index


Message-ID: <32078asstr$998212203@assm.asstr-mirror.org>
From: "Bill Morgan" <morg1058@chartervt.net>
Subject: {ASSM} rp-rev KATHY by MORGAN, 2 of 4. M/F rom.
Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 05:10:03 -0400
Path: assm.asstr-mirror.org!not-for-mail
Approved: <assm@asstr-mirror.org>
Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.sex.stories
Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d



<1st attachment, "Kathy Stark 2.txt" begin>

The following is a work of fiction regarding sexual
relationships.  If you feel that it is illegal, immoral, or
otherwise improper for you to read this, then *Don't Read It.*

*  *  *

*Kathy*

Copyright (c) 1991, 1998, 2001 by Morgan. All rights reserved.

Please note the original copyright date.  This story was
basically written ten years ago and was originally posted in
1988.  As a result, you will likely find obsolete references. 
I'm afraid you'll just have to live with it; it's too tedious
trying to keep up with the latest and greatest.  It was
previously posted on ASSM in 1998, but not since then.

Incidentally, you will find occasional entries, _word_.  The
reason for this is that MS Word's Auto Format function puts a
word preceded and followed by an underscore in italics; that's my
intent.  Similarly, *word* results in the word appearing in bold
face.  If you use Word's Auto Format, it will take care of
things; if you don't, you at least know why it's there.

More of my works are posted on my site <www.asstr-mirror.org/files/Authors/Morgan/www> 
If you like it -- or if you don't -- please let me know at
morg105829@aol.com.

*  *  *

*Book II*

*Chapter 11*

It was a sunny June day in Norfolk.  The temperature was in the
mid-90's with humidity to match, and Kathy was lying on her bed
staring out at the sky.  She was lying nude, reflecting on recent
events.  She supposed that she should do something about studying
for her bar exam, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.  She
had just graduated from UVA law school and wanted to leave the
books alone for a while.

She thought about her decision to refuse the editorship of the
Law Review.  She had earned it, but she really didn't feel like
working that hard.  She accepted the position of Note Editor
instead.  As at Yale, she had graduated with highest honors.  It
was still unclear to her why her studies came so easily to her. 
She really didn't believe that her scores on the LSAT's were
indicative of her ability.  She had heard all the stories about
the cultural bias on aptitude tests so she didn't believe the
evidence of her own experience that, biased or not, they were
certainly directionally accurate.  Kathy's direction was thetop.

The law school recruiting season had been funny.  After her first
year in law school she had interned with an appellate-court judge
in Virginia.  She spent the summer after her second year working
for a Federal Appeals Court judge in Richmond.  When the
representatives from the nation's top law firms came to
Charlottlesville to interview, they all tried to interview Kathy
Smith.  Aside from it being good for their image to hire young
women, Kathy had become a legend at Virginia.  Her grades were
distinguished as were the recommendations from both faculty and
the judges for whom she had worked, so she was considered the top
employment prospect in her class.

When she absolutely could not refuse, she would attend a cocktail
party or dinner sponsored by one major law firm or another. 
Young lawyers in the firm, brought to Charlottesville because
they were thought to be able to "relate well" with students, were
swarming like studs around a bitch in heat.

Now, at age twenty-four, Kathy was a truly stunning woman.  Her
face, figure, skin and hair were all flawless.  However, she
treated them all with a subtle amusement that they didn't
understand.  Women were supposed to be flooding around and
fawning all over them.  In the meantime, the senior partners --
used to standing around, impressing the rabble, and sitting in
judgment over whom they should deign to invite to visit their
Firm's offices -- struggled to get close to Kathy without
too-obviously elbowing their juniors aside.  Kathy maintained her
poise and appeared to be an ice goddess.

Accidentally, she had discovered the most effective way of
playing the recruiting game: Ignore them.  The results were
hilarious.  At school she had a drawer-full of invitations to
visit top law offices in cities around the country.  In spite of
never having taken an interview she received eight firm offers of
employment.  Most were from top firms offering top money.  She
wrote polite notes of refusal to both the invitations and the
offers.  Idly, she wondered if she had even bothered to save the
letters.

Her classmates never knew how she obtained her position.  While
representatives of the top firms were swarming all over her, she
had written to the District Attorney of Norfolk County applying
for a position.  The next day she received a call from him at her
apartment.  After convincing himself that it was not a prank,
that she really was who she said she was, he offered her a job on
the spot.  She accepted his offer and then asked how much the
position paid.

She remembered the silence at the other end of the phone.  "The
position pays $17,500 per year to start," he said in an
absolutely flat tone of voice.

"That's fine," Kathy replied brightly.  "Could I start September
first?  I would like to rest this summer and get the bar exams
out of the way, if that's all right with you."

"Miss Smith," the District Attorney said, "I don't get it.  Top
graduates from top schools are getting up to $75,000 a year to
start.  Clearly, you're a top graduate and UVA is a top school."

"You're right, sir.  As a matter of fact, I just turned down an
offer at $80,000.  I didn't mean to upset you about the money; I
was just curious.  May I call for an appointment to meet you the
next time I'm in town?"

"Kathy, I'll be available to see you any time you can make it,
and I will leave standing instructions with my secretary to that
effect.  You may be one of the great nuts of the Western World,
but I am looking forward to meeting you."

Kathy had an appointment to see the District Attorney that
afternoon.

Idly, she glanced around her apartment.  The decorating wasn't
quite finished but it was pretty close.  The apartment was on the
top floor of an apartment complex.  Through a hidden door it
connected to an exercise room and through that to her personal
law office.  The office and the exercise facility were actually
in an adjacent building.  The office building fronted on a
commercial avenue in Virginia Beach while her apartment opened on
a residential street to its rear.

No one knew of the connection except the architect, the builder
and Kathy.  Of course, it helped to own both buildings.  She was
pleased.  Both buildings were almost completely rented out.  It
was going to be quite a moneymaker, even if she paid no rent
herself.

She was particularly pleased with her pool and deck.  Walking
through her bathroom, she slid open the door and stepped outside.
 The terrace was surrounded by a ten-foot palisade-type fence for
privacy.  The pool was a narrow rectangle 25 meters long.  Diving
in, she swam in long, powerful strokes to the far end, did a
racing turn and came back.  Although she hadn't intended to swim,
she was enjoying it so she kept on going back and forth.

Kathy thought about the problems with the architects and
engineers.  They had insisted that a pool of the size she wanted
couldn't possibly be suspended.  She pointed out that the
Payne-Whitney Gym at Yale had a 50-meter pool a lot wider than
hers up in the tower.  The architect said there was no way such a
large area could be provided with the privacy she insisted upon.
She told them to consider it a challenge.  The engineer finally
allowed that it could be done but it would be too expensive.  She
archly reminded him that cost was her problem, not his.

In the end, the architect was proud of his design, and the
engineer of his accomplishment.  Now both were miffed because she
refused to allow it to be photographed for the shelter magazines
or the engineering trade books.

She pulled herself out of the pool and picked up a huge bath
towel.  Why did she derive such a sensuous pleasure from
something as mundane as a large, fluffy towel?  Glancing at a
clock she saw it was time to get ready to meet Peter Mahoney, the
District Attorney of Norfolk County.  She wondered if she would
have to live in Norfolk.  Both Norfolk and Virginia Beach were
city/counties.  The borders of the cities and their respective
counties were co-terminus.  She dressed in a cotton seersucker
suit she thought would be appropriate for the weather.  Then she
got in her car, drove to the Expressway and headed for Norfolk.

Peter Mahoney came out of his office to greet her as soon as she
was announced.  Kathy was pleased.  She hated officious people
who kept visitors waiting just to show they were very busy. 
Peter shook hands and ushered her into his office and into a
chair.  Going behind his desk, he sat down and studied Kathy
intently.

Kathy sat upright in her chair and waited.

"My God, everything I've heard about you is true!  After you
wrote and we talked, I checked at the law school.  At first some
of my friends thought I was joking when I said I had hired you. 
They confirmed the $80,000 offer, by the way.  In fact, the guy I
talked to said that firm was willing to go to $100,000 to get
you.  You are a graduate of Yale University and University of
Virginia Law School, both summa cum laude.  You are a beautiful
girl.  What, in the name of God, are you doing here?"

"Mr. Mahoney..."

"Everyone calls me Pete or Peter.  I don't answer quickly to 'Mr.
Mahoney.'"

"Peter, I want to be involved in criminal law.  I grew up in
Norfolk.  I heard that you have trouble hiring staff attorneys. 
I thought I could help."  Kathy looked down at her hands which
were folded in her lap.

Mahoney stared at her.  "You scare me, Kathy.  May I call you
Kathy?  You are the most beautiful girl to come into this office
since I've been here at least, and probably forever.

"Kathy, the DA's office deals with the scum of the earth: the
rapists, the robbers, the muggers, the drug dealers.  You name
it.  If it's a felony, we get them.  And Kathy, they aren't nice
people.  A cheap hoodlum kills two people knocking over their
grocery store and I hear these bleeding hearts bleating, 'How did
society fail this poor boy?'  I could vomit!  Society didn't fail
him.  There are exceptions, of course, but there is an English
word that isn't used much any more, but which fits: The word is
'evil.'  Kathy, there's a lot of evil that ends up in this
office.  I'm not sure you can take it."

Kathy showed concern.  "Are you withdrawing your offer, then,
sir?"

Peter smiled.  "Kathy, I'm not completely crazy.  Of course not.
You are the most highly qualified lawyer to join our staff,
probably in this century.  I take that back.  There have been
some good ones just passing through on their way to a career in
politics.  Are you headed for politics?  I think you would get
every male eligible to vote.

"Of course, I'm not sure of the women's vote," he added with a
grin.  "Are you a libber?"

"By that do you mean do I burn bras and kick a man in the groin
if he opens a door or holds a chair?  No, I don't.  I believe God
made man and woman equal, but he sure didn't make them thesame!"

"Kathy, I think you may do," he said with a grin.  He opened a
desk drawer and pulled out a bottle of bourbon and two
not-very-clean glasses.  "Will you join me in a drink to our
association?"

"I certainly will!  With pleasure," she replied.

Peter reached across the desk extending his hand.  Kathy took it
in a firm grip and they shook on it.  Peter poured two stiff
drinks, and lifted his glass in a toast, "To the newest assistant
district attorney of Norfolk County.  Effective September first,
of course."  He drained his glass in a gulp.

Kathy lifted her cup, "Thank you, sir.  I'm looking forward to
it."  She raised her glass and drained it without a sound.

Peter's mouth formed a silent, "Wow."  He continued to study her.
 "You'll need to get a weapon.  We'll take care of the carry
permit."  He expected to get a strong reaction.

What he got was the same reaction she would have given if he said
she needed a new dress.  "Would a .38 with a 4-inch barrel be
okay?  Hammerless, so it won't hang up in my purse?"

"Kathy, do you know what you're talking about?  I don't think
you've ever fired a weapon in your life!"

"May I use your telephone for a credit-card call, please?"

Mahoney just nodded.  Kathy punched 'O' followed by a ten-digit
number; following a pause, she punched in her credit card number.
 A few moments later the telephone was answered.

"Hello, this is Kathy Smith calling.  By any chance is Dean
Mansfield free?  Thank you very much."  A few moments later she
said, "Dean Mansfield, it's good to talk to you.  I'm calling
because I have a favor to ask.  I'm in the office of the Norfolk,
Virginia, District Attorney.  I will be starting in September as
one of his assistants.  However, I'm afraid he thinks I'm
breakable.  Could you take a few moments and tell him about the
contest?  Thanks so much, sir.  He's right here."

Kathy handed the receiver to Peter, sat back in her chair, and
listened to the one-sided conversation.  First there was a period
of silence after the opening hellos as the dean told about the
contest.  She smiled to herself as expressions of incredulity
passed over Peter's face.  Then there were a series of questions:
her times in the races, her score on the range: "Twenty-three
bulls-eyes in twenty-five shots!  Unbelievable!" and the
encounter with Sophie: "How big did you say she was?  In two
blows and fewer seconds."

He thanked the Dean for his time and for the information and hung
up.  "I give up.  The Dean says you are the most remarkable
person he has ever met.  Incidentally, I think he loves you like
a daughter.  As far as the weapon is concerned, I was just
teasing you, but now I think it is a good idea.  I'll check with
the plainclothes force and see what's good in women's weapons
these days.  I gather, you're not interested in a bra or garter
holster?"

