Character(s): Skinner/ofc
Warning(s): None
Summary: Permission to Archive: OK
Fandom: X-Files
Genre: Het
Pairing: Skinner/OC
Rating: Frt for now
Disclaimer:  Not mine. Characters from The X-Files belong to the surfer dude.1013 Productions and Fox Network
Summary: Skinner in his rookie year as an agent


Your Place or Mine
by Mummiehelen
gehesc@yahoo.com

The Southern California Desert 1979

Special Agent Walter Skinner had been driving non-stop since Los Angeles. He was tired, hungry and out of cigarettes. All he wanted to do at the moment was eat, have a smoke and get some sleep. The constant ribbon of blacktop was interrupted only by the slashed white lines. It was almost hypnotizing and he would nod off soon if he didn't stop. Fate took care of that and a lot more when his car broke down near the junction of routes 15 and 128, just outside a town called Baker. It was 6:00PM when his Chevy limped into town. Baker is little more than a widening of the road so finding the gas station/garage was pretty easy.

"You threw a rod." the mechanic told him. "Be at least a day before I can get the parts to fix it." he said from around the toothpick he was worrying between his teeth.

"Shit." the young agent mumbled under his breath.

"Got dat right!" the other man laughed, removing the spent toothpick.

"Well, is there a hotel I can stay at tonight?"

"There's Miz Cochran's roomin' house. It's 16 Main Street. She'll most likely have a place for ya."

"Thanks." Skinner said, took his suitcase from the trunk and started walking.

He'd meant to ask where he could get a bite to eat but saw it was right in front of him. Across the street and down a couple of doors was a diner.He walked to the rooming house, paid and left his bag on the bed and headed for the diner.

He opened the door to aromas that made his stomach growl; fresh coffee, roasting meat and something sweet. He took a seat at the counter and grabbed the menu from the chrome rack that corraled salt, pepper and the sugar shaker. A woman came out from the kitchen. He continued reading the menu.

"Can I get you something to drink while you decide?" she asked.

"Coffee please." he said without looking up.

She poured a mug of hot brew and set it before him, then returned to work.He made his decision and replaced the menu. She heard it and turned around.

"What can I get you?" she asked with a smile.

He looked up from his mug and came face to face with a very pretty young woman.

"Ah...I'll have the meatloaf." he said, trying not to stare.

She wrote it down on the her green guest check pad and went back into the kitchen. He looked around. There were a half a dozen tables lining the window wall, two of which were occupied. An empty row of tables ran up the middle and two booths along the short wall. One had a young couple, the other was empty. He alone sat at one of the twelve stools at the counter.

He turned back to find her filling his cup.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Kate." she replied.

"Katherine, Kathleen?" he probed.

"Kaitlyn." she said.

"I like that best."

"I'm so pleased." she laughed.

"Well, my name's Walter so now we're not strangers." he said, ignoring her sarcasm.

"Sure we are, we just know what to call each other. Excuse me." she said and disappeared into the kitchen.

She returned shortly with his dinner.

"Are you from around here?" he asked as if their conversation had never been interrupted.

"No."

"How'd you end up here?"

"Is that a variation of What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?"

"Yes."

"I attended culinary school right after graduating high school in San Francisco. While I was there I met the man who would become my husband.Our dream was to have our own restaurant but, he had to come back home to help his family and this was all we could afford."

"What happened?"

"He was killed on the highway on the way back from running errands in Barstow."

"I'm sorry." he said, thinking she was far too young to be widowed.

"Thank you but, there's no need to be."

"This is really good by the way. Give my compliments to your cook."

"Thank you." she said with a smile.

"How long are you open?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"I usually stop serving at eight o'clock. From there it depends on how long it takes my customers to finish and to clean up."

She finished what she was doing, went to the end of the counter to the cash register to accept payment from the men who had been at one of the window tables, grabbed the pot on the way back and refilled his cup.

"So what happened to your car?" she asked.

"What makes you think anything has?"

"Cause it's not parked outside and if you were just passing through you'd probably be in more of a hurry to get moving."

"Very perceptive."

"No,just experienced."

She moved around the diner attending to her other customers, returning to the register each time they were ready to pay. Now he was the only customer left. She was clearing the dishes which she brought to the kitchen, then went back and cleaned the tables. She gathered the salt, pepper and sugar shakers to fill.

"Would you like desert?" she asked.

"I smelled something good when I came in."

"I made banana bread. Would you like a slice?"

"Sure I'm not keeping you?"

"I've told you my policy."

"Alright."

She went back to the kitchen and came out with two plates each with a slice on it. She placed one before him and the other next to him. She grabbed a cup of coffee and came around the counter to sit next to him.

"You do this for all your customers?" he asked.

"Do what?"

"Sit with them."

"Sometimes but, I don't usually have desert. Besides, look around. It's just you and me" she quipped.

"So." he said leaning over closer to her. "Your place or mine?"

"Oh Walter, don't beat around the bush...just come out and say what you really mean." she said.

"I thought I just had." he laughed.

"Do you really think I'm going to shack up with you tonight after just meeting you?"

"I guess not." He shook his head. "I don't know what I was thinking."

"We both know exactly what you were thinking." she said smiling. "But I should clarify something right now. I'm not on the menu.My smile when I pour your coffee is just that...not an invitation." she finished pleasantly.

He shrugged an apology. "Is there a place where I can get some smokes?"

"Machine in the corner." Kate said nodding toward it.

He patted his pockets. "Can I get change?"

"Sure." she said taking his five dollar bill to the cash register. He walked over to get his change.

"Listen Kaitlyn..."

"It's alright." she stopped him. "You're not the first guy to roll into town and try to get me into his bed. For what it's worth though, you *were* one of the smoother ones."

"This happens a lot?" he asked.

"I'm not kidding myself that I'm any great beauty but, Baker's a handy rest stop on the long drive between L.A. and Vegas.Men who pass through assume I'm part of the hospitality"

"Can we just back up and start again?"

"Why? The moment your car's ready, you'll be out of here and I'll be little more than a memory."

"Who making assumptions now Kaitlyn?" he snapped.

Both of them were surprised by his sudden anger.

"Are you closing now?" he asked a little more softly.

"Yes."

"Let me walk you home....to *your* home." he added quickly.

"Let me just close up." she said and went to the kitchen.

She could bounce guys from her establishment. She'd been doing it since Mitch died. The problem was she *liked* this one, and she knew she'd just spoken the truth. Even if he didn't like hearing it,she'd be a memory before he finished the pack of cigarettes he just bought. She came out with her purse and a sweater draped over her arm.

"Ready?" he asked.

"All set." she replied.

He offered his arm. She took it knowing that if any of the locals were still out past nine it'd be all over town tomorrow. But the streets were deserted.

"Sidewalks roll up pretty early here." she noted.

He nodded in agreement.

"Where were you going when your car broke down...if you don't mind me asking?"

"Las Vegas."

"Business or pleasure?"

"I live there."

"Really, what do you do?"

He shook his head.

"If I tell you, I'll have to kill you." he said smiling.

"What?"

"Just kidding. I work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

"Were you on a case when your car broke down?"

"I really can't discuss that." he said.

"Does it have to do with stolen cars?"

"Why do you say that?" he said, his eyes narrowing.

"Route 15 is a notorious transport route."

"And how do you know that?"

"Like I said, Baker's a handy stop along the way. Well this is it." she said stopping in front of a neat Victorian house.

"Kate, would you mind if I came in for a moment? There's something I'd like to show you."

She gave him a dubious look.

"No, not that!"

"Okay." she said, unlocking the door.

"I'd like you to look at some photos. Tell me if you recognize anyone in them."

He laid out a half dozen pictures on her kitchen table.

"These two." she pointed out. "They come through about twice a month."

"At regular intervals?"

"Yeah."

It was the breakthrough he'd been hoping for. She told him when they usually passed through town and how long they stayed. He thanked her profusely.

"Kaitlyn, I want to stay in touch with you." he said, writing his home address and phone number on the back of one of his business cards.

"Because of this?" she said, indicating the photos.

"Is that what you think?" he asked.

"I don't know. That's why I asked."

"No, I want the chance to get to know you. Now, what's the address here and your phone number?" he asked.

Kate wrote down her information while he gathered the photos and put them in his pocket. She walked him to the door. He turned and stroked her face with his fingertips and kissed her lightly.

"Don't sell yourself short, Kate. You *are* a great beauty." he said, then he was gone.


Edna Cochran's Rooming House
(Walter's POV)

I walked back to my room thinking about Kate and how she looked in her short pink uniform. I was somewhat uncomfortable while my erection went down. Good Lord, that's all she would have needed to see after the stupid pick up line I'd used on her. I thought she'd laugh off because it was so cliche. What I intended was for her to know I was interested. Afterward it was too late to try to take it back. And I felt even worse after she told me about the other guys who tried to coax her into their beds.

I got to my room and unpacked what I needed for the night, changed out of my clothes and lay down in bed. Staring at the ceiling,I mulled over everything that had happened. I hoped Kate was OK but, I had to think about my assignement. Tomorrow I'd call in the names of the men Kate identified and pass on the information she gave me. With that settled I was able to sleep.

 

Kaitlyn's Bedroom
(Her POV)

I ran my finger over my lips, savoring Walter's kiss. I never thought anyone could compare with Mitch but, Walter came very close. 'Don't get your hopes up, he'll be gone soon.' I told myself. Ahh, but it felt so good to give over to someone, to alleviate the emptyness inside,if only for a few seconds. I closed my eyes and the next thing I remember was the alarm going off.


Kate's Diner, The Following Morning

Walter walked into the place and was surprised to see how crowded it was for breakfast. He took a seat at the end of the counter and a waitress approached with the coffee pot. He asked for Kate as she poured him a mug.

"I'll tell her you're here." she said and went to the kitchen.

"Customer's asking for you." Connie said.

"Okay." she replied, coming down off the ladder.

She'd been taking inventory to prepare an order.

Kate came out from the kitchen tying her apron on. Her arms stretched behind her pulled her uniform, enticingly accenting her figure. She looked up from her task and smiled when she saw him. Till then,he hadn't realized how isolated agents were from the general populice. It had to be that way to do the job, agents had to retain a certain detachment. He recalled his room mate at the academy had a brother who was a psychologist. He'd warned that if they wanted to marry, and they *would*, they'd better do it no later than our rookie year.

"Cause you're going to need a woman who can be a loving and supportive companion, and after your first year you're not going to be fit for anyone nor are you going to have the time or inclination to go looking for a wife."

