anything of interest to them. My confused look about his snooping got me the 10K foot level explanation about a device he had hooked up to the Carson’s router to track traffic and grab content.

It was interesting and all, but he was not doing his mind reading thing very well because if he had he would have realized I did not want the evening to end. After we left the restaurant there was no playful racing to the room from the lobby like last night - which I doubt I could have done anyway feeling as tipsy as I was. His techie dissertation lasted until we made it to my room. Hello! Snooze-fest alert!

It had been almost three months, just before Christmas in fact, that I had last went on a date with someone and there was no comparison to being with Paul. That date ended on my terms - I caught an Uber home right after dinner because the guy was a total douche. He knew I was Trans and after too much alcohol before and during dinner, the conversation turned to sex and him wanting to be topped. It was a real disappointment, especially since leading up to the date he came across as so normal.

"Well, this looks familiar..." I said pulling my phone out and retrieving my room key from a slot inside the phones protective cover.

Paul just watched as I slid the key into the slot, got the green light and click from the lock. I pushed the door open and decided I was going to make a move. I had wanted to kiss him since the park bench some many times I had lost count. I wedged a foot in the door, turned back to him, taking his hand and pulled him closer.

"I had a really good time tonight... I appreci..." Oh!

We were kissing before I could complete my speech about him opening up to me. I stopped that train of thought quickly and was fully participating in everything that was happening - the taste of the alcohol on his breath, how he was so gentle and passionate – anxious with his tongue probing mine, the feel of him embracing me - hands at my waist - then holding me tight as the kissing became more intense. It was dizzying and I so wanted to continue this inside.

When he broke away slowly, he still had me held close and was looking into my eyes.

"I appreciate you giving me a chance to work things out."

I gave him a peck on the lips.

"I'm happy we set things straight."

He smiled, pulled me in for another kiss - shorter but no less mind numbingly uplifting. This time after breaking the kiss he held me a second longer then took a step back.

"Alright then - tomorrow, dinner, your treat. How about you pick out someplace, cool?"

"Deal," I tried to say as calmly as possible with my heart trying to beat out of my chest.

"G'night..."

I got another quick kiss that I didn't want to end. Can't you hear what I'm thinking! I watched him turn to walk down the hall, he looked back smiling, I waved and entered my room after he rounded the corner and was out of sight. Much like last night it was very still in the room, but I could feel my heart pounding and I was high on what had just transpired. I could barely hold a thought. Now that was a much better ending to the evening! OMG!

That was incredible! I wished it hadn't ended, but I was certainly cherishing every moment of the last three minutes or so. My mind was wondering all over the place and the thought of hydration was knocking at my giddy salacious subconscious. I needed to hydrate or there was no way, as much alcohol that was swimming in my system would make for a good run in the morning. I didn't want any excuses for not making it at least five miles. I opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water, twisting the cap off, and taking a long pull.

A knock at the door cause me to choke a little, cough hard, as few drops of water dribbled down my cheek. Shit!

I looked through the peephole to see Paul standing there and opened the door.

"You forget something?"

Kind of a Déjà vu thing to say... I was smiling. Can you see I'm happy to see you?

"No, but I really don't want to go back to my room," he said in a low voice, his eyes studying my face for a reaction.

"I'd like you to not go back to your room also," I said extending my hand, which he took, and I pulled him into my room.

::: --- :::

I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Bronwen Welsh in proofreading and giving me insightful advice. She is an accomplished author in her own right and I appreciate her time more than I can say...

Don't be afraid to click the "Thumbs Up" icon for this short story if it's done anything for you (you don't have to have an account to do so, and there are no prizes for most likes or payouts for that matter (I’d have bot’ed that bitch long ago if there was)). If you comment, I will reply, so let’s chat or not or whatever floats your noddle.

If there are problems or you have criticisms you'd like to share privately, feel free to message me on the site (you’ll need an account) or via email ([email protected](link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)) - I'd love to address them if I can.

I'm trying to grow as a storyteller; I'm far from perfect, so any help is much appreciated and valued. Thanks for reading...

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Comments

That's nice

Monique S's picture

that things went right for Elisabeth for a change. Nothing worse than a hyperactive anxious mind ... horror scenarios left, right and centre.

I still can't believe that we have seen the end of Amber's ordeal (I know she doesn't think it is one). Too many loose ends here.

Monique S

Seriously...

RachelMnM's picture

Elizabeth finally catching a break - will it be that way for Amber? I agree, lots of loose ends... Better get to tying them up. :-)

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...

Much better way to end an evening!

D. Eden's picture

Than the previous night! And yes, people change. We are not all just the sum of our experiences - we cannot always be judged by our past. Sometimes people learn and grow because of our past mistakes.

But I still want to know what is up with Janet and Jacob - why does she need to know everything? Why doesn’t he want her to know? Something’s screwy there........

D

D. Eden

Dum Vivimus, Vivamus

Certainly...

RachelMnM's picture

Waaaaay better end to the evening - is it the end though? Does it get better? :-)

Something is definitely off with off with Jacob and Janet... Stay tuned...

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...

Lots to work out

Long term. Wonder if Paul can just cuddle and be happy.

A lot...

RachelMnM's picture

It can work, but takes a lot of understanding... Is Paul strong enough mentally? Will Elizabeth's self-doubt shot her in the foot? A lot to work out for sure...

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...

An unexpected...

RachelMnM's picture

Win for Elizabeth... She' been on a roller coaster for sure. Is she ready for what could be about to happen? Hmmm... Wanting more from Paul and actually living it - can she get by her doubts?

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...

fireworks

Come on you guys, get a room. Wait you already have one, how convenient.

Somehow, I think the international man hunt isn't over.

Karen

Next Chapter...

RachelMnM's picture

If my editor doesn't kick it back as being too much... The fireworks that is. :-) The man hunt - not over. But there are plenty of pieces on the board and some moves being made. Keep up Lockhart! :-)

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...

Breathless

This goes into uncharted territory ....

Lots of...

RachelMnM's picture

Territory yet to see... :-)

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...

Things are looking up for

Things are looking up for Elizabeth. But I think There is more on the horizon for Amber.

Karen

More to come...

RachelMnM's picture

Amber's story isn't over... There's plenty to play out.

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...

Heating up...

Jamie Lee's picture

...at least for two people in this story. Elizabeth has gained two wishes she's had for a long time, accepted as she is and have a man want her despite her past. But she's still fragile, she could misread something Paul might say out of innocence.

The question still left to answer is why Janet wants to know what's happening with Amber? How does it all concern Janet?

Others have feelings too.

A little heart...

RachelMnM's picture

Can be a good thing. Can it last though?

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...

Conscious parallels

Emma Anne Tate's picture

I wonder whether Paul’s decision to knock a second time was a deliberate decision to re-run the prior night, but do it right?

There are so many things that aren’t adding up here. Jacob and Janet, yes, but also: Elizabeth is right. She hasn’t really added value to the investigation. Her one contribution was have a transwoman to transwoman talk with Amber, but she wasn’t brought down to play guidance counselor.

You’ve got some serious hooks in this one, Rachel!

Emma

Distractions...

RachelMnM's picture

And redirects... Some things going on have little to do with what's really going on... Trick is to see through it - like the Paul / Liz smoldering and what roll Amber has in any of this. Hang on, answer coming.

XOXOXO

Rachel M. Moore...