Kathy laughed and relaxed again.  "Peter, I'm single.  What do
you think a guy would do if he was groping at my bra and came up
with a .38?  I really don't want to find out.  The purse will do
just fine."  She got up to leave.  "I hope to pass the bar before
I report for work.  In the meantime, let me know what type of
weapon you want me to have and where to get it."  She stuck out
her hand, "I'm looking forward to working for you.  And thank you
for giving me the opportunity."

Peter shook her hand and opened the door.  He realized that he
usually made a point of _not_ opening doors for women. _What is
there about Kathy that makes it seem to be the most natural thing
in the world?_  He scratched his head in puzzlement while he
watched her ass subtly swing as she walked away down the hall.

As long as she was downtown, Kathy decided to drop by Bob
Ferguson's office.  It was in a bank building overlooking the
Omni and Harborside with Portsmouth across the bay.  After
parking near the bank she walked past the monument to the last
encampment of the Confederate War Veterans in the square behind
the bank.  She paused and looked up at the statues of the
Confederate soldiers on the monument and the names of some of the
battles in which they fought.

She thought of that time long ago when so many young men lost
their lives each fighting for what he thought was right:
preservation of the Union for the North, and States Rights for
the South.  She reflected on the war.  She had studied it in
school, of course, but later her interest had deepened.  She used
her spare time while at Charlottesville to visit many of the
battlefields spread all over northern Virginia.

_There is scarcely a square foot of land here over which men's
blood has not been shed,_ she thought.  She turned away thinking
that about the only thing the war had established was that Lee's
Army of Northern Virginia was the best damned light infantry the
world had ever seen. _These men were the crackers, the rednecks,
the poor white trash.  But God, could they fight!_  Coming back
to the present, she realized that the descendants of those men
still made the most loyal friends and most implacable enemies. 
_Anyone who unnecessarily gets crosswise with one of these people
is fourteen kinds of fool!_

Entering the building, she went up to Ferguson's office.  She
knew Bob was out of town on vacation but she was sure Mrs. Wilson
would be there.  Ferguson maintained an office for Kathy's use
which she used mainly as a place to keep her files and records. 
She walked in, smiled at the receptionist and walked back to
Bob's office.  His was in the corner while Kathy had an adjacent
office with a view of the harbor.  Mrs. Wilson took care of any
secretarial services Kathy needed.

As she walked down the hall, Mrs. Wilson rose from behind her
desk.  She greeted Kathy warmly and followed her into her office,
carrying her ever-present steno pad.  Kathy went behind her desk,
sat down and started to thumb through the mail waiting for her
while Mrs. Wilson sat in a chair opposite.

Kathy heard a sniffling noise and looked up.  Mrs. Wilson was
holding a tissue to her face and was obviously crying.  Kathy
rushed around the desk, knelt in front of her and asked, "What's
wrong, Mrs. Wilson?  What's happened?"

At that, the woman broke down completely.  She was crying as if
her heart would break.  Kathy helped her up and took her over to
the couch.  They sat down and she held the older woman as she
cried.  Finally she cried herself out and stopped, but Kathy
continued to hold her until she could feel the heaving stop and
her breathing return to normal.

"What is this all about?  Please tell me what's wrong."  Kathy
found a box of tissues and passed one to Mrs. Wilson along with
the rest of the box.

"It's Mr. Ferguson, Miss.  I'm scared."

"Before we go any further, my name is Kathy.  What's your first
name?  I'm ashamed to say I don't even know."

"It's Jane, Kathy."

"Now, Jane," continued Kathy, "What about Bob?  What's he done,
or what is he about to do?"

"He's getting involved with a woman.  She's the wrong type. 
She'll ruin him.  I don't know what to do," Jane wailed.

"Come on, Jane.  Don't turn on the waterworks again or you'll get
me started."  Kathy suddenly understood.  "You love him, don't
you?"  Jane nodded, miserably.  "Well, what are you doing to trap
him, for God's sake!"

Jane's head jerked.  "I don't understand.  What do you mean?"

Kathy replied, "If I loved a man the way you obviously love Bob
Ferguson, I wouldn't be sitting here at a desk while he's on
vacation.  I would be chasing him.  Where is he anyway?"

"At the Greenbrier," Jane replied softly.

"Is this other woman with him?" Kathy asked.

"She's not staying in his room, but I think she's at the hotel,"
she replied.

"You still haven't answered my question.  What are you doing to
catch Bob Ferguson and marry him?  I want an answer," Kathy
demanded.

Jane looked up in alarm.  The poor woman didn't know what to say.
 Kathy asked her about her background.  All she only knew was
that Jane Wilson was a widow.  She learned that Jane's husband
had been a navy fighter pilot who had been killed in a training
crash.  She had started to work for Bob Ferguson shortly before
Sam Jenkins died and had worked for him ever since.  Kathy
remembered that Jane had been wearing black the first time she
met her but had not previously made the connection.

Kathy said, "Jane, those fighter jocks are supposed to be hot
tickets.  They fly and they fuck.  I hear that every minute
they're ashore, they're either in a bar or in a girl's body."

At that comment, Jane shyly smiled and nodded, keeping her head
down.

Kathy continued, "So you were married to a fighter jock and kept
him happy in bed.  What happened to you?"

Jane looked up, startled.  "What do you mean, what happened?  He
was killed."

Kathy could see Jane's eyes showing signs of new tears.  "I know
that," Kathy said brutally.  "I mean what happened to you?  Just
look at yourself.  I can't believe that you caught a Navy fighter
pilot looking and acting like you do now.  Stand up and take off
your clothes!"

Jane's head jerked up as if she had been slapped.  She looked at
Kathy as if she could not believe what she had just heard.

Kathy repeated, "Stand up and take off your clothes!  All of
them!"

Taking Jane's hand, she pulled her to her feet.  Jane looked
panicked as Kathy started unbuttoning her blouse.  Looking
frightened, Jane released her skirt and let it slip to the floor.
 Kathy had already removed Jane's blouse while the woman stood
there in a slip.  Glaring at her, Kathy motioned for her to take
it off.  Jane, looking terrified, pulled it over her head.

"The rest," Kathy ordered as she started to take off her own
clothes.  She moved over to the door and locked it.  Kathy put
her seersucker suit on the desk, slipped off her bra and bikini
and stood proudly nude.

Jane hesitated but finally unfastened her serviceable bra.  Then
she stood there with one arm over her breasts and her head
downcast.

Kathy could see that the woman was unable to go on.  "All of it,
I said.  Take everything off!  Now!"

Really scared now, Jane slipped her cotton panties down to her
ankles and stepped out of them.  Kathy asked Jane what her late
husband's name was.  The answer was Bill.  Jane stood bent over
with one arm over her breasts and her other hand covering her
pubic area.

"My God!  Is that the way Bill saw you?  I can't believe it.  He
must have seen something I haven't seen.  Jane, you're lying to
me.  There's no way you could have been married to a fighter
pilot.  It's absolutely out of the question!"

Kathy succeeded in provoking the response she was seeking. 
Jane's fury overwhelmed her fear.  She stood up straight, raised
her head, and screamed, "You little bitch!  What do you know
about a marriage?  Bill and I were good together.  Why, the night
before he died, neither of us slept a wink."  With the memory of
the night, Jane started to sink back into tears.  She covered her
face with her hands and started to cry again.

Kathy looked at her.  She saw a middle-aged woman who could have
been very attractive, but who had allowed herself to go to seed.
Jane had brown hair pulled back into a very severe style.  Her
clothes were utilitarian and businesslike.  Her figure could have
been good; her breasts were still well-shaped and firm, her pubic
hair was a darker shade than her head.  Kathy noticed it was
silky rather than curly.  Her legs were long but were showing fat
in the thighs.  Her hips were slim and her bone structure was
fine.  Jane was five feet six and Kathy estimated her weight at
between 135 and 140.  She could easily spare ten pounds.  Kathy
realized that her worst feature was her posture:  Her head was
normally carried tipped forward.  As a result, her shoulders
slumped allowing her breasts to droop and her belly to protrude.

Kathy decided on the spot to make Jane Wilson her summerproject.

"Jane," said Kathy, removing the harshness from her voice, "stand
up straight with your back against that wall."

Jane looked up and moved to obey.  Kathy was standing up straight
looking like a statue whose sculptor could not come up with an
interesting pose.  As usual, she stood erect with her shoulders
squared and her breasts jutting.  Suddenly it registered on Jane
that Kathy was also nude.  She stared at the younger girl.  Her
eyes traveled over Kathy's face and hair, her breasts and
slightly rounded belly, the smooth swell of her hips.  Her eyes
moved down her slim legs and came back to focus on her loins. 
"You... You have no pubic hair!" Jane exclaimed.

Kathy smiled at her warmly.  Jane was the only person to see her
bare in years.  "No.  I keep it plucked.  I've grown accustomed
to it this way.  Now stand up straight and let me look at you." 
Kathy's nudity seemed to relax Jane.  When she finally put her
back against the wall and stood up straight, Kathy went over and
looked at her critically.  "Move your shoulders back.  Feel the
wall at the tips of your shoulders.  Roll your hips back. 
Squeeze your butt against the wall."  All this time Kathy's hands
were pulling and pushing.  "Lift your head up straight.  Look
straight ahead.  Now hold that position!"

Kathy stepped back for a better look.  She went back to the older
woman and cupped one of Jane's breasts in her hand as if she were
weighing it.

Jane jerked away and went back to her frightened crouch and
looked at Kathy in horror.  "What are you _doing?"_

Kathy looked at her calmly, "I'm feeling one of your tits.  What
did you think I was doing?"

With that, Jane took her position against the wall.  Her head was
up straight, her shoulders were back, her hips were back, and her
breasts were jutting out, proudly this time.  She was inviting
Kathy's exploration.

_It's going to work!_  Kathy approached her again and put her
hand under Jane's breast in the same way she had before.  This
time she felt a little shiver but Jane held her position.  She
delicately moved her fingers up to her nipples and tweaked them.
She felt them harden under her fingers and she could feel the
older woman shake.  Still she didn't move.

Kathy backed away to allow Jane to regain control while she
contemplated the woman pensively like a sculptor looking at a
piece of uncut stone.  "Okay," Kathy said, "that's enough.  Sit
down over here and relax.  I think we can do something."

Kathy retrieved her purse, extracted a pack of cigarettes and a
lighter, returned and sat down.  She offered one to Jane who
automatically started to refuse, then took one.  Kathy lit them
and they both took deep drags.

"Good grief," said Jane, "a couple of more steps and I'll be in
the gutter!"

Kathy grinned and jumped to her feet.  She opened the bottom
drawer of her desk and retrieved a bottle of Cardhu, a
12-year-old single-malt Scotch.  She poured two stiff drinks into
glasses from the credenza and brought them back to the couch. 
She handed Jane one of the glasses and said, "Now what's the last
step?"  The two girls started to laugh.

Kathy noticed that Jane was now ignoring her nakedness.  After
taking a small sip of the Scotch, she put her head back and took
a deep breath.  "This _is_ good!  What is it?"

Kathy told her.  Then Jane put her head back on the sofa.  Her
hair had fallen free and was much longer than Kathy had realized.
 With her head back, Jane's breasts were jutting out.  "Now
that's more like it.  I'm starting to see you as a fighter
pilot's wife.  You're a passionate woman, Jane.  Why did you
crawl into a shell?"

"I guess it was the shock of Bill's death, Kathy.  God, did I
love him!  Would you believe, we spent hours together naked _in
broad daylight?_  We would make love everywhere!  On the floor,
in the kitchen...  Once, in the summer we went out on our terrace
in the middle of the night and made love where people could see
us."  Thinking about it, Jane turned brick red and added, "Bill
used to say that I was made to be fucked.  Isn't that _awful!"_

Kathy stretched and lifted her legs out straight in front of her.
 Slowly, she spread them until her legs were nearly 180 degrees
apart.  She held the position for a moment, slowly brought them
back together, and then lowered her feet to the floor.  "No, I
don't think it's awful.  I think it's great.  Do you know what I
dream of doing?  Going out with my husband naked and making love
on our terrace with all our neighbors watching.  I can see it in
my mind.  They go bananas!"

Jane looked at her.  "Do you really?  Don't you think it's... 
Well, it's..."

Kathy finished the sentence for her, "Perverted?  No, I don't.  I
think it's a physical expression of two people's love for each
other."

"Kathy, I believe you mean that.  You know, it sounds beautiful
when you say it.  You don't think it's sinful?  Bill used to say
that if two married people were giving such pleasure to each
other it couldn't be sinful.  I guess I was never that certain. 
What should I do?"