Walter remembered laughing it off at the time. Now he wasn't sure it was a good decision.

"Hi." Kate said, interupting his thoughts. "I assume you were the one asking for me."

"Yes, I didn't realize how busy it got in here."

"How would you? You caught the tail end of business last night. What would you like?" she asked.

"Steak and eggs. Steak, medium rare, eggs over easy."

"I have white, wheat, rye, bagels and English muffins."

"Wheat toast."

She left to give the order to her cook. When she got back she asked about his car.

"In a hurry to get rid of me?" he asked.

She glared at him for an answer.

"I was thinking that even if it is ready today, I'd like to have dinner with you." he said.

"I usually just grab something here whenever I can." she shrugged.

"Isn't there another place we can go?"

"There's a restaurant about ten miles out of town or I could cook at home. Both would have us eating pretty late."

"I was hoping we could work it out where you didn't have to do the cooking." he said.

"I don't mind. Why don't you come by around eight and I'll make something that's not on the menu."

"Alright."

After the meal, he went back to his room and made calls for most of the day. Then went for a walk. He asked Miss Cochran if there was a good place to stretch his legs and she recommended a park a few blocks west. She was right, it was a very nice little place. Not
much more than a square really but, nicely planted with shade trees and paths. He crisscrossed them several times before he had enough of a workout, then he came back and did some paperwork.

The day had its normal ebb and flow but, today Kate didn't have the patience for it to end. She looked through the pantry and freezer and came up with a meal she could make mostly ahead of time with the last of it only taking a few minutes.

She wondered if she should change out of her uniform, then decided not to. He was just having a meal with her at the diner before he left...nothing more.

Walter showered, shaved and changed clothes before he met Kate, telling himself it was because he needed freshening after his walk. The truth was, he wanted to look good for dinner. He paced the room to pass the last few minutes, not wanting to appear anxious, even if he was.

Finally it was time. The walk was a short one and he was there in minutes. The diner was still open but had only a couple of customers, and they looked like they were almost finished. Kate was behind the counter when he entered. Suddenly he felt awkward.Was this a date? Should he treat it like one? He hadn't dated anyone seriously since high school,having joined the Marines two days after graduation which left no time for a steady. He was shipped out to Vietnam right after boot camp at Parris Island. After the service he enrolled in college and worked very hard to get the grades needed to get into the academy and once he was in, it was sixteen weeks of solid work, training and homework. He'd graduated near the top of his class though and now he wished he could take Tony's brother's advice and find someone to bring balance to his life.

Kate nodded toward one of the booths that lined the short wall on the side of the diner. It was already set so he sat down and waited while she made the rounds with the coffee pot. Thankfully both men refused the fill-up and got up shortly after to pay their checks. Once they were gone, Kate locked the door, turned the sign to 'Closed and lowered the lights. Then she came toward him.

"Hi." she said pleasantly.

"Hello." he said and started to get up.

"I just have to make one more trip to the kitchen." she said as she passed. A moment later, she was back pushing a two shelf cart. It was laden with dishes with silver domed lids. There was also a carafe of coffee and all the serving pieces. He looked at the table and noticed for the first time, it was set with fine china, certainly not the stuff she used here. The look on his face must have conveyed his curiosity.

"Right after we started the diner, Mitch wanted to expand into catering. We started building a nice little side business. You know, bridge clubs, bridal showers and Rotary luncheons. After I was by myself, it got to be too much to handle but, I still have all the equipment. Only the china came from my house."

"What did you make that isn't on the menu." he said trying to lighten the mood because she sounded so sad when she talked about when she was 'by herself'.

She lifted the lids that covered salmon in dill sauce, long grain and wild rice mixture and steamed veggies.

"Hope you like fish. It was so hot out I thought it'd be lighter than beef."

"I do and it *is* a good idea."

She served him like they were at a fine dining establishment instead of a diner and then he remembered she said she went to culinary school. This was the kind of business she was meant to be in and he assumed it was her husband's idea to open the diner here to be near his family. He wondered why she hadn't just packed it in and left now that he was dead. She must have her reasons though, even if he couldn't figure them out.

He took the first bite and let out a groan of pleasure.

"Thank you." she said with a huge smile.

"I've never tasted anything this good." he said around a mouthful of salmon and rice.

A blush crept prettily up her cheeks.

"It's not the kind of thing I can put on the menu but, I love doing this type of cooking. Haven't had much of a chance to lately." she said.

He interpreted that to mean she didn't have anyone special to cook for. From that point,they ate mostly in silence, each lost in thought. He wanted Kate to know he wanted to keep the connection with her. Even if he didn't know where it would go or even if it
could.

"You get your car back?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes."

"When will you be leaving?"

He didn't want to answer, didn't even want to talk about it but, he owed her an honest response.

"I was going to leave tonight but, I decided to go early tomorrow morning."

"Better choice. Those roads aren't the best at night."

"I'll be in Las Vegas by evening. Can I call you at home?"

"Yes, I'd like to know you got there alright."

The tension was getting to be too much. He reached across the table for her hand.

"Kaitlyn, I know there's a lot hanging between us. So much that hasn't been said."

"Do you want to say it?" she asked.

"I'd like to be able to date you but, new agents are moved around like pieces on a chess board. We wouldn't even get the chance to know each other. If I thought I was going to stay in Vegas for any amount of time, I'd want to come back to visit you, see where it went. I'm afraid we'd just get to a good point and I'd get tranferred."

"Then this should probably be it." she said.

"No." he shook my head. "I know it's selfish but I don't want that. I don't even know what you want."

All of a sudden, she was very interested in her plate.

"Kaitlyn." he said softly.

"I don't know. I'm dug in here. I can't leave. It's not like quitting a job. People depend on me."

"Can we stay in touch?" he asked hopefully.

"I suppose so." she said, still staring at her plate.

He was about to ask for a more definitive answer when she finally looked up.

"Would you mind leaving now please?" she asked in a small voice.

This portion told in Walter's POV

It wasn't the way I envisioned saying goodbye but, I respected her wishes and left.

I stood on the sidewalk outside the diner trying to ignore the feeling in my gut.It said this wasn't finished but, I'd done as she asked and I should just head back to the rooming house. I decided to walk around the alley to the back entrance. The door was open, only the screen door was closed. I went quietly, feeling like a spy. If the sheriff caught me, I'd have a hell of a time explaining myself. Then I heard what sounded like an animal cry in pain. I yanked the screen door open, not realizing I'd pulled the lock off too. Kate was near the sink with her hands braced on the counter, her hair was free of the net she usually wore and it tumbled in dark waves around her shoulders, obscuring her face. I rushed over to her assuming she'd hurt herself and pulled her away from the counter. She looked up at me with fat tears hanging at the corners of her eyes. I held her tightly while she sobbed. I was clueless as to what was wrong but, I petted her and rocked her gently till she calmed down.

Finally she pulled back a little and looked up at me.

"It's impossible." she said.

"What is?"

She stroked my face in a way that made me weak in the knees.

"Us."

"Why? What makes it impossible?" I coaxed.

She just shook her head.

"I don't want to leave things like this. Talk to me."

She hesitated, I tipped her head back so she had to look at me.

"What is it?"

"It's such a tangled mess." she began.

I let her compose herself. Then she continued.

"My husband inherited the house I live in from his grandmother. It was paid for, free and clear. When we came back here from San Francisco, he took a loan against it for the business but his mother talked him into giving her a good chunk of it.So we didn't get to
use it for the purpose it was borrowed for but he said we'd make it up......the bottom line is I'm working my butt off to make the payments to the bank so I don't lose the house or the business and my mother-in-law gets off scott free with the money.

She paused again. Then: "She doesn't like me. She wanted him to marry someone local, that knew her and would let her live with them and take care of her. She also wants the house even though Mitch got it from his father's side."

I shook my head in disbelief.

"Do you have a lawyer?"

"No, I used to but I didn't get another when he passed away."

"Leave all this stuff. I'm taking you home." I said wrapping my arm around her.

When we got to her place I told her I was going to stay an extra day.

"What about your case?"

"I'll keep in touch from here."

She was shaking so I found her liquor cabinet and poured us both a brandy.

"Kaitlyn, I'm staying tonight. I promise I'm not hitting on you but, you shouldn't be alone right now."

She only nodded and sipped her drink. Then she left the room.

This portion told from Kaitlyn's POV

I got up and went to my bedroom. Staring at my reflection in the dresser mirror with the bed behind me, I had to decide whether or not to have Walter sleep on the sofa. It was a big decision, I hadn't been with anyone since Mitch. There were a couple of townies who thought it was time for me to come out of mourning. Even if I was attracted to them, which I wasn't, I didn't think I was ready...till Walter kissed me. And after he explained his situation,I know there's not much chance for us. But *dammit* I'm tired of feeling lonely. So if tonight is all we have, then I'll deal with the wreckage of my emotions tomorrow, after he leaves. I striped naked and put on the long silk Art Nouveau robe I'd found in a funky little boutique in San Francisco, brushed my hair and went out to let Walter know my decision.


This portion told from Walter's POV

When she came back she was dressed in a floor length robe. She held out her hand. I took it and she led me to her bedroom.  It was softly lit by stained glass lamps atop Victorian furnishings. The way she was dressed in that flowered silk robe and her hair loose fit in perfectly. She led me to the bed and started unbuttoning my shirt. A lot of kissing and groping was involved as together we managed to get me undressed. When I was down to my briefs, I reached for the sash and pulled the bow out.The garment parted and she slid it off her shoulders revealing a perfectly exquisite body. I mean it was spectacular! My breath caught in my throat and my cock sprung to life at the sight of her standing before me with her robe in a puddle at her feet.

"My God Kaitlyn." I breathed, finally.

"I could say the same Walter." she smiled and climbed up onto the high featherbed. We latched onto each other like the love starved people we were.When I said I was going to stay tonight, it was completely her option to get intimate and if we did, I wanted so badly to make it a tender act of comfort but, this was turning out to be anything but! She parted her lips for me and I went right in, exploring the sweetness of her mouth and tongue which was playing deliciously with mine. We rolled around, first she was on top, her breasts pressing into my chest. Then we'd roll over so she was underneath me. I asked if I was too heavy, if I should move off.

"No." she breathed. And wrapped her legs around mine to keep me right where I was. I could feel my cock rubbing against her thatch and it was driving me insane.

"Move down a little." she whispered. I did and felt myself at her entrance. She tilted her hips up and I was sliding into her warmth. She was slick and tight, hugging me as I slotted all the way in. Once I was, Kate captured my mouth, telling me to stay like that
for a moment. When the kiss ended I began moving easily, smoothly thrusting, loving the sensation of being inside her, of her arms around me and her lips caressing the sensitive skin of my neck. It wasn't long before I felt my climax building. It seemed to be right behind hers as her legs tightened around me, her nails dug into my back. She arched and tilted her head. I kissed from her chin to her cleavage while she panted through her orgasm. Mine came right after. I felt tingling in my thighs then the tightening in my balls. I pumped like mad, shooting my load. It seemed to go on forever, when it was done I fell next to her. The featherbed felt like being cradled in a cool cloud against my sweaty skin.I tried to smile as I caught my breath. When I did I touched her face.

"That's not what I intended."

"What *did* you intend?"

"Something a little gentler."

"Maybe this is what we both needed but, if you want to, we can try again a little later."

I pulled her to me.

"If I *want* to?"

As it turned out, we did make love one more time. This was the tender coupling I'd intended. It was slower and allowed us to touch and explore each other while we were joined. Our climaxes were much less frenetic but, more deeply felt. We had to turn the featherbed over because of the wet spots and sweat, then we fell asleep in each other's arms. I really did feel like I was floating on a cloud, very near heaven.......

Walter's POV

I was the first to wake, as was my habit from long training. First on the ranch where I grew up, then in the Marines.I watched Kate sleeping and it occurred to me that whenever I had a date that ended in the sack, I never wanted to stay the night. Didn't want to face what I considered a faceless entity. I know how that sounds but, there was always an understanding between myself and the lady in question that we were getting together for a good time and nothing more. Experience has taught me however, that women often change their mind in the morning and I didn't want to be anywhere around when that happened.Laying here in the soft morning light I realized I could stay here like this indefinitely with Kate, just watching her.

Things were going to be happening and how they affected our budding relationship remained to be seen. I planned to get in touch with a friend of mine, an attorney in Vegas to have him consult with Kate about her situation. I didn't want her to be a slave to the bank.

I'd have to leave soon and the thought of it caused an ache in my chest, or was the pain in my heart? Tears sprung to my eyes which was odd since I hadn't actually cried since I was a kid. Why was I now? Cause the situation hadn't changed, only became complicated by my feelings. I'd still be transferred at the Bureau's whim, and there was no way to know how long it would take to settle Kate's situation. I wouldn't assume anything on her behalf, she probably wouldn't want to stay here once the legal matters were out of the way. It still didn't mean she'd want to traipse all over the country to be with me. There were far too many obstacles in the way for us yet,I didn't want to leave until I knew where I stood with her. Also, I wanted to tell her how I feel, wanted to hear myself say the words. I hadn't been in love since high school. Yeah, I know. People say it's puppy love at that age but what I felt for Marianne was real even if it wasn't meant to last. She was devastated by my decision to join the Marines right out of high school but, she wrote to me all during boot camp. We lost track shortly after I got to Vietnam though. It was very hard for letters to follow troop movement. Then I was injured in an ambush that wiped out my entire platoon, all but me and I literally lost a year of my life recovering in a Saigon hospital. By that time, I'd pretty much forgotten about her while concentrating on getting on with my life.

Kate began to stir,moving so gracefully as she pulled herself from sleep. It was like watching a ballerina do her pre-dance stretches. She opened her eyes and smiled.

"How long have you been awake?" she asked.

"Not long."

She pulled me into an embrace. I knew we didn't have time to make love but we could lay here for a while and make out. We kissed and let our hands roam wherever our bodies weren't already touching.It felt like the right moment to tell her what was in my heart.

"I love you Kate." I whispered in her ear.

"I know." she surprised me by saying.

I pulled back a little.

"How?"

"You have to leave today and you've been crying." she said softly.

I automatically wiped at the tears. She grasped my wrist.

"Don't wipe them away, they're such a compliment."

"What do you mean?"

"You feel secure enough with me to let your emotions go."

I smiled weakly.

"I was thinking about all we'll have to go through before we can be together."

"I'm patient."

"I'm not so sure *I* am." I said.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes."

"Then let me make you something here, in my kitchen before you go." she said getting up.

I joined her as she headed for the bathroom.

"Besides, I don't want to say goodbye to you in public." she added.

We cleaned up and dressed. Kate went to the kitchen and I asked if she got a newspaper delivery.

"Yes, it should be on the porch."

I got it while Kate started breakfast. We feasted on blueberry pancakes, bacon, juice and coffee. I was so full I didn't want to move and told her so.

"My plan worked then." she chuckled. "I wanted to get you so stuffed you couldn't move and therefore couldn't leave."

We both became serious then. I knew she had to get to the diner and I had to hit the road. We moved toward each other.

"I hate long goodbyes so take good care of yourself and stay in touch OK?" she said in one long breath.

"You bet." I replied, then reached for her. I kissed her like I was never going to see her again and she returned it with equal ardor. Then we said good bye and went our separate ways.

FBI Field Office LasVegas, Nevada

Skinner and Gene Marsden were having it out over how to proceed with the information he'd brought back from Baker. Marsden wanted to set up a sting right in town, hoping to catch any locals who might be involved with bringing stolen cars to the state line. Walter didn't want it that close to Kate's place and was sorry he'd ever mentioned it to his hot-headed partner.

"Innocent people could get caught in the cross fire. No, we'll set up just off Route 15 at 128 outside of town." he insisted.

After a bit more arguing Marsden agreed.


Southern California Desert, Near Baker

They used the dates as a guide and parked along the side of the road, outside town. Before he left Las Vegas, Walter wrote one letter, just to tell her he was OK and to ask her to send him a
photo of herself for his wallet. Now,as he sat in the car, he ached because he was so close, not even a mile from Baker yet he couldn't let Gene suspect anything was out of the ordinary. His partner had no idea of his relationship with the woman who had provided the information and Walter wanted to keep it that way. He'd only sent his letter a few days ago but he was already getting anxious to hear from her.

The hours seemed to crawl by as they scrutized every car that passed. Before they came, they ran a vehicle check on both men so they were probably looking for either a blue 78 Malibu or a red 76 Camaro. Unless of course they got tricky and drove one of the stolen cars instead. Skinner didn't think they would as they had no reason to think they were being watched. The first day went by with no activity. The second and third days passed much the same way. Walter knew from his training that he had to be patient but it was difficult. This was only his third stakeout and he hadn't quite got the hang of it yet. Shortly after midnight of the third day, his perseverence paid off.

The red Camero zoomed past them. A little caravan of luxury sports cars followed. Walter watched through night binoculars and read the license plate numbers aloud. Gene checked them.

"That's our boy." Gene exclaimed.

"And all those plates check as stolen from the L.A. area.Let's go!"

Walter radioed the car on the other side of the road. They would follow them and see if they went over the state line.

They did so at a distance with their lights off.When they got to the state line,it all went down in a matter of minutes. The other man Kate had ID'd was at an intersection distinguished only by the fact that a vehicle capable of carrying up to nine cars was waiting for the little parade. Marsden and the driver of the other stakeout car identified themselves, hauled them out and had them spread their hands on the hoods of the cars while Walter opened the trunk of the Camero and found every kind of carjacking tool imaginable.


Las Vegas, Nevada

As soon as his report was written, Walter returned to his apartment. He wanted to call Kate to let her know how helpful her information had been but, it was too late. He knew she woke early
in order to get the diner opened so he decided to go out for a while. He wasn't able to sleep. He was too keyed up and this was a 24 hour town. He ended up playing slots for a while at The Riviera.


Baker, California

Kate read the letter over and over again. She was so flattered he wanted a picture but she hadn't taken one in quite some time. She looked through her albums but none of them satisfied her. She wanted the photo she sent to be a really good shot of her so she decided to have one done professionally. She found a studio on the other side of town, made the appointment and told her employees she she'd be leaving early the following thursday afternoon. She'd discussed what she wanted over the phone and the photographer asked if she had a strapless top to wear so he could try different accessories. So she'd worn a tube top under a staid white blouse, took her makeup bag and some of her favorite jewelry and headed across town.

The set up was very nice. The photographer whose name was Harry made her feel at ease, cracking jokes while Phyllis, his assistant fussed over her. She taken off the blouse and Phyllis
tried different looks from a feather boa, which they all rejected to a bib necklace. She showed Phyllis her jewelry which gave the assistant an idea.

"How about if we just pull your hair back, you have beautiful bones you should show them off? Have you wear a pair of drop earrings and take the shot from the shoulders up."

Harry rubbed his chin.

"Yes, you really shouldn't cover those shoulders."

Phyllis pinned her hair into a French roll, refined her makeup a bit and had her put on the earrings. Harry looked through his viewfinder and thought they were just the right touch...just enough to accent her beauty without overpowering it.

He had her pose. She was a natural, the camera loved her. All he had to do was have her turn just a bit so she was halfway between and frontal and a profile.

" Now think of something pleasant." he said.

She thought of why she was getting this done and a sensuous smile curved her lips and put a sparkle in her eyes.

"Perfect!" Harry declared as he took the shot.

They did a few more for good measure but, he was convinced that would be the best of them. Kate put her shirt back on which Harry thought was a damned shame and they went to his office. He told her how long before they'd be ready and made a appointment for her to come back and choose.

A week later, she had her shots. She was very pleased with the way the first pose had turned out and ordered a half dozen wallets plus an 8X10. She couldn't wait to close the diner so she could write Walter and send him his photo. She started cleaning up assuring the couple who lingered she wasn't rushing them. When they finally *did* leave she worked doubletime to finish and prepare for the next day. Afterward, she hurried home, kicked off her shoes and got out the new box of stationary she bought for this purpose and began to write.


Dear Walter,

I got your letter and was happy to hear you were safely back in LasVegas. It took a while to answer because I wanted to send you a nice picture and I didn't have any that were up to date so I had the enclosed done. I hope you like it. I wonder how you are and if you ever got the chance to nail the car thieves. I haven't seen them around lately so I hope you have.

Your friend John called me and set up an appointment. I've gathered all the paperwork he'll need. I'm anxious to hear what he has to say, hopefully we can untangle this legal mess and I can get it off my mind. I have other things I'd rather think about, namely you! I miss you. I didn't think I'd ever be so affected by someone I've known for such a short time.