"Jane, now comes the sixty-four-dollar question.  Do you love Bob
Ferguson?  Or are you just used to him?  Please be honest.  Your
answer is important."

Jane looked at Kathy steadily.  "I love him more than life
itself.  When Belle and Sandy were killed in that crash, it
nearly killed him, too.  I was in agony.  I wanted to hold him
close and tell him I understood.  I wanted to hold him, to
comfort him..."

"To fuck him?" Kathy added softly.

Jane sat up straight.  "Yes, damn it!  To fuck him.  To warm him
inside me.  Yes, damn it, I wanted to fuck him!"

"Do you still?"

"Yes, I do.  I would do it right now in front of you on your
carpet if he were here."  Jane stood up and started pacing the
office like a caged tiger. _Or tigress,_ Kathy thought. _Maybe
this will be easier than I first thought._

"Sit down, Jane.  We have to plot and scheme."

Jane returned to the couch, sat down, and idly picked up the
cigarettes and lighted one.  She suddenly looked guilty.

Kathy said softly, "Welcome back to the human race, Jane.  As for
the cigarette, I think you need it."

Jane grinned.  Kathy realized that she really had a lovely smile
and probably had a good sense of humor that was starting to
resurface after so many years.  Kathy continued, "There are a few
ground rules.  First, you are my project.  You are going to be my
wedding gift to Bob."  She started to laugh at the thought of the
bride being the wedding gift to the groom.

Jane realized instantly the reason for Kathy's laughter and
joined in.  They were soon howling.  The tension was now gone
completely.  "Back to the ground rules.  Because you're my gift,
we're playing with my money."  Kathy put up her hand as Jane was
about to protest.  "Jane, you pay most of my bills for me.  As a
result, you know better than anybody else that my bank balance
just grows by itself.  Right?"  Jane nodded.

"Okay, that's settled.  The next thing is that you'll have to
trust me and do as I say.  I think you'll quickly see what I'm
doing, but you have to trust me."  Jane nodded again.  "Okay,
then, let's get started.  When is Bob due back?"

"Next Monday," Jane replied.

"We've got to get him to change his plans.  I have an idea! 
Haven't I seen Bob entering some of those sweepstakes that come
in the mail?"

"Every one," she replied with a grin.  "I tease him about it, but
he says that sooner or later he's going to get lucky and win one.
 And besides, he says, it only takes a first-class stamp."

Kathy went to her desk, checked her Rolodex, and dialed a number.
 "Mike, it's Kathy.  How's the travel business?  Good.  Mike, I
have a favor to ask.  Don't worry, it will even make you some
money.  Mike, I need the longest cruise combination you can put
together for one person.  It has to be full deluxe, everything
included.  Ideally, it should run into August.  The vital thing
is, though, the client must leave this Sunday.

"I think there is a combination of cruises that can be put
together in the Med operating on the QEII that could work.  If
you have to send the client on a wild goose chase through Europe
to get the sailing dates right it's okay, but he must leave this
Sunday.

"Another thing.  Take all the time you need, but I must have
confirmation that it can be done within thirty minutes."  Kathy
was silent for a few minutes smiling at the reaction from Mike on
the phone.  "Of course it's not easy!  If it were easy, I would
do it myself and pocket the commission.  Thanks, Mike.  I'm in my
office downtown.  I'll wait here to hear from you."  She put the
phone back on its hook.

"Mike will be back to us as you heard.  Then you are going to put
on your Mrs. Wilson professional voice and call Bob at the
Greenbrier.  He's won the grand prize in the...  Oh well, we'll
make up something.  It's a good thing he enters so many contests.
 He couldn't possibly remember the prize structures of all of
them.  Now here's the trick.  He's the _substitute_ grand prize
winner.  The trip must be taken now, all arrangements are made,
but he must leave Sunday."

Kathy got up from behind her desk and started pacing.  Jane
watched the grace with which she moved and felt a bit jealous. 
_She's so fluid, so unconcerned,_ she thought.  Then, with a
start Jane realized that Kathy was absolutely unaware of her
nudity.  It was a revelation to Jane to see a woman who could be
as self-assured without clothes as with them.  Jane got off the
sofa and stretched.

Kathy looked at her speculatively.  "We might as well use the
time while we're waiting.  I want you to walk around theoffice."

Jane tried to emulate Kathy's walk.  She straightened her back,
tried to keep her shoulders back and her head up straight.  It
felt like her breasts were jutting out miles.  She ethought about
Kathy's walk and looked at her.  Kathy's rump was on the edge of
the desk and she was looking at her thoughtfully.  Her breasts
were standing out proudly but Kathy was both unaware and totally
unconcerned.

Jane glanced down at her chest.  She was proud to see that her
breasts were nicely shaped and were not sagging at all.  The
older woman started walking back and forth.

Kathy smiled, then grinned.  "My God, you're walking like me. 
I'm flattered!"

Jane stopped and turned towards her, putting one leg a little
ahead of the other.  She then did a classic Southern curtsy,
lacking only clothes.  "I'm trying, mademoiselle.  Do you approve
of your humble and obedient servant?"  To finish the act, Jane
lowered her head until her forehead touched her leg.

"It's perfect, Jane.  Absolutely perfect!  You're getting used to
not wearing clothes and you're developing pride in your body. 
It's the pride that does it.  Now keep it up," Kathy said as she
moved to answer the phone.

It was the travel agent with word that the plans were set.  Kathy
motioned to Jane to go to her own desk and pick up so she could
write down the itinerary.  Jane retrieved her steno pad and
pencil and returned to her desk.  When Kathy told Mike that Jane
was on, he rattled off the dates and places.  Kathy was pleased
that Jane was her usually poised self on the phone in spite of
being naked at her desk.  Mike hung up, and Kathy could hear the
sound of Jane's typewriter.

Then she looked up in surprise to see Jane proudly walking past
her door towards the copier.  A few moments later she came back
to the office and closed the door.  Her shoulders were sagging
forward slightly as she stood in front of Kathy's desk.  Kathy
moved her shoulders back.  Jane gave a small start and squared
hers, too.  Her breasts jumped to attention with the posture
change.  She grinned.  "How did I do, coach?  Did I do okay."

"You were great, Jane.  I was surprised to see you go down the
hall, though."

Jane blushed.  The color rose from her belly, over her breasts to
her face.  "When you motioned me to the phone, I just went to
pick it up from force of habit.  It wasn't until I felt the chair
seat on my bare butt that I realized I was naked.  Then I just
said to hell with it and went ahead.  Kathy, it was fun walking
down the hall naked even if people are seldom at this end of the
office with Bob away.  Was it wicked of me?"

"Personally, I think it's great.  I'm amazed at the
self-confidence you've developed in such a short time.  Now,
let's see how good an actress you are.  You have to call Bob at
The Greenbrier."

Kathy was surprised to see Jane return to her desk to make the
call.  Kathy punched the light to listen to the call with her
Speaker button on so she could hear the conversation.  Jane asked
for Mr. Robert Ferguson's room.  When there was no answer, she
told the hotel operator that it was an emergency.  She said she
was Mr. Ferguson's private secretary and it was vital she contact
Mr. Ferguson at once.  Could he be paged?  The Greenbrier's
paging system is as extensive as it should be for one of the
Nation's top resorts for business gatherings.

Kathy took advantage of the break in the conversation to go out
to see how Jane looked at her desk.  Jane's desk was to the left,
in front of Ferguson's office.  Jane was sitting with her back to
Kathy's office.  Kathy watched Jane sitting up very straight in
her secretarial chair, pulling her shoulders back.  As she
watched, the older woman was looking down at her breasts which
were jutting out proudly.  She could see Jane smile to herself in
satisfaction.  Kathy went back to her phone in time to hear the
Greenbrier operator say that Mr. Ferguson had been located and
would soon be on the line.

A few minutes later Bob Ferguson picked up the phone.  Jane was
perfect.  She behaved exactly the way a breathless secretary
would behave when passing on such exciting news.  As she relayed
the itinerary, Kathy switched off the speaker, pushed the Privacy
button and dialed a call.  She spoke for a few minutes, received
confirmation that her request would be carried out and then hung
up.  She resumed listening in on Jane's conversation as the
arrangements were completed.

Jane hung up and came running back into the office.  Kathy met
her halfway and the two women embraced.  As they did Kathy took
the opportunity to reach down and squeeze the older woman'sbuns.

Jane looked startled.  Kathy told her that her breasts were in
good shape but her buns and thighs needed work.  She ran her hand
over her belly and told her it was rounder than it should be. 
"Overall, Jane, you show promise, but you still need work.  Let's
go to my place."

As the two women put on their clothes, Kathy saw Jane frown at
hers, particularly at her underwear.  Obviously, the woman's
attitudes had changed dramatically.  Jane ensured that the office
was locked and then they went down to Kathy's car and got in. 
Before starting the car Kathy faced the older woman.  "Jane, I
want to swing by your place and get some clothes.  For this
project to work best you'll have to live with me."  Jane looked
startled but readily agreed.

They drove out the Expressway to Virginia Beach where Jane owned
a small house.  It was a long distance from Kathy's and reflected
the fact that it is one of the nation's largest cities in area. 
Kathy waited in the car while Jane went inside.  A short time
later she reappeared with one medium-sized suitcase.  When she
put it in the back seat and climbed back in, Kathy expressed
surprise that she had only a single bag.

Jane grinned.  "Maybe I'm taking a lot for granted.  I have a
business wardrobe that is sort of drab but serviceable.  As for
the rest, the less said the better.  And somehow I got the
feeling that I won't be wearing many clothes around you."

Kathy grinned back, but didn't answer.  When they reached her
apartment, Kathy pressed the appropriate buttons and switches. 
They were soon in the private elevator going up to her apartment.
 When the door whooshed open and they stepped out into the hall,
Jane looked around and gaped.  She put her bag down and started
walking through the apartment.  Kathy stopped her.

"We have a new house rule for you, Jane.  No clothes.  Come on,
I'll show you your room, and you can change."

Kathy led her to a guest bedroom.  It was large and furnished
with a king-size bed.  It had its own bath only slightly smaller
than Kathy's own.  Like Kathy's, it too opened out to the pool
deck.  Jane put her bag in the closet and glanced at Kathy.  Then
she stripped off her clothes and hung up her business suit. 
Kathy laughed as Jane took off her slip, bra and panties and
threw them into the wastebasket.  Then she slipped off her shoes,
put them away and closed the closet.

Jane threw back her arms forcing her breasts out and up.  "How do
you like my new uniform?"

"It shows promise.  Let me get into my own and we'll take it from
there."  Kathy went into her room, took off her clothes and
returned to the living room where she had left Jane.  "Come on,
let's eat."

Jane was surprised at dinner that night.  Kathy prepared a full
meal, while Jane found herself looking at a diet special.  By the
time dinner was over they realized it was late so they went to
bed.  Jane, exhausted by the day's physical and emotional
excitement, was asleep instantly.

The next morning Jane was rudely awakened when Kathy stripped the
covers from her.  She blinked awake and was momentarily confused
by her surroundings.  When she realized where she was, her
features relaxed, she stretched luxuriantly and just lay there,
her eyes on Kathy.  "If this scheme doesn't work out, would you
consider an alternative proposal?  Could I apply for the position
of your maid, or slave, or whatever?  The only requirement is
that this room has to be my compensation in the deal.  No money.
Just this room."

With her hair spread on the pillow, she looked lovely, and Kathy
said so.

Jane looked at Kathy standing at the foot of the bed, "Kathy, I
know this is going to sound dumb, but you are my inspiration.  I
look at you standing there like a young goddess with an
awe-inspiring figure.  I can't get there, but I'm going to try
like hell to get as close as I can.  Let's get with it."  With
that Jane bounded out of the bed and headed for her bathroom.

Kathy was eating her breakfast when Jane came out.  She made a
little face when she saw how little there was for her to eat. 
Then she ran her eyes over Kathy's flat belly, her slim hips and
thighs.

"Inspiration!  I guess I'll live on black coffee," she said with
a grin.

After breakfast, Kathy led the way into her bathroom and opened
the shower.  She set the controls and motioned for Jane to get
in.  Jane looked puzzled as Kathy followed her in.

"By the way, Jane, how old are you?"

"I'll be thirty-five this fall; why do you ask?"  Kathy watched
as a kaleidoscope of expressions ran across Jane's face,
accompanied with a pantomime of gestures.  "Of course!  How old
did you think I was?  Forty?  Forty-five?"