I guess I never realized how isolated I am here. Mitch was my only connection in a place that doesn't readily accept you without one. I lost that when he died and his family hasn't exactly laid out the red carpet for me. haha. I guess I never realized just how adrift I've been. I know I use work so as not to think about it. Oh my, I do run on, don't I? As you know I have no family here and no close friends so it's wonderful to finally have a solid connection to another human being.

Oh well, it's getting late so I'll close for now. Hope to hear from you soon.

Your Kate.


LasVegas Nevada

Walter tore the envelope open when he saw the it among his bills and junk mail. There was a note in the lower corner. Photo: Do Not Bend. There was a separate folded piece of paper containing the picture. He stared at it for several minutes before he propped it up against the lamp on his desk, anxious to read the letter. He read certain parts over and over as he looked at her image staring at him. God, she was even more beautiful than he remembered. Although he preferred her hair loose, this did show off her pretty shoulders. In fact, it looked like she wasn't dressed! He'd have to ask her about that when he wrote to her.

He read the letter all the way through again. She sounded lonely and sad but, hopeful too. She had signed it "Your Kate"

Was she really his he wondered. She hadn't said she loved him. Of course he wouldn't want her to unless she meant it but, it *did* sound as if she missed him and that was a start.

He took the picture and propped it up against the lamp on his bedside table. Tomorrow he'd put it in his wallet but, for now he wanted to see her lovely face before he went to sleep.

"Goodnight my love" he said and switched off the light.

Las Vegas Nevada

Walter wrote:

Dear Kate,

I got your letter with the photo and it's simply beautiful. I carry it in my wallet and sneak a peak at it whenever I can. I miss you too and while I can look at your image, I can't talk to it. When you answer this would you tell me the best time to call? I'd like to hear your voice. I think of you often, remembering the night we spent together. I think you should know what I was thinking the next morning. Most of my dates have been little more than one night stands and I never wanted to spend the entire night, mostly cause I didn't want to be around the following morning...too awkward. I found just the opposite to be true with you. Not only did I sleep soundly but I didn't want to get out of bed. I wanted to stay with you, floating on our cloud.

On a more down to earth subject (haha), We did get the car thieves.Your information helped us set up a stakeout. They fell into it right outside of town. They've been arrainged and are waiting to stand trial.

Well, I just got a call from work so I'll end this now. Can't wait to hear from you.

Love, Walter


He addressed it quickly and slapped on a stamp so he could mail it on his way to the office. As he drove, he thought'This is one reason why I can't ask Kate to be here, My hours are so irregular. That
was Gene. He called with a hot lead on a new case we're working. I don't know how long my schedule will be like this and as long as it is, it wouldn't be fair to her.



Baker California

John Schiff parked in front of the neat Victorian cottage and climbed the stairs to the gingerbread porch. 'Wow, Leah would love this' he thought of his new wife who loved antiques and all things Victorian. He rang the bell and could actually hear the clanging of an old fashioned clapper inside.The door swung open a moment later.

"Mrs. Hendricks?"

"Yes, you must be Mr.Schiff. Please come in."

He stepped into the small foyer.

"I'd prefer it if you called me Kate." she said, offering her hand.

"John." he said taking it with a smile.

"I set up lunch in the dining room, nothing fancy just sandwiches."

"Fine."

They talked generalities while they ate. He complimented the place and she invited him to look around to his heart's content before they settled down to business. John was thoroughly charmed by his gracious hostess and did just that.

Kate set up her files on the large kitchen table. John joined her when he was done. He scanned her paperwork, reading quickly. Between the documents and what she told him, John got the
picture. Mitchell Charles Hendricks had been closer to his father's side of the family than his mother's. His paternal grandmother, Charlotte Lyon Hendricks left him this house and all its contents, paid for free and clear and he had left it to his wife, Kaitlyn McGregor Hendricks.

John's only comment about the chances of her mother-in-law having any claim against her son's will was: She doesn't stand a chance.

They moved on to the matter of the loan she and her husband had taken out using the house as collatoral. John looked over the paperwork.

"Your mother-in-law may not have a claim but the bank could." he said finally.

Kate nodded.

"May I ask what you'd like the outcome of all this to be, other than getting out of debt to the bank of course."

"Well." Kate began pensively. "I'd like to get out of this town. I don't feel like I belong here without my husband. I'm from San Francisco. I know Mitch had no close family on his father's side other than his grandmother after his dad passed away.

"What I'd like to do is get an assessor down here to take a look at the furnishings. If you want to leave, it might be easier to start over again without trying to move all this stuff to your new home,
wherever it may be."

"You think they might be worth something?"

"I'm no expert but, I'd like to get someone, not local who may know your mother-in-law, to have a look if that's alright with you."

"Sure, do you know someone?"

"No but, my wife's very into this sort of thing so I'm sure she does."

"Okay, go ahead and do what you need to."

LasVegas Nevada, Three Days Later

John called Walter and asked if they could meet for a drink, someplace quiet where they could talk.

"Why don't you just come here?" Walter offered.

Once they were settled in his living room, drinks in hand, John began.

"First let me say Mosoltov, she's a gem."

Walter chuckled at the reference. John was an Orthodox Jew.

"She'a a gracious hostess. She served a good lunch."

"Was she kosher?"

"Yeah, we had corned beef on rye, pickles and cream soda. Did you tell her I was?"

"No.but I imagine she assumed you were."

"Anyway, there are things I can't discuss with you of course because of client/attorney previlage." he said, becoming serious. "But she did allow me to discuss the contents of her house.She's
going to let me have an appraiser take a look and evaluate her furnishings. If they're genuine antiques then Kate's sitting on a treasure trove. I counted six Tiffany lamps and a half dozen marble
top tables and chests, a beautiful living room suite and a grandfather clock. People are falling all over themselves for this sort of stuff. Believe me, Leah's had me out most weekends scouring for Victoriana and I haven't seen anything as nice as what's in her place."

After John left, Walter thought about all he'd told him. It would be wonderful news if it turned out to be true. The only thing that niggled at the corners of his mind was where Kate would go once she was no longer tied to Baker by debt. Even if she agreed to move here, would she be willing to do it again whenever he got transferred? He went to sleep that night with turbulant emotions.

Baker California

Kate sat propped up in bed, late Saturday night writing her letter.


Dear Walter,

You can always call in the evenings. I'm usually home by nine. I close on Sundays although I tend to go in for a couple of hours just to catch up on things I missed during the week. But I'm home by mid-afternoon. I'm anxious to hear your voice too. I love the rich depth of it late at night, whispering in my ear.

Uh oh, better steer away from *that* line of thought.

John and I had a nice visit and I think we got a lot accomplished. He seems to think my warehouse of Victorian furniture may be worth something. I'm going to look up in the attic, I've only been up there once, and see if there's any more. Don't worry, I'll bring the phone along so I don't miss your call. ha ha.

I'm glad you like my picture. I have a larger one I may put in my photo album, I haven't decided. Well, I'm yawning and soon I'll stop making sense so I'll say bye for now. Look forward to hearing
your voice.

Your Kate


She folded it and gave it a light spray of her cologne before putting it in the envelope. She put it aside, turned off the lamp and promptly fell asleep.

LasVegas Nevada

Walter read the letter several times as usual. It was Saturday night and right outside his door the city was hopping but, he had no desire to join in. He just wanted to talk to Kate, to hear her voice.
She'd be home from work by now but he wanted to give her a chance to relax and have a bite to eat.

He took her photo out of his wallet and propped it up while he dialed her number. She answered on the second ring.

"Hello."

"Hello Kaitlyn."

"Walter! Hi,"

He chuckled.

"It's so good to hear your voice." he said.

"Yours too," she said sounding a little out of breath.

"Busy day?" he asked knowing Saturdays were. People who lived in the outlying areas came in to shop and it was a weekly treat to eat at her diner.

"More than usual. The Sugar Beet Festival is coming up."

"The what?" he asked laughing.

"It's an annual event. Sugar beets are this areas contribution to state agriculture and they have a big to do at the end of the harvest."

"I guess I shouldn't laugh. They had a big barbecue in my hometown in Texas to celebrate branding the spring calfs."

"Ouch!"

"Yeah, I'm sure that's what they thought too."

They talked a little before they got around to how much they missed each other.

"I wish you could come up for a visit." he lamented.

"You know I can't but couldn't you come down on the weekends? We'd have a little time together and....one night."

"I'm on call Sweetheart. They can page me anytime. It's like that with rookies. We get all the shit stuff no one else wants."

"Well, one day you'll be able to pass the crap on to some new agent."

"I don't want to wait for someday." he said huskily.

"What can we do?"

"I'll try to get another agent to cover me one weekend so we can have some time. I miss you so much."

"I miss you too." she said.

Her voice clutched at his heart.

"I think I'd better say goodnight now." Walter barely choked out.

It would be several weeks before he could set it up but he finally managed to get away on a Saturday afternoon. It was a little over two hundred miles from Las Vegas and he made it by early
evening. He knew Kate would still be at the diner so he went directly there.

He walked in the door but didn't see her right away so he waited. She came out from the kitchen a moment later. When she saw him, she tore off her apron and ran straight into his embrace. He lifted
her off the floor and twirled her around, neither of them caring who saw or how much gossip it would generate.

"I didn't expect you till tonight." she gasped.

"Traffic was light all the way." he said, setting her back down on the floor but still holding her.

"I'll be right back." she said, breaking out of his arms. She went back to the kitchen and asked Bobby, her cook and Jose the busboy if they would just make sure all the food was put away before they left.

"Go ahead," Bobby said squeezing her shoulder. "Have a good time. We'll see you Monday."

With that she was out of there. They walked quickly to her house. She dug her keys out on the way so they wouldn't have to wait for her to open the door. Once inside, they were all over each other. Walter scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

"I wanted to get cleaned up and looking nice before you got here." she said.

"Don't worry Sweetheart, right now I'll take you as is." he said.

One of the nice things about her still wearing her uniform was that it zipped up the front. He grasped the pull and slid it down, revealing Kate in just her underwear. He slid the dress off her shoulders and lifted her onto the bed. She watched while he tore off his own clothes and joined her. They both let out sighs as their bodies touched. There was more kissing and laments.

"I could devour you." he said.

"I know right where you can start." she replied saucily.

That was all he needed to hear as he made the journey down her body.He stopped to suckle each breast, then darted his tongue in her naval, sending shivers through her. He parted her thighs and positioned himself between them. That first touch of his tongue on her sensitized flesh nearly brought her off the bed. He used his lips, teeth and tongue to drive her to madness, taking her through several orgasms before he came back up to her, and then it was because she begged him to stop.