With the water pouring over her, she slid down to the floor
crying.  The intensity of her sobbing increased as she slid down
into the corner of the shower and just huddled there.  Slowly her
sobs subsided, and Kathy helped her up while the water from the
shower's myriad sprays continue to pour over them both.  Pulling
Jane into her arms, she held her tightly as the sobbing ran off
into hiccoughs and finally stopped.  Jane just stood there with
her head nestled in the younger woman's shoulder.

Kathy reached down and gave an available soft buttock a hard
pinch.  Jane jumped with a yelp.  "That's for going soft on me
and turning on the waterworks," Kathy said softly.  "And in my
very own waterworks, yet!  The reason I asked is that I had put
your age at forty to forty-five until yesterday.  Then I saw how
firm your breasts are.  This morning I saw you bound out of bed,
but I figured you couldn't have been widowed eight years ago and
still be only twenty-five.

"Those fighter jocks are notorious cradle robbers, but allowing
for having been married for three years, you would have had to be
fifteen when you were married.  Even those guys have _some_
standards."

Kathy started to leave the shower when she was pinched hard on
her bottom.  She jumped with surprise and wheeled on Jane who was
standing behind her and grinning.  "Why did you do that?" she
wailed, trying to sound hurt.

"That was for all of the gratuitous insults you've directed at
Navy fighter pilots!  Cradle robbers, indeed!"  Jane replied in
the haughtiest voice she could muster.

They both laughed heartily and went out to the pool deck.

As they stood poised at the end of the pool, Jane asked, "What do
I do now?"

"Just stay beside me.  Don't drop back, though, or my pet shark
will get you!"

With that, Kathy smoothly entered the water in a racing dive. 
She heard Jane enter with a much greater splash, and she
continued to glide while she waited for the older girl to catch
up.  When she did, Kathy reached out with long arm strokes while
she established a powerful kick.  She found that Jane had to take
at least two strokes to her one to maintain her position.  Up and
down the pool they went.  Kathy was sorry to see the older girl
struggling so hard to keep up, but she didn't relent.  It was
only when she saw Jane flailing and getting close to the point of
exhaustion that she stopped.

She came to the end of the pool, and in one continuous motion,
touched the wall and pulled herself out of the pool.  Then she
turned and saw Jane just hanging on to the side wall gasping for
breath.  She waited until Jane's breathing returned to a
semblance of normal, and then reached out her hand.  When Jane
grasped it, she smoothly pulled the older girl out of the pool.

Jane took two steps and collapsed on the deck.  Finally, she
raised her head and peered at Kathy, "Are we there, yet?"

"Are we where?" Kathy replied.

"China, turkey.  That's where you were going, wasn't it?  By the
way, I'll have you know I resent the fact that here I am dying --
I'm not sure whether from drowning or exhaustion -- and you're
not even breathing hard.  It's not fair!"

"As our late president, John F. Kennedy, once said, 'Who says the
world is fair?'  Come on, we have work to do!"

Jane looked at her.  "You can't be serious.  That was six weeks
worth in the last hour!  What do you mean, work?"

Kathy looked at Jane affectionately.  She was developing a deep
respect for her spirit and good humor.  "Work.  We have to get
you into shape.  That was just a warmup to loosen up your muscles
a little.  Come on, let's go!"

Kathy tried to maintain a straight face as she led the way to her
exercise room in which there was a wide range of exercise
equipment.  She set Jane up on a treadmill and later on machines
to exercise her thighs and buttocks.  Finally, she set up weights
for Jane to use on her shoulders, back and chest.

The regimen continued day after day with Kathy giving Jane
pointers on her technique.  After a while, combining her
exercises and weight training with improved technique, she was
keeping up with Kathy in the pool.  She continued her low-calorie
diet while she enviously watched Kathy devour large meals. 
Periodically, Kathy would steal away to a bar exam cram course
she was taking.

One morning, Kathy came into Jane's room to awaken her in her
usual fashion by stripping off the covers.  Jane stretched like
an awakening tigress and then got out of bed.  Kathy studied her
closely and led her into her bathroom.  The mirror covered the
entire wall to the ceiling.  "Jane, look at yourself."

Jane looked in the mirror carefully for the first time in several
weeks.  She scarcely recognized the reflection as herself.  There
was a girl there, studying her carefully.  The girl had a flat
belly, tip-tilted breasts, slim hips and slim but powerful legs.
The carriage was erect and the face was lovely.  The girl's face
looked a bit thin, as if she had been missing meals.

Jane's eyes widened in amazement at the apparition.  "My God! 
That's me.  I can't look like that.  I can't, can I, Kathy?"

"That girl looks a little thin to me," said Kathy.  "I think she
needs a good breakfast.  Let's eat."

Jane followed Kathy out to the kitchen.  There on the counter
were two man-sized breakfasts of orange juice, ham, eggs, hash
brown potatoes, toast with real butter, coffee, and real sugar. 
Jane sat down and started eating with relish.  When they were
finished, Jane poured another cup of coffee, pivoted her stool
half around and leaned her head back against the wall.

Sensuously, she rubbed her long, slim fingers over her now-flat
belly.  "God, that tasted good.  Kathy, that was the most
delicious meal I could imagine.  Do you have a cigarette to make
it perfect?"

Kathy produced cigarettes.  Jane lighted hers and took a deep
drag and slowly let it out.  "Okay, I'm ready."

"Ready for what?" Kathy asked, puzzled.

"The firing squad, the slaughter house...  Whatever," Jane
replied airily.  "That's why you've been working on my body this
way, isn't it?" she asked with mock seriousness, desperately
trying to maintain a straight face.

"My God!" exclaimed Kathy, picking up on the gag.  "It's all
over.  I've failed!" she wailed.  "I forgot.  The Sheik who's
buying you insisted that your pubic hair be curly.  What can we
do?"

Jane looked down with great unconcern and ran her fingers through
her silken pubic hair.  Her expression was intent as she rolled
some pubic hair around a finger.  "How about a permanent?  Do you
think that would fix it?" she asked in wide-eyed innocence.  At
that point, she and Kathy dissolved in laughter in each other's
arms.

It was just about over.  After making several phone calls Kathy
told Jane to get dressed.  It was the first time in weeks she had
had clothes on.  Jane ignored underwear and put on the suit she
had been wearing the night she arrived.  She was shocked.  The
suit was the best she owned and had been hand-tailored for her. 
Now the shoulders were tight.  When she put on the skirt, it
wouldn't stay up.  It just slid down over her now-slim hips.  She
called to Kathy who came in to see.  The two girls rolled
together on the bed in laughter.

Kathy took Jane to a hair salon where she had made en
appointment.  Jane's hair was restyled to be off her face and
shortened so it was just below her collar.  A new wardrobe was
assembled.  Jane delighted in the lingerie.  She had noticed that
Kathy characteristically wore bikini briefs, so she bought those.
 There were no slips, but some half slips.  Finally, Kathy bought
her several diaphanous shorty nightgowns which were essentially
transparent and reached only to her hips.

When the girls returned to the apartment, they went back to the
exercise room.  After her workout, Kathy had Jane get on the
massage table where she went to work on the older woman,
massaging the muscles that did not ache nearly as much as they
had a few weeks earlier.

"Jane," Kathy asked the next morning, "did you ever go down on
Bill when you were married?"

The question, coming from out of the blue, took Jane by surprise.
 Again, a kaleidoscope of emotions passed over her face. 
Finally, she answered, "Yes, a few times."  She blushed scarlet.

"Why are you blushing?" Kathy asked.

"Because I'm embarrassed, silly.  Nice girls don't do that. 
That's reserved for prostitutes."

"Why is it reserved for prostitutes?" asked Kathy.  "And if it
is, why did you do it with Bill?"

Jane looked confused.  "Well... Because... Because we would be
together, and I looked at his male organs and...  I just wanted
to weigh his balls in my hand and...  His prick looked so soft
and vulnerable because we had just made love.  I just wanted to
kiss it to show my love.  And I...  And I...  did.  I mean I went
to kiss it, and I tasted the juices, accidentally, and... and it
went in my mouth, and I guess I licked it.  And I guess I sucked
it...  And then it was all hard again and in my mouth.  So I... I
started to go down on it.  Kathy, he just exploded.  I absolutely
lost control, sucking him dry.  Kathy, it was marvelous."

"Did you like the taste?" Kathy asked.

"The taste of what?  Oh!  You mean... You mean... Bill's semen?"

"Yes," said Kathy, "Did you?"

"Of course not... I mean..."  Then Jane raised her head defiantly
and replied, "Yes!  Damn it, yes, I did.  It was wonderful: warm
and a little salty..."

"Then why are you ashamed?" Kathy asked quietly.

"I'm not ashamed.  I mean... I mean, good girls don't...  Damn
it, Kathy, I don't care what good girls do.  I was just a fighter
jock's hot cunt, damn it.  I was great, and he was great, and...
Yes, damn it, I loved it.  I like the taste.  I like the feel of
it.  I can still remember it exploding in my mouth.  Kathy, it
was magnificent.  It was nearly as good as our exploding together
with him inside me.  But yes, damn it!  I like it.  I'll leave
now.  I'll get my few things together and..."

"And what?" Kathy asked.  "And most particularly, why?  Why would
you possibly want to leave now?"

Jane looked confused.  "Why because... because I've had a man in
my mouth... and I swallowed it, and.... and I _liked_ it.  Of
course I have to go."  Jane started to get up, and Kathy, gently
but firmly, pushed her back.

"You didn't ask me."  Kathy said in a matter-of-fact voice.

"Didn't ask you what?" Jane asked, obviously puzzled.

"You didn't ask me if I liked it.  I'll tell you anyway.  Yes, I
like it.  I love the taste.  I like to feel the explosion in my
mouth.  I like to pretend my mouth is my vagina.  I like it,
too!"

"But Kathy, you can't!  You're not even married!" Jane wailed.

"Jane, honey, we're talking about sex, not marriage.  Let's face
it.  They may be related but they aren't synonymous.  You had
your experience in the context of what I've gathered was a
fabulous, loving marriage.  I haven't been married, but I have
had the experience.

"Listening to you, Jane, I have been awed.  You were making love
to Bill in every way you knew how.  Worshiping his body, if you
will.  Listening to you tell the story was beautiful.  You were
expressing your love for Bill and his body.  Jane, I'm convinced
that Bill was a very lucky guy.  And you know something else? 
I'm sure he knew it.  Now, can you do it again with Bob
Ferguson?"

Jane now understood what Kathy had been doing.  She started to
beam.  It was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud after a
summer shower.  "Kathy, you mean that going down on a man -- on
your lover -- is an expression of the love you feel for him.  And
God, it does feel so good, and leads to...  Kathy Smith, you are
wicked!  You led me along and all along you... you... you wanted
me to see how stupid my attitudes have been.  You didn't say it
was awful, I did.  Kathy Smith..."

Jane drew Kathy into her arms and hugged her.  "Kathy Smith, you
are a piece of work!  I've been working for you for years and I
liked you.  You have always been thoughtful and generous.  But
now... now, I love you like a sister, but even that isn't good
enough.  Kathy, one of these days the right man will come along.
We'll be able to hear the explosion for miles!  You are a
wonderful person!"

"Thank you, Jane Wilson, for that fine testimonial!  Now, Mrs.
Wilson, ma'am, would you please get that lovely little ass of
yours in gear!  You've got a plane to catch."

"I've got a _what?"_ Jane exclaimed.

"You know.  Airplane.  It has wings and engines and..."

"Katherine Smith, I take back everything I just said.  You are
impossible!  For God's sake, what plane?"

Kathy acted like she was talking to a small girl, telling her how
to go to the grocery store.  "The plane to Kennedy Airport in New
York, connecting to the Swissair flight to Zurich, which connects
with another Swissair flight to Athens.  Then you take the
limousine that will meet you to the port of Piraeus where you
meet Bob's ship.  What other plane would you be taking?"

Kathy ducked as Jane swung at her.  "By the way, you and Bob have
connecting staterooms.  I expect that you won't be using separate
rooms for too long, so, Jane, when you move in with Bob, would
you please tell the purser?  That way, I can get a refund on the
unused portion of your ticket."

Kathy was grinning broadly until Jane gathered her in her arms
and hugged her tightly.  Kathy could hear small whimpering noises
coming from Jane and could feel the tears flowing down the older
girl's cheek to her shoulder.  Kathy held her until the woman's
shaking stopped.

When she pushed back, Jane's eyes were gleaming with tears.  "I
should have known!  You're the girl who gives her fraternity a
million dollars.  You rescue stray dogs and kittens.  I should
have known.  You know, Kathy, I can't thank you?  How can you
thank a person who can re-instill youth, love, feelings,
beauty...  Yes, damn it, beauty.  You've made me more beautiful
than I ever dreamed I could be!"

"For God's sake, knock off the maudlin chatter and get your ass
in gear!  You'll miss the damn plane and wreck my beautiful
plans.  And one more thing.  If I'm not the maid of honor when
you marry Bob, I will shoot you!  And I've got a gun and a carry
permit now, too."

Kathy was so proud of Jane at the Norfolk airport.  After
checking in on the Piedmont flight to New York, she saw her walk
down the concourse towards the security checkpoint with her small
ass wiggling just a bit.  Kathy smiled as she saw men's heads
turn to follow her progress.  At the gate checking in for her
first class seat, the gate agent saw the radiance in her face. 
_I only wish she was thinking of me,_ he thought.

* * *

It was late August in Norfolk.  The day was steaming when Kathy
dressed for the wedding.  She was to be the maid of honor at
Jane's wedding to Bob Ferguson.  She smiled as she remembered
meeting Jane and Bob at Kennedy Airport on their return flight. 
As they came out of the Customs area at the International
Arrivals building, Jane was beautiful and self-assured, walking
with her head up, her shoulders back and her breasts standing out
proudly.  Bob Ferguson looked wonderful.  He, too, was trimmer,
standing taller and obviously madly, head-over-heels in love with
the apparition by his side.

Bob was the first to see Kathy and came running over.  Kathy
noticed that Jane, too, ran with a smooth runner's stride.  He
hugged Kathy and burbled, "You wouldn't believe what happened. 
Here I am on this wonderful cruise, but absolutely bored to
tears, when who should board the ship at Piraeus but Jane.  She
said it was quiet at the office and you told her to get out so
you could concentrate on the bar exams, so she found this cruise.
 You see, the Queen Elizabeth runs a whole mess of cruises with
different designators, depending on where you board and where you
get off.  Jane never dreamed it was the ship I was on, but
anyway, we were in adjoining cabins."  Bob suddenly blushed. 
"After a while, we... uh, we... well it was stupid to waste money
on two cabins so... uh... well Jane talked to the purser, and we
got a big refund on her ticket."

Jane was standing behind Bob.  As Kathy looked up Jane gave her a
broad wink.  Kathy had chartered a plane to fly them down to
Norfolk.  As the plane reached cruising altitude, Bob fell
asleep.  Jane unbuckled her belt and came back to sit next to
Kathy.  She was absolutely radiant.

"Kathy, I feel so good.  These have been the most thrilling weeks
of my life.  Kathy, some days we never got out of bed.  We had
our meals brought to the stateroom and just made love.  Kathy,
there's one thing you should know.  Do you remember when we
talked about going down on a man?  Well, it tastes great when you
wash it down with champagne!  I think Dom Perignon is the best."

Jane and Bob were radiant as they took their marriage vows.  At
the reception, she got Bob aside to ask about the honeymoon
plans.  He said that Jane had found a small island in Hawaii that
was very quiet.  Because of the cruise, they were only going to
be gone for a week.  He hadn't been in the office for months and
really had to get back.

* * *

 It was the last weekend in August.  Kathy had just received word
that she had passed her bar exams with the highest grade on the
test.  It was Saturday and she had to take care of a few things
at the office before starting work as an assistant district
attorney.  After signing in with the security guard at the bank
building Kathy went up to Ferguson's offices.

When she let herself into the outer office she found it was very
hot, very stuffy and very quiet.  Then she remembered that the
building's air conditioning and ventilating systems were shut
down over the weekend so the heat of the sun coming through the
windows raised the temperature substantially.  The office was
eerily quiet.  Kathy realized for the first time how much noise
was generated by the ventilation, typewriters, office machines
and the hum of human voices.

Quietly, she walked down the corridor and turned the corner
heading for her office.  She stopped when she saw a nude female
form bent over an open filing drawer.  It was Jane.  Kathy
slipped off her shoes and put them next to a desk.  Her feet made
no noise on the carpet as she came up behind the girl.  She was
intently flipping back and forth through files searching for
something.

Kathy couldn't resist.  Sneaking up behind the girl, she pinched
her bottom hard.  Jane gave a yelp and jumped up, rubbing her
bun.

Just then Bob appeared at the office door, wearing only his
trousers.  He looked at the two women he loved most in the world.
 Kathy looked down and noticed signs of dampness on Jane's pubic
hair.

Bob blushed.  "We had some work to do today.  It's awful hot in
here on Saturday, so, no one's around, so...  Besides, Jane likes
it this way.  She's even got me not wearing clothes."

Kathy could look past Bob and see Jane smiling.  She was standing
with her breasts jutting proudly.*Chapter 12*

It was eleven o'clock on September 1 and Kathy was sitting
upright in a chair facing Peter Mahoney across his desk.  While
Peter glared at her as he talked on the phone, she was a picture
of alert innocence, exactly what one would expect of the newest
member of the District Attorney's staff.

Peter looked away from Kathy as he spoke. _My God,_ he thought,
_this girl could excite passion in a plaster saint!_  As noises
continued from the end of the phone, he glanced in Kathy's
direction.  She was sitting across from him with her hands folded
in her lap.  Her dress appeared to be the same one she had worn
when they met before.  It was as neat and conservative as one
could wish, the sort of thing featured for the bright female
professional on the way up.  She wore no jewelry of any kind
except a watch.  He had noticed earlier that it was a woman's
gold Rolex.

_Clearly,_ he thought, _this girl doesn't need money or she
wouldn't be giving up about eighty grand a year to work for me._
He reflected on her Rolex.  He decided that it was typical of
Kathy: beautiful, expensive, and understated.  He also realized
that it was a highly functional timepiece: accurate, shockproof
and waterproof, with a very legible face.

With all of that, why was she so disturbing?  The person on the
other end of the phone was the mayor.  Kathy had just returned to
the office.  She had been patiently standing at the office door
that morning waiting for someone to come to let her in.

Mahoney prided himself on opening the office, and yet here it
was, the Friday before the Labor Day weekend, and this lovely
girl is standing at the door waiting for him to open up.  He sent
her off to Personnel to complete the forms beloved of bureaucrats
everywhere.  He had blown his stack when he found out that Kathy
had been in the day before to complete the paperwork but had been
told that she wasn't an employee until the next day.

Earlier, the personnel director had called to complain.  He was
angry because Kathy was starting the day before the Labor Day
weekend.  He wanted to stop the processing and change the start
date to the fifth so Kathy would not be paid for the weekend. 
Peter smiled to himself remembering the call.  He hoped the
bureaucrat had a ruptured eardrum.  He delighted in telling the
director that Kathy had turned down a $100,000 job to come to
work for him at seventeen-five.  A couple of bucks wouldn't break
the bank, particularly since he had just learned that Kathy stood
number one on the Commonwealth of Virginia bar exam.

The bar exam was the reason for the mayor's call.  His phone had
been ringing off the hook all morning.  The mayor must have been
at least the fifteenth caller.  The results of the test had been
released late the previous afternoon.  Rarely do bar-exam results
make news, but this time they did.  The listing at the top read
Katherine J. Smith, District Attorney's Office, Norfolk.

Routinely, the top scorer would be affiliated with one of the
state's top law firms, or a national firm's Washington office
inside the Beltway.  An assistant DA heading the list was
obviously a "man bites dog" sort of story.  He had quickly
reviewed Kathy's background for the mayor and was accepting his
congratulations on his recruiting coup.

The mayor's last words were, "I don't know how you did it Peter,
but persuading her to join your office has to be the greatest
thing you've ever done.  I've always told people that you could
talk the birds out of the trees, but now even I believe it.  Give
her my best wishes, will you?"  Peter had not told the mayor that
Kathy had found him.  He hung up the phone and turned to face
her.

"That was the mayor.  He asked me to extend his congratulations
on your bar exam, and welcome you.  So, welcome.  You have been
on the payroll less than three hours, and already you're turning
this office upside down. _The Virginian & Pilot_ is sending over
a photographer for a picture.  He'll be here in a few minutes.

"Kathy Smith, you are a very interesting person.  I still don't
know why you joined this office.  I do know that you impress
people.  While you were at personnel, the director of the police
pistol range called and asked if you could serve as his women's
pistol instructor.  It seems that you shot out the lights over
there, erasing every mark in their book.  Incidentally, he wants
to send you to the FBI facility at Quantico for competition.  It
seems you are unerring in separating the good guys from the bad
guys.  You only gun the baddies apparently, and with lethal
effect every time.  So much for being scared by firearms."

He picked up his telephone in response to an intercom bzz, and
was told the gentlemen of the press had arrived, so he and Kathy
went out to meet them.

The paper had sent over a reporter and photographer.  The
reporter led off by asking Kathy what she was going to do to stop
crime.

Kathy, ignoring the snide intent of the question, responded
brightly.  "I'm so glad you asked!  District Attorney Mahoney has
named me to a special task force to fight violent crime."

Kathy went on to say that, using a crime-control computer
installed with Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration
(LEAA) money, they had completed a study of dangerous criminals.
Dangerous criminals were defined as those with three or more
felony convictions or five or more felony arrests.  A run had
been made of the persons matching these criteria in Tidewater and
the computer came up with a listing of 163 persons.

The list was being distributed to all law enforcement agencies in
the area.  Steps were being taken to prosecute immediately anyone
on the list to the fullest extent of the law with minimum delays
in going to trial.

When Kathy started speaking, a passing police reporter heard the
phrase, "special task force", and perked up his ears.  He ran to
the phone and made a few calls.

Peter Mahoney was listening to Kathy's recital in growing
amazement.  He was concentrating on not letting his jaw drop when
his secretary ran in with the news that film crews from the three
local television stations were on there way over.

"Mr. Mahoney, they asked if you could take a break for fifteen
minutes or so to give their crews time to get over here and set
up."

Peter felt circumstances had taken events out of his control.  He
glared at Kathy who returned the glare with a sweet smile.  The
photographer took the break as an opportunity to get pictures of
Kathy.

"Kathy," he said, "I would like you to turn a little and put your
foot up on that chair, then hike your skirt up on your thigh. 
You seem to have pretty good legs.  Then unbutton your jacket and
turn your body.  Let's see some chest."

Kathy looked at him with an expression that almost caused Peter
Mahoney to crack up.  It was a cross between what one would
expect after stepping on dog feces on the sidewalk and the
response to the suggestion that she perform a lewd and lascivious
act at noon on the sidewalk of the Harborside Mall.

"I _beg_ your pardon," Kathy said disdainfully.  "I am a member
of District Attorney's professional staff.  You may take an
appropriate photograph of me, or, if Mr. Mahoney is willing, of
the two of us together."  She looked at Peter, who nodded.  "As
the most junior member of his staff, I would be proud to stand
next to him.  This never would have happened had he not so
graciously invited me to join his staff."

The pictures were duly taken with Peter smiling proudly at his
new recruit.  To some degree or other all DAs are political, and
it never hurts to get your picture in the paper, particularly
under flattering circumstances.

After the picture-taking, the group moved to a small auditorium
that had been commandeered for the impromptu press conference. 
In addition to the TV news crews Kathy saw that representatives
of other news-gathering organizations were also present. 
Meanwhile, Peter had been unable to get Kathy alone to find out
what she had been talking about.  On the other hand, he was
impressed with her aplomb.

She handled the news conference as if she had done nothing else
for years, so Peter decided to go along for the ride.  With the
news crews ready, Kathy apologized for not having prepared
visuals.  The program was too new and they had not expected
television coverage.  After repeating what she had said earlier
to the single reporter, she elaborated on special arrangements
that were in place to expedite the handling of the listed
criminals.  Then she opened the conference to questions from the
floor.

"Miss Smith, when can we get a copy of this special watch list."

"I'm sorry, sir, you cannot.  The list is considered highly
confidential.  However, when it is distributed, all of the law
enforcement agencies will have a copy.  I think it's fair to say
that those on the list know who they are.  The announcement we
wish to make is that Norfolk is going to be a safe city.  The
criminals preying on our citizens -- all the muggers, the
robbers, the rapists, the burglars -- know who they are.  They
now face three choices: go straight, get out of town or go to
prison.  Norfolk is going to be the safe city we all want it to
be!"