"If you don't, I won't have any strength left for you." she panted.

They kissed. She tasted herself on him and it turned both of them on. Walter, because she felt no shame in the aftermath of her joy, Kate because it had been so long since she felt a man's sweet kiss on her sex and tasting was more proof it had actually happened.

She kissed down to the bow of his collarbone, planted more kisses along the ridge then dropped down to capture a small brown nipple in her teeth. He gasped with pleasure.Encouraged, Kate took the other between her thumb and index finger and rolled it around.

"Harder Baby." he breathed.

She rolled her fingers so the nails held the very tip and pinched. He jerked but told her not to stop. She experimentally bit the nipple in her mouth and he gave out a long sigh so she bit a little harder.

"That's it." he husked.

She switched sides so she could give the other nipple equal attention, freeing up a hand which snaked down his body. She felt his erection but instead of grasping it, she stroked it with her open hand.

"Mmmmm" he hummed in appreciation. What she was doing felt so nice. He hadn't been with anyone since he met Kate and when he masturbated he kept it pretty basic. Just grabbing himself and pumping till he came. What Kate was doing made him feel good without rushing him to be ready for her. She had his cock pressed against his own belly and she sometimes moved down and played with his balls, juggling them back and forth then she'd go back to stroking along the pulsing vein on the underside.

His eyes were closed so he felt rather than saw her rest her head on his stomach. He could feel her breath on the head of his cock as she spread the few drops of pre-cum over it then took it in her
mouth. The wet warmth, the texture of her tongue playing over the crown added to his pleasure while she continued to stroke him with her hand. She began to take in more of him each time she bobbed her head. As she did her hand moved a little farther down till she took in all she could. Then she started playing with his balls again.

This time she set a rhythm to prepare him for loving her. He sped up, bending his knees so his feet were flat on the mattress,rocking his hips, then he stopped cause he wanted to be inside her when he came. He ran his hands between her shoulder blades to get her attention. She understood and stopped. She moved up and straddled his hips. He kept his legs bent, creating a backrest for her. She positioned herself over him and guided the head to her opening. He smiled in anticipation, then she dropped down, impaling herself. It felt wonderful. She got up on her knees and used her strong thighs against his ribs to brace herself as she derricked up and down on him. He grasped her hips
to help her. Before long they were bucking together and all thought of either of them having control was lost.They came hard together. Afterward, he pulled her down to rest on him. They were both panting and Kate could feel his heart pounding through the muscle wall of his chest. He rolled over so she was under him,she wrapped her arms around him and looked him in the eye.

"I love you." she said.

"I love you too. More than I can tell you."

"Why?" she asked.

"I don't know if I can make you understand but, I'll try. I was in love just one other time. We were together the night before I left to report to boot camp. She was angry with me and afraid for me at the same time. I had the feeling it would be the last time I saw her, which turned out to be true. It was 1970 so I was pretty sure I would be shipped out to Vietnam after training which also turned
out to be true. I thought there was a good chance I'd come home in a box which fortunately didn't come true. With all that going on it was pretty intense between us and it still doesn't come close to what I feel right now."

Kate smiled.

"You know I was married of course. Mitch was also my only other love. It was electric between us from the start. We met on the first day of cooking school. The Master Chef was addressing us as a
group, then he had us take our places at the work stations. He came over to me and started playing with my fingers under the table. His touch sent waves through me. It was sexual...very sexual but we could also talk for hours. Everything we did was fun cause we were together. Even before he was killed I thought how lucky I was. Maybe one person in a million finds a love like that once in a lifetime. Now I think of how blessed I am to have found it twice."

She had just laid her soul bare before me and I suppose I had done the same. Now I looked into her unshielded eyes and the depth of her feelings was very clear. I hoped she saw that in my eyes too. We stayed that way, unblinking for I don't know how long cause time had no meaning. I started to say her name and she pressed her finger to my lips.

"Don't say anything, just be in the moment."

I smiled and lowered my lips to hers. That kiss was like nothing I've ever experienced. I could almost feel it solidifying our love.

She reached over and turned out the light.

"I thought we'd go on a picnic tomorrow." she said sleepily.

"Sounds like a plan." I said, pulling her to me in the dark.

Pioneer Park Sunday Afternoon.

We drove here. Kate wanted to walk and honestly, it wasn't that far. I just wanted to be able to stow her picnic basket in the trunk after we ate so we could take a walk and not have to lug it with us. Now we lay on the blanket finishing the delicious feast she'd  prepared for us. I was licking my fingers from her fried chicken.

"I don't know how you do it." I said, forcing my digits out of the way.

"Do what?" she asked.

"Everything you make is so good."

"Thank you. Perhaps it's because I love what I do and I love the man I'm making it for."

I pulled her close to me and propped my arm up to rest my face. Looking down at her now.

"There's so much I want to know about you."

"Like what?"

"Like how you got started with this cooking obsession." I teased.

She was pensive for a moment.

"When my mother died."

"What happened?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise.

"She had breast cancer." she began, looking off into the distance, or perhaps it was the past. "I was eleven. The oldest of three girls. My father was understandably devastated and withdrew into
himself. Part of the reason I started cooking was so we ate. At first I couldn't get him to join us. My father is slim and really couldn't afford to lose much weight but, with both my sister's help we got him to come to the table. I think slowly he came to realize we were suffering her loss too and he had to be there for us. We were just kids and we needed him. From then on, I started getting more and more creative. I realized I really liked making things in the kitchen and I was becoming pretty good at it. We were a very tight knit foursome by then. Meals were our celebration of being together."

"Tell me about your sisters."

"Jen was nine, Tara was six. We're a real mixed bag. There's me." she said, fanning her hand toward her head, " With dark hair and eyes, Jen is blond and blue eyed like dad and Tara is a mix. She has dark hair and light eyes. One day during summer vacation I was nosing around in the attic and found an old trunk with all the memorabilia from my parent's wedding. By this time I was fourteen. I started looking at the photo album and almost went into shock.I remembered we had the same dark coloring but when I was younger I didn't resemble anyone in particular. I looked at her
portrait, then at my reflection in the chervil mirror and realized I was growing into the very image of her. Dad had to have noticed and I wondered how it affected him. Was he happy that their creation was becoming a replica of his beloved wife or, did seeing me cause him pain, a reminder that she was no longer with him? So, hard as it was for me, I went to him and asked. He took me by both shoulders and said "Both." We had a long talk then, the longest since her death, we cried together and got it all out in the open. He said that besides looking like her, I had many of her qualities. After that talk, I felt so mature and I think I was better at handling the girls.

They had their issues to deal with too. Poor Tara was so young, she couldn't understand what happened,why her mommy wasn't there anymore. Jen and I became a united front to help her understand mom wasn't coming back and that we all had to let ourselves feel the loss but still live our own lives as she would want us to."

"Do you stay in touch?"

"Yes. We're scattered now but we call and write regularly. Alright, it's your turn."

"I grew up on a farm in Texas, fifth of six kids. I have one sister, Nat. She's the oldest. It was all boys after that." I chuckled. "She's tough like my mother. I guess they had to be in a house full of males."

"Was the toilet seat *ever* down?" Kate asked with a chuckle.

"That was something Mom was adamant about. That and the fact that she and Natalie not be treated like servants for us because they were women. We all learned to take care of ourselves. She and I were always close. I'm not sure why."

At this point, Kate smiled broadly. I made a mental note to ask her why later.

"I really missed her when she went to college. One by one my brothers left. By the time it got down to just me and my youngest brother Nick, Dad had lapsed into drinking a lot. He and Mom argued more often and sometimes he really didn't seem to know what was going on around him. It was close to my eighteenth birthday by then and I told Mom I was enlisting in the Marines. She was sad but, she understood. Just before boot camp ended, I got a letter from her saying Dad was dead. He'd overturned the tracker in a depression on the land, sort of a ditch we all knew about and avoided when we were out in that field. The autopsy showed evidence of alcoholism and Alzheimer's disease. It all made sense then. When he was drunk, he was mean, when the disease kicked in he was forgetful but, when he was free of both, he was very nice to be around. Unfortunately that was rare. I got to go home for two days before I shipped out. I was glad because I would've always wondered about the two of them still there. I saw resignation and acceptance in Mom and relief in Nick. Poor kid must have been catching what we would've been combined if we were all still at  home. I left knowing they were going to be OK."

By this time it was late afternoon and as much as I regretted it, I was going to have to leave soon. I think Kate sensed our time together coming to an end too. She started packing up the basket. I helped and we took it to the car.

"Do we still have time for that walk?" she asked.

"Sure." I said and took her by the hand.

We walked the tree lined path in silence then I said. "I walked this back and forth the first day I was here."

"I guess you liked it." she said.

"Yes, It's a pretty little park."

It was all too soon that I had to hit the road so we strolled back to the car. Once we were inside, before I started the engine I asked why she smiled when I told her about Nat.

The smile returned.

"Some men will live with women all their lives and never have a clue to them. I believe you're one of the rare ones who really understands us. It's my guess Natalie saw that too."

"Why do you think so?" I asked wondering at her great insight into me.

"Last night." she said simply.

I could've pressed her for an explanation but, I think I knew. I had wondered if I'd opened up to her as she had to me but, she saw everything there was to see about me in my eyes. Maybe more than I intended.

*****

Over the next twelve months Walter and Kaitlyn would continue to write and they made a ritual of the Saturday night phone call. Walter would get down to Baker whenever he could and each time was as intense as the first although now they more experienced and comfortable with each other.

One night Walter called her late. When she heard it was him,she started to tease him about not being able to wait for their regular calling time.

"Listen to me Kaitlyn."

She shut up at the seriousness in his voice.

"I have to make this quick, I've been called away on an assignment. I shouldn't even be talking to you but, I wanted you to know why we can't be in touch until I get back. I love you Sweetheart, I have to go." He said, calling from a public phone to insure he wasn't monitored.

With that, he hung up and Kate was left holding a dead phone hoping to hell she was dreaming.

As the weeks passed however, she realized his call was real and didn't know when....or if she'd hear from him again.

Much as her heart ached,she knew she had to get on with her life without Walter in it. She got in touch with John who worked with the bank to reduce her payments and found an assessor for her antiques. He was right about the Tiffany lamps. They were sold and her debt paid off with the proceeds. Everything after that was profit. She sold most the things off including some more stuff she found in the attic. There was an old sewing machine, nursery furniture, colorful majolica plates and some of Mitch's great grandmother's clothes and jewelry.