The reporters were impressed with the obvious sincerity in
Kathy's speech, even if they were skeptical about its prospects
for success.  A reporter turned to Peter, standing beside Kathy.
"Mr. Mahoney, I'm Jim Smith of WTAR.  Would you please tell us
who is going to be in charge of this special unit in your
office?"

"Thanks, Jim, I would be delighted to.  The answer is Katherine
Smith, of course.  I would like to say a few words about Kathy. 
She is new to our staff, as you know.  Officially she only
started today, yet I'm sure it's obvious to you all that she has
been doing her homework before reporting aboard.  She represented
this office in the creation of the Dangerous Criminals list and
is fully conversant with the way we intend to operate.

"We are proud to have Kathy with us.  To show the caliber of
talent this office has been able to attract, I would like to
acquaint you with her background.  She graduated from Yale
University with highest honors after being elected to Phi Beta
Kappa.  She was number one in her class at University of Virginia
Law School, and you all know that she achieved the top grade
recorded on the recent bar exam.

"This office recognizes talent.  I am proud to announce that
Katherine Smith is my special assistant in charge of our
newly-formed Dangerous Criminals unit.  I won't repeat Kathy's
warning to our criminals.  I will only add, Amen!"

There were many more questions that Kathy fielded, detailing how
the unit would work.  The crews finally packed up quickly after
nearly ninety minutes of questioning to get back to their studios
to edit their tape for the evening news shows.

When the crews left, Peter motioned Kathy to come into his
office.  After she entered, he closed the door and took his seat
behind the desk while Kathy sat upright in a chair facing him,
looking attentive.  "Miss Smith, would you _kindly_ tell me what
that was all about?  And, Kathy, for God's sake, no injured
innocence, please."

Kathy grinned, dropping her pose.  "I thought it went well,
didn't you?  I think we'll get a good play on tonight's news." 
She frowned and continued, "It's a shame it's the Friday before
Labor Day.  The audience for tonight's TV news and tomorrow's
papers will be awful.  It's one of the slowest news days of the
year.  Peter, you should have waited and announced it next
Tuesday or Wednesday."

She ducked as Pete hurled an eraser at her head causing it to
miss.  She straightened up quickly and assumed her attentive look
as if nothing had happened.

He looked at her and started to chuckle.  It turned into
laughter.  Soon he was roaring with laughter, leaning back in his
chair.  Kathy joined in.  "Slow news day, indeed.  Young lady, we
will get more time on the news tonight than we've had in the last
five years combined.  I'll settle for a slow news day!  Now,
young lady, you are going to have to deliver!  Seriously, Kathy,
I hope those numbers were real."

Kathy went into her briefcase, pulled out a file, and pulled her
chair around to Peter's side of the desk.  He sent out for
sandwiches as they reviewed the voluminous data together.  Kathy
explained to him how the data were set up, the definitions used
and the limitations.  She stressed that the key was felony
arrests and convictions.  She pointed out that only a small
fraction of crimes resulted in arrests.

It was after five-thirty when Kathy finished her presentation,
"Pete, the key is the number of arrests against the number of
reported crimes.  Either the guys on the list are the dumbest,
unluckiest criminals in this city, or -- much more likely --
we're looking at the tip of the iceberg.  For every arrest, the
guy actually committed ten, twenty or even more crimes.  In
business there is an eighty-twenty rule.  It means that 20
percent of the customers produce 80 percent of the business.  Is
it possible that it applies to crime, too?  Twenty percent of the
criminals commit 80 percent of the crimes?  I think they do, and
I'm going to get them!"

Peter looked at his watch.  "Come on Kathy.  Tonight I really
want to see the Six O'clock News!"

They closed up the office quickly and went to a nearby bar.  They
entered just as the evening news was coming on the air.  They
were surprised to hear that the Dangerous Criminals Task Force,
as the media now dubbed it, was the evening's lead story.  Kathy
was amused at the way she appeared in the news footage while
Peter was impressed.

The station they were watching -- WAVY -- had obviously dug
deeper.  Although they did not have names, they had gotten
numbers from the police computer that they had used to make
graphics for the show.  They agreed that the station had done an
excellent job with its coverage.

When it was over and the station broke to commercials, they
received a shock.  First, the patrons in the bar had been paying
close attention to the story.  Second, they recognized Peter and
Kathy.  The crowd which was very large for the Friday before a
long weekend started cheering.  They crowded around and wished
Kathy luck.  She heard comments like, "It's about time!"  "It's
the first crime program I've ever heard about that makes sense."
"Kathy, throw 'em in prison and lose the key."

They left the bar and took a booth in the corner.  Peter wiped
his forehead with his handkerchief, put it away and looked at her
steadily.  Then he asked to see her weapon.  Kathy slipped a
stainless steel .38 out of her special purse and passed it to him
butt first, making sure to keep it out of the sight of the other
patrons.

Peter examined it carefully.  "What is this?  I can't ever recall
seeing a piece like this before."

"It's a new weapon from Smith & Wesson called the LadySmith.  As
you see, it has a four-inch barrel and stainless steel
construction.  I carry it in this purse I ordered from Texas. 
It's designed to keep the gun away from the other junk I carry. 
How do you like my lethal new friend?"

"Kathy, I just hope you never have to use it!  After watching the
news film, though, I'm glad I got that call from the police
pistol-range officer.  Kathy, you're set up as a target, now. 
You declared war on the worst of the scum infesting this city. 
And you did it on television, yet.  Remember, young lady: They're
scum and they're vicious.

"Kathy, do you remember what I said when you were in my office in
the spring?  They are evil.  I wouldn't be surprised if at least
some of those maggots decide that the best way to end this war is
to gun down its commanding officer.  That's you!"

Kathy realized that Pete wasn't trying to scare her, but was
expressing how he really felt.  She replied, "Pete, I understand,
and I appreciate your concern.  I promise I'll be careful.  I
won't say something stupid like, 'They can't touch me.'  I know
they can.  So I promise to stay out of trouble as much as Ican."

"Kathy, I believe you.  I sort of expected some show of bravado,
I guess, but you're too smart for that.  You are brave.  Period.
You know something?  I think this Task Force idea might work.  I
am certain, though, win or lose you are the best person for the
job.  Shake on it?"  Peter extended his hand and was pleasantly
surprised at the strength of Kathy's grip.

"Thank you, Peter, for giving me the chance.  I promise I'll do
my best."

"Let's go home, Kathy.  It's a long weekend, remember?"

* * *

Kathy was at home in her library playing with her electronic
toys.  There was a normal-appearing television set on a shelf in
built-in cabinets, but it wasn't normal.  Pressing a button
raised a sliding panel above the set.  Behind the panel were two
additional TV sets.  Using a remote control unit, Kathy could
watch the three network channels simultaneously; the audio came
from whichever channel was displayed on the main screen.

It was after eleven o'clock and she was using the device to watch
the three newscasts for coverage of the Dangerous Criminals Task
Force.  At the same time, a bank of videotape machines in the
ventilated cabinet below were recording all three programs. 
Kathy smiled to herself thinking about her electronic overkill. 
The three operating tape units were in a bank of six.  The other
three -- now idle -- were there against the possibility that she
might want to tape cable channels as well.  She was surprised to
see that the coverage was even more extensive than she had seen
at six o'clock.  If broad publicity could be of value to her
program, she was getting the best that could be hoped for.

Just then the telephone rang and Kathy picked it up.  A familiar
woman's voice was on the phone, but Kathy couldn't immediately
place it.  It certainly wasn't Jane.  "May I speak with Katherine
Smith, please?"

"This is Kathy Smith," she answered, sounding puzzled.

"Kathy, this is Julie.  Do you remember me?"

Memories came back in a flood.  How could she ever forget the
large woman with whom she lived for so many years.  How many
years?  For some reason Kathy had never been sure.  "Of course I
remember you, Julie.  How have you been?  Where are you?  How are
the girls?  Are you still in the business?"  The questions just
bubbled out.  This was the first time she had spoken to Julie
since she left the house -- how long ago? -- in eight years.

She heard the familiar laugh she had not heard for such a long
time.  "Slow down, honey.  I'm fine.  I'm in a new house.  Or at
least at a new location.  You may not know it, but the old house
was leveled for urban renewal five years ago.  I don't think you
want to know where I am now.  With your new job you'd close me
down and I'm too old to go into another line of work.  As far as
the girls go, there aren't any who were here when you were.  This
is not a business where a girl ages gracefully.

"I saw you on television tonight and I had to call you.  Honey,
you are so beautiful!  And I'm so proud!  There was the district
attorney himself introducing his new special assistant, Katherine
Smith.  Kathy, your achievements!  Yale University, and
University of Virginia Law School.  My God!  And in only eight
years.

"There's more.  First, I'm the only one around who knows where
you came from.  The _only_ one.  And I'm not saying anything to
anyone.  Second, I want you to know that you're doing a wonderful
thing, and I sure hope you succeed.  I know you have a hard time
believing this, but it's true.

"I'll bet you never thought of it this way, but those vicious
scum wreck my business.  Face it:  Places like I run aren't in
the best part of town.  We're in their territory.  They attack my
girls and they attack my customers.  I hope you put 'em all in
prison!

"I guess you know by now that we operate pretty much in the open.
 My girls aren't hoity-toity call girls; customers come here. 
Payments for certain people to look the other way or not see
certain things are a cost of doing business.  The owner takes
care of things like that.  I don't know who's involved and I
don't want to know.  But, Kathy, we hear things.  We're not on
the right side of the law but it's in our interest to get these
dangerous scum off the streets.  If I hear anything that sounds
useful, I'll pass it on.  Do you have an answering machine on
this line?"

"Yes, I do," Kathy replied.

"Great.  Now that I've talked to you again, you'll recognize my
voice.  I won't leave any identification, just the message I
think you should hear.  Be careful, Kathy!  They might come after
you.  I still love you, baby.  Good night."

The connection clicked off.  Kathy reflected on the conversation.
 Julie must have some very well-connected friends to obtain her
unlisted phone number.  However, she was not sure that even the
phone company knew where her telephone was really located.  Her
line ran to another address blocks away.  A private wire linked
to her apartment.  She tried to summarize her feelings about
Julie but could not.  She did believe that she could and would
maintain her secret.

The weeks following Labor Day were busy ones.  Pete assigned two
assistants to work with her.  Because of the public announcement
of her appointment, there was no question raised about her
authority; they did their work.

After the List had been circulated to police units, Kathy
scheduled a series of meetings including both unit commanders and
patrol units.  She quickly discovered that she would have to
produce a success quickly or lose them.  The police -- both male
and female -- fully supported the effort.  They sincerely wanted
to protect the people and the men on the Dangerous Criminals list
were immediately recognized as the ones to get.

However, Kathy discovered what she started to think of as the
"Washday Miracle" syndrome: Yet another new laundry detergent is
introduced to the disdainful reaction, "Oh boy.  Another washday
miracle."  The officers wanted to put these targeted men away but
had been trying to do so for years.  Any number of special
campaigns, usually announced with great fanfare, had started...
and failed.  Worst of all, she sensed a pervasive attitude, "The
good guys are losing."  She felt she had to have a success.

The first break came on September seventh, a Thursday.  Kathy had
just finished her first week, although Monday had been Labor Day.
 She received a call at her apartment from one of the district
stations.  One of the men on the List had been picked up by a
patrol unit responding to the silent alarm in a jewelry store. 
Kathy was at the station twenty minutes later.  She supervised
the questioning and personally handled the bail hearing.

When the judge was about to release the accused, Horace Brown, on
his own recognizance, Kathy contested his release on the grounds
that Brown was already out on parole.  He had been released from
prison less than six months before.  Furthermore, Brown was
already free on his own recognizance awaiting trial on an Armed
Robbery arrest only six weeks before.  Accordingly, the State
wanted Brown held without bail to await trial, or failing that,
wanted cash bail set at a minimum of $100,000.

The judge recessed the court for ten minutes and went to his
chambers.  A few minutes later the court reconvened.  The judge
ordered Brown held in jail pending the posting of cash bail set
at $100,000.  Bail was not produced and Brown went to jail.

Kathy wondered who the judge had called from his office but it
didn't matter.  The publicity of the previous weekend was
working.  Better still, the news media, sensing strong public
interest and support -- and hence ratings or circulation -- were
maintaining their interest.  Kathy saw a couple of reporters race
for the telephones when the high bail was set.

When she returned to her apartment she saw there was a message on
her answering machine.  She recognized Julie's voice, "Hon, I
thought you would like to know.  Word on the street is that
Horace Brown is pissed.  He was trying to make a score to pay the
lawyer who's supposed to defend him in his armed robbery trial! 
Keep it up, kid!"