Kate rummaged through those and found two blouses that fit. They were beautiful lace trimmed confections she sent, at John's wife Leah's recommendation to a clothing restorer. She took the Victorian pieces which included cameos, slide bracelets, pearl chokers and a variety of drop earrings to a jeweler for cleaning and repairs. Some of the clasps had to be replaced and the pearls restrung. Kate decided that if she didn't have to, she wasn't selling off any of these.

All she kept were the basic furnishings she'd need until she decided where to go. Then the kitchen table and chairs, the living room suite and her bedroom furniture would also be sold. She already
had a nice little nest-egg.

Meanwhile, her mother-in-law had gotten wind of her activity and tried to get her to let her just have a look. She still wanted the house and told her so. Kate passed the information on to John who got in touch with the elder Mrs. Hendricks on behalf of the younger one and told her if she wanted the house she could buy it.

Another time when she and John were talking about it, Kate told him.

"You know, even if she could put a bid on the house that I'd accept, I still don't want her to have the place."

"If you're planning to vacate it, why not sell it to someone who'll move it?"

"What?"

"People do it all the time. They buy the house and lift it onto a flat bed truck and move it to another location."

"Sounds expensive."

"Depends. If they see a house that really suits them but the location doesn't then that's what they do. Now this place is a beautiful example of Victorian Gingerbread. I can imagine the right buyer would be willing to pay top dollar for it."

"Oh that would be such a bite in the ass to my mother-in-law." she laughed.

John joined in. Everything he knew about the woman was negative.

"Can you imagine her walking past this gap where the house used to be?" he chuckled.

"Yes." she said, her eyes gleaming.

"Seriously Kaitlyn, what do you plan to do?"

"I've been thinking about that and I've almost made a decision."

"Which is?"

"I was thinking of selling the diner too. I already have a buyer. Then I'd go back home to San Francisco. I'd go to Las Vegas but I'm not sure that would be the right decision. This way, when he comes back you can give him my address and we can take it from  there. If he doesn't...well then at least I'll be back with my family."

"What makes you think he won't?"

"John, it's been three years."

"I know."

"Sometimes I wonder if he's back in Vegas or if he's where ever he is and has found someone else and gotten married."

"You're letting your imagination run away with you."

"I can't help it. It's been so long I wonder if I should worry, mourn or be angry with him."

"That's understandable."

"But none of it helps. I won't have any answers until he's done with whatever he's involved in."

"You have to have faith in him Kate."

"I do. I just don't know how much longer I can hang on."

Meanwhile in Some Unknown Location

Walter leaned back in his hammock. The heat and humidity of the jungle reminiscent of Vietnam. His mission here was no less dangerous. He had been chosen to infiltrate the South American crime cartel because (a. He had the right type of look to blend in. No one would ever guess he was Scottish/Russian. (b. He spoke Spanish. (c. Being a new agent, he wasn't known. And (d. He had proved his ability on other cases.

He could blend in anywhere in South America, especially now. His skin was deeply burnished from three years of traveling to get to this point. He was on the verge of becoming the king pin's right
hand man. To get here, he'd had to pass tests, of strength, skill, cunning and loyalty and knew there'd be at least one more before he attained the position.He wasn't sure what there was left
to prove but he was sure he'd find out when the time came. Meanwhile he'd gathered valuable information to give to his contact. He had to be very careful though.One wrong move could cost him his life.

He closed his eyes and Kaitlyn's visage came to him unbidden. He had almost put her out of his mind but, he couldn't get her out of his heart. He wondered how she was. Did she think of him and, if so in what context after all this time. He had mixed emotions about her. He hoped she still loved him and waited for him. On the other hand, he wanted her to be happy. She deserved to be and it was unfair to expect her to put her life on hold for him.He certainly hadn't expected the assignment to last this long and had no idea how much longer it would or if he'd survive it.

The ringing phone jolted him from his reverie. It was one of the chieftain's men summoning him to his casa. He cleaned up and changed clothes wondering if this 'it'.


Part 11 B

Walter, a.k.a. Hector Antonio Rubas' was shown into the grand salon. His host, Carlos Tiburon held out a drink for him. Every nerve ending tingled, Carlos was being far too cordial.

"Buenos noches mi amigo." he greeted him, handing him the drink. "Please Hector, have a seat." he added, indicating a large comfortable chair.

He sat and accepted the drink from the man he'd worked to gain favor with for two years. Now that it seemed to be happening, he wondered why. What did Carlos have up his sleeve?

"I'm not a man to mince words, so I'll come right to the point."

'Here it comes.' Walter thought.

"You've earned the right to become a part of my family and I mean that literally, not figuratively."

He clapped his hands. Walter held his breath.

A door at the far side of the room opened and a young woman entered. She looked down shyly as she approached.

"This is my sister Lydia. She will become your wife and you'll become family."

Walter stood to be introduced, hoping the turbulence of his emotions didn't show. Afterward, Carlos went back to talking to him as if she wasn't there except, at one point to dismiss her. After she left, Carlos invited Walter to call him 'Tibby', a moniker created from his last name, Tiburon and used only by those closest to him.

They talked well into the night. Tibby gave him information the U.S. government had worked years to attain. Walter listened carefully, he must remember every detail. The conversation ended with: "The wedding will be in a month."

He stood and walked Walter to the door.

"Don't worry Hector, Lydia will make you happy." he said with a shark-like smile.

As he was shown to his car he thought what Tibby really meant was, he would make Lydia happy.....or else!



Baker California

Kaitlyn had John draw up the papers for the sale of the diner but, asked him to leave the space open for her to fill in the price. He assumed she set it up that way for final negotiations. She asked
him to meet her at the diner at 6:00PM, she was closing early since it was her last day as its owner. She wanted him to witness the sale and see to the legalities.

Kate, John and Bobby the cook gathered around the counter. John read all the terms and conditions of the sale. When it came time to finalize things, Kate asked him for the document to fill in the amount. Bobby reached for his wallet and pulled out a single dollar bill and handed it to Kate proudly.

"What's this?" John asked.

"Look at the price." Kate replied.

He did and sure enough,it read: The sum of one dollar for payment in entirety for the business known as "Kate's Diner".

Bobby came around the counter and hugged her.

"I'm gonna miss you." he said.

"You'll do well with it, I know."

She paid John after giving him instructions where to send the final papers. Then handed him a small box.

"This is for Leah. For all her help."

She'd sold off the last of the furniture. The house was vacated and the new owners would be here within the week to move it to Colorado. She just wished she could see her mother-in-law's reaction when they carted it away.She picked up her two suitcases and went to the taxi she'd arranged for earlier to take her to the train station.

Kaitlyn paid the cabbie, handed her bags to a porter and boarded the train to San Francisco. The eleven and a half hour ride would give her time to contemplate the next phase of her life...a life that didn't include the man she loved.

Casa de Carlos Tiburon, Bogota, Columbia

Lydia Tiburon sat at her dressing table while her bridesmaids fussed over her veil till it was positioned just right. As the baby sister of the largest drug lord in the country, she could get
anything she wanted and proved it by requesting Hector Antonio Rubas' to be her husband. The one thing she couldn't demand was his love. She'd just have to figure something out.

Never having to work for anything,it didn't occur to her she'd have to earn it.

Walter dressed at the other end of the house.They would meet in the garden where the ceremony would take place. The reception would follow in a large silk tent. He looked down at the grounds and thought it'd be beautiful if it wasn't so over the top. He fantasized for a moment his wedding to Kate. It would be simple and elegant, greatly scaled down from this gaudy extravaganza.

'I'm so sorry about all this, Kate. If I survive, I'll get back to you.' he thought,then wondered if she'd still want him to after all this time. There was a knock at the door, his 'best man' come to fetch him.

The rest of the day was a blur until they were alone in the honeymoon cottage. He went out to the patio to have a smoke while Lydia did what ever it is brides do to get ready for be.He returned when he thought it had been enough and came in to find her posed on the bed in a ruffly nightgown. He smiled and came over to the her.

"You look lovely." he said reaching for the lamp switch.

He had his reasons for wanting to be in the dark. He knew he had to be convincing tonight and the only way he could was to imagine it was Kaitlyn underneath him. The other was he had to put on the condom as stealthily as possible. He could leave her behind when the time came but, not his own offspring. Even if he could, he didn't want his child raised without values as Lydia had.



Las Vegas Nevada

John returned home from Baker a richer man. He decided to surprise Leah and celebrate with a vacation. They hadn't had one in a long time. He walked in and called her name.

"In the kitchen." she yelled back.

He came out and hugged her, twirling her around.

"I have loads of good news." he began with a smile.

She inclined her head in question.

He held up Kate's check.

"Wow!" she exclaimed.

"Yes. I thought we'd get out of town for a while. Any suggestions?"

"Any place without neon." she laughed.

"Then that's what I'll tell the travel agent." he said taking her in his arms again.

"Oh, I have something for you." he said reaching into his pocket. "It's from Kate."

She opened the tiny box and took out the folded note inside.

Dear Leah,

This is a token of appreciation for all your help in evaluating Mitch's Great Grandmother's jewels.

                           Enjoy, Kate

Inside the box was an exquisite cameo. She remembered raving about it when Kate had laid out all the pieces for her inspection.

"She remembered." Leah whispered.

"Huh?"

"With everything that was going on she remembered this was the one I fawned over."

John just nodded. They had spent a lot of time together sorting out her legal matters and had become friends in the process. He saw in Kate the same smart, funny, loving woman he married and hoped to heaven Walter got back to her.

The next day he made the travel arrangements and left an envelope with his secretary.

"If Mr. Skinner shows up,give this to him. If he calls, open it and read the information."

He really didn't think he would show up but, he wanted his bases covered if he did. Then he took his wife to Oahu.

San Francisco, California

The train pulled into the station. Kaitlyn waited for the crowd to thin out a bit before she got off. She'd slept for some of the ride but, mostly she thought. When she had talked to her father about coming back to town she wanted to stipulate that she wasn't coming back to his house. He warned her the real estate market was tight and might have to.

"I have plenty of room as you know." he'd said.

"Yes but you just became an empty nester, are you sure you want one of your off spring flying back home?"

"Darlin' Kate." he said deepening his Scott's brogue." If it's yer privacy yer worried about, don't. The place is plenty big. If it's mine...there's nerry a reason."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be."

"Pop you're not that old that you should spend the rest of your life alone."

"I don't know if I could ever find someone that made me feel the way your mother did." he said softly.

"Okay, I'll drop the subject."

"You'll come home then?" he'd asked hopefully.

"Aye, I'll come home."

Now it was just a matter of a cab ride to Steiner Street.



Bogata,Columbia

The weeks melted into months and Walter always turned the lights off when they went to bed. When he held Lydia after sex--he couldn't bring himself to call it making love-- it was with her head
tucked under his chin so she couldn't see his face. Even in the dark there was a little light and he didn't want her to see his expression.

Their relationship had been cordial at best. He was considerate but she couldn't spark passion. He serviced her but it wasn't with the unbridled sexual frenzy she'd hoped for. He still hadn't said he loved her and she was beginning to despair that he ever would.

One night during a full moon, they lay the way they always did. Walter looked up at the huge globe in the sky and remembered how he'd talk to Kate on Saturday nights. Once it was during a full
moon and they discussed it for over and hour. Both its practical and romantic purposes. Now he wondered if she, like he was doing, ever looked up at it and thought of him. He felt a sudden clinch in his chest. He automatically tightened his embrace.

"I love you." he whispered.

The feeling was so overpowering he had to say it. He was pretty certain Lydia was asleep though, he hoped so anyway.

She wasn't but, she didn't want to ruin the moment by responding. Maybe he felt he had to say it when he thought she was asleep for whatever reason. She didn't care, he loved her. He finally loved her after all these months.



San Francisco, California

Kate got settled back in her old room and took some time to get reacquainted with her former surroundings. She went into Jen's room. She had just moved in with her fiance. Then Tara's who was doing graduate work in Science at Stanford. She could almost hear the laughter, arguing and crying the three of them had done together. It felt both strange and comforting to relive these memories. She stood in the hall between the rooms and wondered what her life would be now. She was a wealthy woman. Enough so that she didn't have to work, so she decided to just get back to being in the big city.

As she walked the streets she noticed all the changes since her last visit as well as all the things that remained the same. Some of her favorite places were the parks. She started with and spent weeks exploring Golden Gate Park. With a baseball diamond, polo fields, flower conservatory, Shakespeare Garden, Japanese Tea Garden and the Institute for Science with a museum, aquarium and planetarium, it was like a city in itself. She scoured old favorites like Ghiradelli Square for window shopping and a chocolate sundae.Also Pier 39 and Union Square. She walked to a new location each day. Now she just strolled the neighborhoods.

She and her father had dinner together almost every night. There were so many new restaurants he wanted to show her that she agreed to meet him after his last class and try three a week. She made a point to get acquainted with the owners or managers whenever possible. She never knew  when she might want to get back to business and it paid to have contacts. The other nights she usually cooked for them.



Bogota, Columbia

Walter had been relaying the information he gleaned from his brother-in-law for months now and it was finally time for the Bureau to get him out of there. They had more than enough to arrest him and take the American born drug lord back to the states for trial. This was going to be the most dangerous part of his assignment. He *had* to get away cleanly, without any hint of who he was or what he'd been doing. The Bureau knew Tiburon had connections in the U.S.. It's how this whole thing got started, so his identity had to be protected.

He spoke with his contact. The date and time was set. He'd be well on his way back home before they raided Tibby's place.

One of the nice things about being a man down here was, your wife didn't dare question your comings and goings. Walter spent many late nights playing cards with Tibby and other nights feeding the intel collected during rounds of poker to his contact. On those nights Lydia would come and visit her brother. Carlos assumed this was Hector's time with his mistress. Such was the way things worked down here. And he didn't fault him.  Lydia had seemed to be glowing with joy. Carlos asked her about it during one visit.

"He loves me Carlos." she told him.

"He told you this or are you making assumptions?"

"He said it, in bed late one night."

Carlos shrugged. He really didn't care if Hector loved her or not, just as long as she was happy. He knew all too well a woman couldn't force love from a man. It had to come naturally.

The problem for Walter was, now she was becoming possessive, wanting to go with him when he went out and actually expecting an explanation for his time. In turns, he took her either to dinner
or for drinks and dancing, figuring if he placated her she'd leave him alone. It was kind of funny to see how she'd overdress, especially for nights out dancing. He dare not let her know what he really thought of her tacky wardrobe and heavy makeup though and complimented her appearance every time. It only made Kaitlyn's fresh faced beauty all the more appealing.

She'd told him once it was impractical to wear makeup in the kitchen since it'd just melt off. When she wore it to go out, it was just enough to look nice without being obvious.

The night had come.Everything had been set up with the task force from the FBI. It was to be one his nights out but Lydia was being difficult about it, whining about not wanting to be left alone. He'd put up with so much for so long that he'd had it up to his eyeballs.

"Watch it little one or it may be more than a single night." he gritted out from between clenched teeth, his eyes sharp and black as flint.

He grabbed his jacket and stormed out. Lydia's shrewish screeching after him fell on deaf ears. When he didn't come back or respond, she decided to go see her brother. They'd never had an argument before and she wanted Carlos to make him apologize when he returned.

Walter met his contact and received his updated ID's, passport, driver's license and credit cards along with the return of his wallet containing his FBI photo ID and badge. The last things the agent handed was his ticket and his weapon. A car and driver was there to take him to an air field where a private plane would take him to the airport at Bogota.

Lydia stormed over to her brother's house just in time to caught in the crossfire between the task force and Carlos' men. She died instantly. The battle lasted a mere seven minutes but they finally got the drug lord in cuffs and hauled him off.

Two hours later while Carlos was being questioned, Walter was on a commercial flight headed for the United States. He leaned back in the first class seat and thought,

'It's over. I'm going home. I can't wait to see Kaitlyn.'

Las Vegas Nevada One Month Later

Walter had been through an extensive debriefing and was getting impatient to get back to work and told them so. Then he grabbed his jacket and left. Once he was home he took the envelope from John that contained all of Kate's informantion.

He dialed her number.

"Hello." she answered on the second ring.

"Hi."

"Walter?"

"Yes."

"Oh my God, I can't believe it's really you after all this time." she said in an emotion filled voice.

"It's me." he answered simply.

"Where are you?"

"Back in Las Vegas."

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine." he said but he didn't sound fine to her. He seemed so remote.

There was a pause that became a long silence where neither of them knew what to say.

"Well." she said finally. "If you're interested in how *I* am you can call me back." she said and hung up.

He didn't know what was wrong but he felt very strange, then his heart started pounding, he broke out in a sweat and became nauseous. The phone was still in his hand. He dialed John's number and explained what was happening.

John was there inside of a few minutes And took him to the emergency room.

They took him right away cause it looked like he had the symptoms of a heart attack. He was examined and admitted. An EKG proved it wasn't but it had been some sort of event. A full physical was done and medical history taken. An astute attending physician recognized what he thought could be Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and called in a psychiatrist.

Dr. Harper used specially designed assessment tools to evaluate his condition. Without going into classified specifics, Walter told her what had happened, how he was put through tests of loyalty which included torture and murder. How he lived undercover for over three years and to make his role complete, he had to marry a woman he neither knew nor loved. He'd had a relationship back
here and of course he couldn't get in touch, couldn't let her know he was even alive without jeopardizing the mission and putting her in danger. He also told the doctor he'd had a similar reaction after his tour in Vietnam. She prescribed a course of medication to treat both the symptoms.If he could remain in a relatively unstressed atmosphere he could see reasonable improvement in as little as a month.

Afterward, she called her mentor. Although she was a trained professional, some cases were difficult to handle without help.

An hour later she sat in Dr. Sutherland's comfortable study sipping a scotch after explaining the case.

"I want to recommend he never be sent on such an assignment again." she said.

"You might bring his career to a screeching halt if you do." Sutherland replied.

"I might bring his life to a screeching halt if I don't." she said adamantly.

"At the risk of sounding like a chauvinist, you don't seem to understand. The man was a Marine, a war hero while still in his teens. If he could withstand everything he went through, then I think he's still tough enough to carry out whatever assignments the Bureau may give him."

"I think you're wrong Kevin."

She rarely used his first name although he'd invited her to long ago.

"Could it be because you have feelings for him?" he asked.

"That would be highly unethical besides, he has someone. Whenever he talked about Kate, his features just softened"

She sipped her drink again.

"Thanks Kevin. I really needed to air this, even my potential to have feelings for him. I don't think I wanted to examine that myself. Thanks for bringing it up."

"Are you sure it's resolved?"

"It has to be... for many reasons."

San Francisco, California One Month Later

Kate sat on the swing facing west to see the sunset. She was in the park right across the street from her house.Suddenly, she felt hands above her on the chain.

"You're supposed to swing on these, not just sit in them." said the rich velvet voice could only belong to one man.

She stood and they faced each other with swing between them. Her expression was pure surprise, his was hopeful.

"I decided to see for myself." he said.

"See what?" she asked confused.

"Before you hung up on me, you said I should call you back if I was interested in how you were." he explained.

"I'm sorry I did that.You just sounded so odd."

He took her by one arm and led her around the swing.Then in the embrace she hadn't felt in almost four years.

"Sweetheart, do I have a story to tell you......" he said.

Walter sat on the swing, planted his feet flat on the grass and guided Kate to sit across his thighs. She wrapped her left arm around his back and laid the other in her lap. He grasped the chain
with his one hand and took hers in his other, lacing their fingers together.He used his legs to gently glide them back and forth while he relayed his tale. He told her everything all the way back to Vietnam.

"I still have nightmares from that time and probably always will."

He told her what he could of his recent mission. He paused when it came to the the part about getting married. She sensed a trouble spot and gently squeezed his fingers, still laced with hers. He managed to tell her,adding that it was only thinking of getting back to her that kept him going. She looked up to thank him and saw tears in his eyes. She wiped them away with her fingertips.

"I didn't know if you'd wait for me. Didn't know if I should expect you to or even if I'd make it back."

"But you did." she reminded him, still stroking his face.

"You know everything now and how it's effected me. Do you think you can put up with it?"

"You have to ask?"

"Yes I do. Kate, one problem is ongoing. The other may or may not be."

"I love you Walter. I want to be with you and not just when you're at your best. You're being treated for it and handling it very well so I don't see that as a problem."

"I want to be with you too but not long distance. We've already been apart too long. We need time to reconnect. To get back to us. Would you consider coming to Las Vegas?"

"Yes but, remember you said you could be transferred again."

"I hope this assignment's earned me the right to stay put."

"Then I'll make plans to move, starting with a trip to hunt down an apartment."