Kathy laughed and fell into bed.

The morning news led off with the story of Brown's arrest.  The
morning news anchorman reported, "Authorities will neither
confirm nor deny, but the report is that Brown is a name on the
Dangerous Criminals list.  Assistant District Attorney Katherine
Smith, director of the unit, personally appeared to contest
Brown's release from custody on his own recognizance.  Such a
release without posting bail has been the procedure that informed
observers tell us is normal in such cases."  A still picture of
Kathy had appeared when her name was mentioned.  There was also a
mug shot of Brown along with a review of his recent arrests.

When Kathy arrived at the office in the morning, Pete gave her
the thumbs-up sign from his office while he was talking on the
phone.  Kathy met quickly with her assistants and assigned one to
the Brown case.

"Jerry, there will be no plea bargains, nor will the State ask
for any continuances.  I want you to prepare for trial as soon as
possible and file this morning for the first available trial
date.  After you do that, check on his robbery bust.  Let's see
if we can take over that prosecution, too.  It's a heavier rap
than burglary."

The next morning Kathy saw a squib in the paper that caused her
to chuckle.  It seemed that the attorney scheduled to represent
Brown in his armed robbery trial had withdrawn from the case
which had been reassigned to her unit.  Kathy personally handled
the prosecution and obtained a conviction.  Brown was sentenced
to twenty years to life on the robbery charge and the burglary
charge was still awaiting trial.  Kathy refused to drop it.  She
was delighted at the effect of the Brown case on the police.

A few days later, everyone -- including the press and the public
-- was delighted when one of the men on the List was arrested for
littering, and with an assistant district attorney appearing for
the State, was given the maximum punishment, a $100 fine.

This was the subject of the lead editorial in the paper the next
day.  The editorial writer commented that the word was that Kathy
Smith was going after the people on the List and would prosecute
everything.  Going after littering and insisting on the maximum
penalty suggested she was serious.  The names on the list were
never released, but Kathy and her assistants were considered the
bloodhounds.  Whenever they appeared the individual was
considered to be on the Dangerous Criminals List.

Kathy met with Peter Mahoney.  Pete was grinning at her.  "Kathy,
you are getting it done.  It is absolutely brilliant.  You
started with that press conference.  You've been playing the
media like a keyboard virtuoso.  You have the public behind you
and the media supporting you.  Most important of all, Kathy, I
think you have the cops on patrol starting to believe in you. 
They are the hardest ones to sell because they've heard so much
talk and seen so little action.  You know, I'm really proud of
the selling job I did to get you in here!"

He grinned broadly.  "But then His Honor, the mayor himself, said
I can talk the birds out of the trees."

Kathy stuck out her tongue at him, and he howled with laughter.

The program moved ahead.  By mid-November, they had registered
two convictions and had twenty-three others awaiting trial.  A
local paper started running a Target Scoreboard with the number,
163, in the center of a target.  Below was a bar chart with three
bars.  The first was the number on Kathy's list, 163.  Below was
a bar for those awaiting trial, now standing at twenty-three, and
one below for convictions, now numbering two.  Below that was a
space for acquittals, dismissals, etc., showing a zero.

On a Friday night in late November, Kathy got home to her
apartment at seven-thirty.  She smiled to herself thinking that,
given the hours she had been keeping since starting the job, she
had only worked half a day.

She thought of her lunch with Jane Ferguson earlier in the week.
They had a window table at a luncheon club on the top floor of
the bank building where Jane worked.  Kathy was seated with her
back to the window with Jane facing her.  She looked at her and
smiled warmly.  "I have never seen you look so beautiful, Jane. 
You are positively radiant!"

Jane was wearing a light grey wool dress with a white cashmere
cardigan.  Kathy was certain there wasn't much underneath it. 
The older girl was sitting upright in the chair with her
shoulders back and her head up.  In spite of the date, she still
had a nice tan.  Her brown hair showed golden sun streaks which
looked beautiful.

Jane smiled warmly.  "Kathy, I just want to state the obvious. 
First, I love you and consider you my closest friend in the
world.  By the way, I never had the chance to thank you
adequately for giving me a key to your apartment.  I'm a little
concerned, though," she added with a mock frown.  "I offered to
be your maid, or your slave, or anything else if I could only
keep the room.  Since I still have the room, am I your slave? 
I'm only asking, and it really doesn't matter much -- maid or
slave -- but I haven't told Bob yet.  What should I tell him?"

In view of their very proper surroundings, Kathy was doing her
best to swallow her laughter as Jane went through her very
straight-faced comic recital.  When Jane finished, Kathy gave her
the sweetest possible smile and said, "It's lucky for you, dear,
there are so many people here, or I would throw a roll at you! 
And you know how hard they are!"  Jane grinned broadly and Kathy
added, "Furthermore, it's unfair!  You're sitting with your back
to the room.  They can't see you so you can get away with
murderS!"

That crack caused Jane to laugh as she was taking a sip of water.
 The result was that the water sprayed in Kathy's face.  While
Jane laughed even harder, doing her best to remain still in her
chair, Kathy wiped her face with her napkin.  "Boy, I can't take
you anywhere!"

The two friends just grinned affably at each other.  "Seriously,
Jane, I wanted to thank you for taking such care of my business
affairs.  I honestly don't know how my bills would be paid if you
didn't do it for me."

Jane thought for a moment and then appeared to be thinking out
loud, "Well, let's see...  She gave me back my self respect, took
about ten years off my appearance..."

Kathy interrupted, "Twenty years."

"Well, fifteen maybe," Jane continued, "got me married... but...
I don't know.  Now there's been a dramatic increase in internal
wear and tear, so there's an offset...  Let's me use her private
pool, exercise equipment, apartment...  Yeah, that's aboutright.

"Now, against that I write her checks at least once a month... 
Sometimes more.  Or at least the computer does, but I have to
push the buttons all by myself... and... and I have to sign them
all _by hand."_

Jane appeared to come out of her reverie.  "You know Kathy,
you're absolutely right!  Please buy me a check signer with a
signature plate?  You can't appreciate how hard it is to sign
your name... by hand... _in ink!_  It wears a girl out.  It
really does."

Kathy shook her head and grinned.  "Okay, I know when I'm licked.
 I'll let you know about the other thing.  I think 'slave' sounds
kind of nice, though, don't you?"  Jane daintily stuck out her
tongue.  "See, there you go again!  Next time I get to sit facing
the window."

Then Jane's facial expression changed as she changed the subject:
"Seriously, Kathy, there are some things I wanted to talk about.
First, Bob and I would like you to spend Thanksgiving with us. 
Would you please?  It's our first Thanksgiving together and it's
special.  All kidding aside, you made it happen.  And Bob is
looking younger every day.  He claims it's the exercise.

"Second, we are so proud and impressed with what you're doing in
the DA's office.  You know Bob's well-connected politically
around the state.  Some people who are never impressed by
anything are starting to be impressed by you.  You know the ones:
the court house types who are always there.  The guys who never
change are starting to think about changing.  Bob is really
impressed, and not just because it's you, Kathy.  Honest.

"Finally, Kathy, a new subject:  Bob got a call early this week
from a man named Charley McCann who owns a bar near the Naval
Base.  It does a great business with the sailors, I understand. 
Of course, I don't know anything about sailors."  Jane rolled her
eyes and continued, "At any rate, he needs some financial help,
and he called because he was an old friend of Sam Jenkins.  Bob
remembers Sam speaking of him as his oldest friend.  Do you think
you might be able to do something for him?"

"Of course, Jane.  Give me his name, address, and phone number. 
I'll go see him.  By the way, are you going to continue to be
Bob's secretary?"

Jane, who had been neatly writing out Charley McCann's name and
address, looked up at Kathy as if she had a screw loose.  "Lady,
are you crazy?  Do you think for one minute I would quit and let
my oversexed husband bed someone else on the office sofa every
afternoon?  Speaking of which, I better get back.  Bob is very
easygoing provided I'm there for my principal duties of the day."
 Jane gave a big wink and allowed Kathy to see her rubbing her
groin.

When she returned to her apartment, Kathy stripped off her
clothes, and took a quick shower. _My Lord, I have this beautiful
shower but it has been months since I've been able to really
enjoy it,_ she thought.  With her hair wrapped in a towel, she
picked up the phone and called Charley McCann.

The phone was answered with the words, "Charley's place."  Kathy
asked to speak to Mr. McCann.  An older voice came on the phone,
"This is Charley."

"Mr. McCann, this is Kathy Smith calling.  I understand that you
spoke with Bob Ferguson earlier this week.  He suggested I call
you.  I'm Sam Jenkins' niece."

"Miss Smith?  Good heavens!  Are you the Kathy Smith I see all
the time on television?  I'm honored.  I would be proud to meet
you any time you say."

"Would it be convenient if I came by tomorrow afternoon?  Perhaps
about four-thirty?" she replied.

"That's fine!  I'll be here and it should be kind of slow then. 
I'm looking forward to it."*Chapter 13*

The next afternoon Kathy drove to Charley's place and parked in
the lot.  Most of the spaces were empty.

Before going in, she carefully looked around.  It was a perfect
location for a bar, across from the main gate of the Naval Base.
The building was large but visibly needed work.  Paint was
peeling and the neon sign needed refurbishing The parking area
was pot-holed and in need of resurfacing.  There was no planting,
and the place looked barren and uninviting, particularly in the
daylight.

Kathy walked in and stood at the entrance.  The establishment was
really a single very large room.  A partition rose to the ceiling
beginning about ten feet back from the entrance which separated
the bar and lounge area on the left from a table area on the
right.  There was a substantial number of customers around the
bar, but compared with the large size of the place Charley's
appeared almost empty.

As Kathy walked up to the bar, an older man tending bar at the
back saw her.  He wiped his hands on his bar apron, and came
hurrying down to greet her.  Kathy saw there were two bartenders
working even with the small crowd; Kathy estimated there could be
five or more working when the place was busy.

Charley lifted a hinged section of the bar and came out to greet
her.  He stuck out his hand in greeting, "Hi!  I'm Charley
McCann, and I certainly recognize you as Kathy Smith."

Kathy took his hand in a firm grip, while Charley studied her. 
He slowly shook his head.  "Some people are going to be very
surprised.  We see you a lot on those television news shows and
talk about you.  We thought that it was the TV makeup and
lighting that made you look so good.  Boy, are the guys going to
be surprised when I tell them that TV doesn't do you justice! 
You're much more beautiful in person.  Can I get you something
from the bar before we sit down?"

Kathy smiled warmly, and Charley could feel his heart start to
melt.  "You're an Irish flatterer, Charles McCann!  That's a lot
of blarney!  But I would love a cold beer."

Charley blushed, retreated to the bar and returned with two
bottles of Sam Adams and chilled glasses.  He led the way around
to the empty table section.  After seating Kathy at a table he
sat down across from her.

"Miss Smith, you must be Sam Jenkins niece.  I just don't
understand why he never mentioned you to me, though.  He was my
closest friend.  But you are just like him.  You're so warm and
friendly...  so natural."  Charley thought about the gloomy
prospects for his place and his face fell.  "I guess you looked
around when you came in?"

Kathy just nodded.

"I'm afraid it doesn't look too good.  I made a mistake a few
years ago.  I don't take any money to speak of out of the
business.  The whole thing's paid for.  Sam gave me some money to
help me get going, but I paid him back a long time ago.  But then
I didn't notice that the old place was showing its age until it
was too late.  I guess I kept the prices too low for too long.

"When I realized I needed to fix it up, I got some estimates.  I
almost fell over when I learned what the cost would be.  Now I
don't feel I can raise prices until I fix the place up, and I
can't fix it up until I get money.  Everyone knows it's a great
location.  I have had some good offers to buy the property from
some big operators.  Their idea is to tear the place down and put
up a new, much fancier place on the property.  I guess word of
their interest got around.  When I went around to the banks, they
didn't want to lend, they wanted me to sell."

Charley looked at Kathy with sorrow visible in his eyes. 
"Kathy...  Do you mind if I call you Kathy?"

Kathy took has hand warmly and said, "Please do.  And may I call
you Charley?  I really feel I should call you Uncle Charley."

Charley blushed and continued to hold Kathy's hand.  "I would
love it!  Imagine having a niece like you.  But Kathy, I don't
want to sell!  It's not the money.  The offer is a very good one.
 But what can I do with money?  Kathy, I'm a bachelor like Sam. 
This is my life!  These are my friends!  I just don't want to
give it up."