By this time, the sun had set and they were talking in the dark. Suddenly a flashlight shone in their faces.

"Little big to be playing on the swings aren't you?" the cop asked.

"Yeah but my parents let me stay out after dark." Walter quipped.

"Alright wise guy, let's see some identification."

"Excuse me Darling." he said, lifting Kate off his lap so he could stand. Walter was at least eight inches taller than the cop and lorded it over him as he reached for the wallet that held his ID and badge. He held it open for the officer's inspection.

"I apologize Sir. Have a good evening." he said and left.

"We should leave. You can't be that comfortable." she said.

"Are you kidding?" I'd be comfortable anywhere with you on my lap."

"That's sweet but I think we'd be better off across the street."

She unlocked the door and called out for her father.

"In the study." came the reply.

She led the way.

"Dad there's someone I'd like you to meet."

It was Walter's turn to be dwarfed somewhat as Sean McGregor stood to his full height of 6'4". 'It was amazing.' Walter thought. The man really did have blond albeit graying hair and bright blue eyes. Kate made the introductions. The men shook hands and Sean invited them to sit.

"Shall I pour us some drinks?" he asked.

"Fine with me."

"Yes Sir." he said.

They were passed around then he offered a humidor for Walter to choose from his selection of fine cigars.

"Thank you." he said accepting a light from the senior man.

"So Kate, ya brought home a kinsmen."

"Sir?" Walter queried.

"Skinners are members of the McGregor clan."

"Does that make us related?" he asked.

"Probably not, and if so it would be so distant as not to matter. Don't worry it wouldn't be incest." he said with a wink to which they both blushed. Kate had told her father about Walter long ago, of course and he was happy to finally meet the man who had captured his firstborn's heart. After talking with him, he understood his daughter's attraction and stubborn faithfulness. He thoroughly approved of her choice and hoped to be able to welcome him into the family soon. He wouldn't mention it now though. He'd already embarrassed them once this evening.



A Few Days Later

Kate flew back with Walter, checked into a hotel and prepared to start the the next phase of her life....this time it included the man she loved.

Las Vegas Nevada

Although she had her own apartment, Kate usually spent weekends with Walter at his row house. It was typical of the construction of the time, with an open plan on the first floor and one or two bedrooms on the second. He had one of the larger ones.

One Saturday night they were laying in bed sharing a cigarette when he complimented the dinner she'd made earlier.

"I brag to my friends at work about what a good cook you are."

"You do? Thank you. I didn't even know you *had* friends at work. We should have them over for dinner."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, why not?"

"I don't know. I guess I never thought of them outside of the office."

"We could have a cookout or a dinner party."

"If we had a cookout, I'd have to be the one cooking."

"Why, I know my way around a grill." she protested.

"I know you do but, it's a *guy* thing."

"So, they're gonna miss a good meal because of some idiot prejudice?"

"No, I'd rather make it a dinner party anyway. You dress nicer." he said, passing her the smoke after taking a drag.

"Okay, why don't you set it up for next weekend?"

"I will but, only if you promise to stick to the basics, you know steak, potatoes, that sort of thing."

"Why?"

"These guys don't know anything else."

"All the more reason." she said mischievously.

"Alright, just promise me not to get too 'exotic'. Oh and one more thing, Frank can't have alcohol, not even in his food."

"Thanks for telling me."



The Following Saturday

The guys decided to come together in Frank's van. That way he could serve as the designated driver. They rang the bell at seven. Kate and Walter answered it together so introductions could be
made right away. There were two Franks so Walter gave a slight nod toward the one who couldn't drink. She looped her arm through his and directed him toward the kitchen.

"Would you like some lemonade?" she asked.

"Sounds great."

She sat him at the breakfast bar and pulled a carafe from the fridge and poured two tall glasses.

"Nothing stronger for you?" he asked with a leer. She leaned forward on the bar.

"I don't assume you're an alcoholic, don't assume I'm pregnant."

"Fair enough." he laughed. "I don't drink because I'm allergic to it."

"And I don't drink until I'm ready to sit down and eat." she told him.

Meanwhile, Walter had served beers along with bowls of nuts to munch. A short while later, he came out to check on dinner.

"Alright gentlemen, everyone to the table." she announced.

Kate went into serving mode. Starting with a cold salad of shrimp and scallops over crisp greens. Next was grilled Chilean sea bass with pineapple salsa, followed by beef tenderloin with potato planks,seasoned and broiled wedges served with sour cream with chives. The meal was finished with individual custards with a fired sugar crust and berries.

She served the courses so smoothly no one really noticed the short gaps in her contribution to the dinner conversation. She even surprised Walter with her knowledge sports, politics and current events.

Just as they had when the evening began, they saw their guests off with their arms around each other's backs. Once the door was closed, she turned to him.

"I think that went well."

"Very well I'd say.Let's leave all this for tomorrow." he said, waving at the mess.

Once upstairs, he told her how gorgeous she looked. She'd chosen a short shirtwaist style dress, in pink and purple plaid that snapped up the front.

"Thank you." she said. "Maybe next time you'll cook out and I'll have *my* friends over."

"What friends?" he asked since it never occurred to him she'd get to know people without having a job.

"From dance class."

"You go to dance class, why?"

They'd been out dancing several times and on at least one occasion, the floor cleared to watch them.

"To keep this ass from sagging." she said placing a hand on one cheek.

He placed his hand over hers.

"This ass is one of the best I've ever...."

She cocked a brow.

"How many are you comparing it to?"

"Not that many." he said innocently."

He turned her around and began unsnapping the front of her dress. He slid it off her shoulders, leaving her in just her undies. He scooped her up and carried her to the bed.

Sex could be many things for them, soft and gentle to white hot passion. Tonight leaned toward the latter. When he was at full throttle,Walter tended to be very vocal. This time he came so hard he rocked the headboard against the wall, citing every flattering epithet he knew.

Afterward they lay together, spent. It took a while for them to come back to earth but, when they did,Walter reached over to his night stand and lit a cigarette. He took a drag then handed it to Kate.

"You know, that's how all of this got started. Last weekend we were laying here just like this and before we knew it, we'd planned a dinner party. I liked it, liked how easy it went."

"Want to do it again?"he asked.

"Have a dinner party or make love." she teased.

"Oh, there's no question we'll make love again. I was talking about another dinner party."

"Whom shall we ask this time?" she asked.

"Why don't you tell me about your friends from class?" he said taking her in his arms.

Sunday

Walter woke to busy sounds coming from below. He put on sweats and headed down. The first thing he noticed was the living room was back in order. He came into the kitchen and found Kate had gathered everything from the dining table. She had on a lightweight cotton robe that sashed closed.It was his favorite cause it nipped in her waist and showed off her figure nicely.

He crossed his arms over his bare chest.

When I said leave it for tomorrow, I meant we'd both clean up.

"Well, if it'll make you feel better, you can load the dishwasher. I'll make coffee."

"I have a better idea. Let's go to one of those breakfast buffets."

"They'll take one look at you and say "Un uh we let him in here, we'll go bankrupt."

"I don't eat that much." he protested.

"Who do you think your talkin' to...I cook for you."

"I'm a growing boy." he attempted an excuse.

"Don't grow anymore OK?" she asked.

"Why not?" he said wrapping his arms around her.

"You're gonna make me say it aren't you?"

"Uh huh." he said silkily.

"You're plenty big as is." she said.

They dressed and found a Champagne brunch at The Golden Nugget on Fremont Street.

Afterward they strolled the surrounding area hand in hand.

"You know I've never been to this part of town?" he remarked.

"Maybe that's because you didn't have the right person to see it with." she grinned.

"You know that wouldn't be anyone but you."

"I wasn't fishing, I was going to add that we should do such things more often."

He knew deep in his heart she was the only one he wanted to do anything with and that he would propose but not yet. He still had to straighten out some things at work. They still had him seeing a
therapist stemming from his ordeal in Columbia so they didn't think he was completely healed. And he wouldn't ask for her hand until he could be a full and equal partner.

"Hey, where are you?" she asked teasingly.

"Just drifted away for a second. I'm back now." he said with a smile.

The day passed all too quickly as happens on weekends. Kate left shortly after dinner so he could get organized for the week.




Monday

Angela caught up with Kate after their dance class.

"Up for some shopping?"

"Am I breathing?" she replied.

"Great."

They headed for the Forum shops at Caesar's Palace,had a bite of lunch then Kate suggested they try something a little different. Angela agreed.

The two became fast friends when they discovered they were the only two in class not getting back into shape after giving birth. They got to know each other that first day over drinks.

Angela was married to a wealthy real estate developer so she didn't have to work. Kate told her she had inheritance money (which was indirectly true) and that's why she didn't work.

"The only problem with Matt's job is I seldom see him. So I may call from time to time to see if you want to hang out. Is that OK?" she asked.

"Sure. I have someone I'm involved with but, I can usually swing some time at night especially during the week."

Kate saw something she wanted a closer look at in a small boutique and headed the car into parking lot next to it. The item was a wedding gown and the business was a second hand store.

"You're kidding, right?" Angela asked.

"No, look at it."

She studied the gown in the window and had to admit it was lovely. They went in and she asked about it.

"I can take it down if you'd like to try it on."

"Yes I would."

It was an off the shoulder style. The bodice, which fit smoothly through the hips, and straight sleeves were lace. The skirt fanned out in layers of tulle. It had thirty of those old fashioned covered button and loop closures up the back.

"I can just those things flying all over the place on your wedding night." Angela teased.

"Walter's not that impatient."

"Every groom is." she chuckled, then added. "I didn't know you were engaged. Have you been holding out on me?"

"No he hasn't asked but I can tell he's thinking about it."

"Good as done."

By this time the manager had the gown off the mannequin and handed it to her, pointing the way to the dressing room.

A few minutes later Kate emerged.

"I couldn't reach all the buttons but I did get the top few closed." she said taking a spin.

The skirt fanned out prettily.

"It fits you beautifully." Angela said, closing the rest of them.

The manager agreed.

"How much?"

"Two hundred."

"Sold."

She paid and the dress was placed in a long garment bag. The manager brought it out to her car. They put all their other shopping bags in the trunk so the gown could lay across the back seat. She
looped the hanger hook through the door handle and  knotted the end through the other then dropped Angela off at her car and drove home. She carefully took the gown out and hung it in an extra closet. She fixed herself a cup of tea and sat curled up on her sofa remembering the way it felt. Her wedding to Mitch had been a small, simple affair. She hoped Walter wouldn't mind something a little more elegant.