Charley's head dropped and Kathy could see tears forming in his
eyes.  She went around the table and took the older man in her
arms.  Charley started to cry in earnest as if his heart would
break.  She continued to hold him while he regained control. 
Then he sniffed and reached into his pocket for a handkerchief. 
He wiped his eyes and blew his nose, then looked up at the girl.
"I'm sorry, Kathy.  That was awful!  My God, I don't think I've
cried since I was six years old.  I certainly didn't mean..."

Kathy smiled at him warmly and held his hand in both of hers.  "I
understand, Charley.  I really do.  It's your life.  Look, can I
make you an offer?  Will you let me give you the money to fix the
place up?  I would like to help you make Charley's the best
damned Navy bar in the world!  Would you like that?"

Charley started to smile.  It grew like the sun coming out from
behind a summer cloud.  "You would do that?  For me?  But my God,
Kathy, you don't know what you're saying.  The estimates are for
over $750,000!"

Kathy replied, "That's light for what I have in mind.  I was
thinking between a million and a half and two."  Charley's jaw
dropped.  "I would like to see the exterior completely redone. 
You ought to have the area landscaped.  Put in some grass and
shrubs and trees.  This is a naval base, Charley.  Except for the
sea, all the sailors get to see is asphalt!  We need to have some
green things around.

"Now the kitchen:  The swabbies like to drink, but they love to
eat, too.  Nothing fancy, but the kitchen has to be serving as
long as the bar is open.  The only places you can get something
to eat after ten o'clock are the top hotels that the sailors
can't afford, or the fast-food joints.  And you need a car to get
to most of them.  Then..."

Charley interrupted her.  "How long have you been studying this
place, Kathy?"

Kathy reddened with embarrassment, realizing that she didn't know
the first thing about running a bar or a restaurant.  She had
never seen the place in her life until a few minutes earlier, and
here she was trying to tell the man who had built it and run it
for years how to do it.  "I'm sorry, Charley.  I was out of line.
 I haven't studied your place at all.  I never even saw it until
I came in this afternoon.  I apologize.  Forget I saidanything."

"The hell I will forget!  I just heard more sensible ideas from
you in two minutes than from these dumb, so-called hospitality
consultants over the last two years.  Honest, Kathy, you never
saw the place before?"

"Honest, Charley."  Kathy smiled.  "I just tried to put myself in
the position of the sailors.  We want to give them what they want
to buy.  Now, about the money.  I'll loan it to you and you pay
me back when you can, the way you did with Sam."

She reached into her handbag and pulled out a check that she had
prepared at Ferguson's office on her way over.  "I didn't know
how much you would need, but I brought a check with me that you
can use to get started on."

The check, payable to Charles McCann, was for $1 million.  She
passed it to Charley who glanced at it, then stared.  "This check
says $1 million," he said, overcome with awe.  "Are you crazy?  I
mean...  I mean..."

"Charley, what's the trouble?  I'm only doing what my uncle would
have done if he were still alive.  He loaned you money to get
started, didn't he?"

"But Kathy, that was a few thousand dollars.  This is one
million!"

"But that was before inflation, Charley," Kathy said with a big
grin.  She put out her hand.  "Is it a deal?"

Charley looked at the extended hand and then down at the check. 
"No," he said firmly, "It's not."

Kathy's face fell. _I just don't know how to handle money.  I've
hurt this poor man's feelings, and I've wounded his pride,_ she
thought.  Tears started to form and then roll down her cheeks. 
"I'm sorry, Charley.  I was just trying to help," she said
softly.  "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

This time he held her while her shoulders shook with sobs.

Charley smiled.  "I didn't want to make you cry, Kathy.  But it
is a great excuse to get to hold you.  It's not the money, it's
the deal that's no good.  You are buying the place for that
money.  Of course, I would like to stay on and run it foryou..."

Kathy smiled brilliantly.  She hugged him and then gave him a
warm, soft, lingering kiss on his lips.

Charley reddened like a beet. _My God, what a kiss!_ he thought.
_This girl is a volcano.  I wonder if I'll be around when she
finds the right guy?_  Aloud he asked, "Kathy, do you have a
boyfriend?"

Kathy was visibly startled by the question.  "No, I don't.  Why
do you ask?"

"Because you will!" replied Charley.  "When the right guy comes
and you hear the bells, there's going to be a volcanic eruption.
I hope I live to see it."

Kathy had an eerie feeling.  Charley had almost exactly repeated
John Robinson's words the night of the fraternity initiation at
Yale.  "Charley, I have a favor to ask?"

"Anything!" he said.

"I would like to work as a bar waitress tonight.  I could put on
one of those super-short little strapless outfits.  My legs are
good enough, don't you think?"  She swung her chair so around so
she could extend her legs out straight.  She pulled her skirt up
to the tops of her thighs so Charley could inspect them.  "My
bottom's small, but it's firm.  I'm not as big on top as I should
be, but the construction of the outfit usually pushes a girl's
boobs up so she looks bigger than she is..."

Charley was scandalized.  "Not on your life!  Is your figure
passable, indeed!?  Kathy Smith, you idiot!  Your figure could
win the Miss Universe contest, for chrissakes!  Do you think I
want to start a riot?  The Shore Patrol would put the place Off
Limits.  Your bottom would be so black and blue from pinches, you
couldn't sit down for a week.  No!  You may not work as a bar
waitress!"

Kathy was prepared to argue when he added, "Besides, how would it
look?  Do you think you're invisible?  You may be the best-known
woman in Tidewater with all the television coverage you're
getting.  How do you think it would look for the Assistant
District Attorney of Norfolk County in charge of the Dangerous
Criminals Task Force to be seen working as a bar waitress?  I ask
you!"

Kathy pouted at him like a little girl.  "You're just saying that
to keep from hurting my feelings.  My body isn't up to your
standards."

"And you, young lady, are just fishing for more compliments. 
'Vanity, thy name is woman.'  Besides, you know I'm right."

Kathy grinned at him.  "Okay, you win, I guess.  But seriously, I
would like to look at the crowd tonight.  Could I sit at a table
and just watch?  Please?  I'll be real good!  Honest."

Charley nodded and smiled.  "I guess I can't stop the new owner
from keeping an eye on the place she just bought," he said. 
Charley grinned.  "Of course, that assumes she pays for her own
drinks..."

* * *

At eleven-thirty that night, Kathy was sitting at a small table
in the back of the room on the bar side.  She liked the friendly
atmosphere of the place.  She had been interested to learn that
most of the employees were off-duty naval personnel, including a
number of the waitresses.  She was recognized and word of who she
was spread quickly.

Kathy was embarrassed when a pretty young waitress came up and
asked for her autograph.  The girl said that she was a yeoman
first class assigned to the base legal office.  She told Kathy
that she wanted to go into law when she got out of the Navy, and
Kathy was her personal hero.  In response to Kathy's question,
she said her name was Sally.  As Kathy wrote the autograph she
looked at Sally.  The girl was wearing a uniform exactly like the
one Kathy had been describing to Charley earlier; she hadn't
realized she was being prescient.  Out of curiosity, she asked
Sally about pinches.

The girl rubbed her bottom ruefully and grinned.  "They mean
well.  If they give you a really hard pinch, they usually end up
sticking some money down your top.  Besides, it improves my
agility.  I think of it as an obstacle course.  A hard pinch is
when I didn't clear the obstacle."

Sally moved off to serve the customers that were crowding the
place.  Moments later, two men entered the bar.  For some reason,
Kathy sensed that they didn't belong.  Responding to her
premonition she unobtrusively placed her purse on the table in
front of her.

The pair went up to the bar and suddenly guns were brandished. 
"This is a holdup!" one of the men yelled.  "Nobody move!"

At that instant a sailor sitting opposite the bar against the
wall, got up and started towards them.  "Hey, wait a minute, you
can't..."

The gunmen were about fifteen feet away from the sailor when both
weapons fired.  Kathy was sitting to their left out of their
sight line.  She slipped her weapon from its holster and squeezed
off four shots in rapid fire.

Suddenly it appeared that their weapons had become too heavy to
hold and their bones turned to jelly.

Before they hit the floor, Kathy was running towards the sailor
who was on the floor.  "Call the police and get an ambulance. 
This man's been hit," she yelled.

She found that he had been hit in his right arm at a point just
below the shoulder.  The slug was imbedded in the muscle; there
was no exit wound.  Although she couldn't be sure, Kathy didn't
think the bone had been hit.

The young waitress, Sally, came running up quickly with a
first-aid kit.  She seemed to know what she was doing as she cut
away the sailor's sleeve to prepare to bandage the wound.

The sailor tried to smile at her.  "That's not fair, Sally.  Why
did you have to cut off my sleeve like that?  These are my best
tailor-made blues!"

Sally finished bandaging his arm and then gave the sailor a soft
kiss full on the lips.

In the meantime, Kathy had moved to where the two gunmen lay
crumpled on the floor.  Other sailors were keeping curious people
away from the scene.  Moments later, sirens were heard responding
to the shooting report.  At the same time a siren with a
different pitch could be heard moving in their direction from the
Naval Base hospital.  Two policemen entered the bar with their
guns drawn.

When they realized that everything was under control, they
holstered their weapons and examined the bodies on the floor. 
Both men were dead so they were left untouched awaiting the crime
team.  Navy corpsmen came in with a stretcher and carefully
removed the wounded sailor to the ambulance outside.  A moment
later its siren screamed as it rolled back towards the base
hospital.

Charley and his people moved the customers around to the table
side of the establishment to clear the area for police who were
now arriving in numbers.  A detective lieutenant took charge and
asked what happened.  Kathy went up and introduced herself.  She
drew her .38 and gave it to the officer.

After relating what had happened so suddenly, she concluded her
story by saying, "They started shooting, so I returned fire to
protect lives."

The lieutenant wrote down the serial number of Kathy's LadySmith
in his notebook and gave it back to her.  Surreptitiously, he
dropped four fresh .38 rounds into her hand along with the
weapon.  "You may need it again, Miss Smith.  Please keep it
fully loaded."

Television news crews arrived and set up their lights and cameras
out front.  The lieutenant had conclusively identified one of the
dead men as a person high on the Dangerous Criminals List.  Since
over two months had passed since the list was placed in broad
circulation among law enforcement agencies, all of the media now
had copies of their own.

Kathy was pleased that, even though they had obtained copies, no
one had published it.  The other dead man was identified as an
associate of the first whose criminal accomplishments were not
yet numerous enough to make the list himself.  Kathy put on a
coat and went outside to meet the press.  She quickly related the
events of the evening.

A TV reporter identified one of the gunmen by name and asked
Kathy if he was on the List.  Kathy decided to break precedent by
conceding what both she and the reporter knew.  "Yes, he was,"
she said without elaboration.

By this time, things were winding down at Charley's.  The morgue
wagon had taken the bodies away, and the crime lab people had
finished their work.  One was overheard saying to the other that
it was a waste of time.  The whole thing was open-and-shut.  Two
dangerous hoodlums had been gunned down, and it couldn't happen
to nicer guys.  The other replied that they still had to fill out
all the forms neatly to keep the paper-pushers happy.  The last
vehicle moved out and things started to get back to normal. 
Kathy whispered to Charley who announced that the bar was open
and drinks were on the house until closing.  Then he raced around
filling orders.

Meanwhile, Kathy went back to her table and sat down.  Suddenly
she felt her knees turn to rubber and she started to feel sick. 
As she did, Sally quickly came over and held her.  Kathy absently
noticed how clean the girl smelled.

"Thank you, Kathy.  They were going to kill Jim, you know."

Kathy looked up, slightly dazed.  Just then Charley came up with
a glass filled with an amber liquid which he gave to her.  He
asked Sally when she needed to be back at the base.

"Not until 0800 on Monday.  Why, Charley?" she asked.

"Sally, I would appreciate it if you would drive Miss Smith back
home.  I really don't think she's in any condition to drive now,
and she certainly won't be after she drinks that cognac.  I'll
keep your time running on the clock until Monday."

"Charley McCann," Sally exclaimed angrily, "that's an insult!  On
the clock, indeed!  Look, she saved Jim's life!  I don't know if
I'll marry him, but I sure want him to stay alive while I make up
my mind.  Miss Smith, I would be honored to take you home if it's
all right with you?"

"Sally, it would save my life.  Thank you so much!"

The girl went back to the dressing room to change out of her
uniform.

Charley sat down at Kathy's table while they were waiting. 
"Kathy, I just don't know what to say.  Don't take it the wrong
way, but when those guys pulled their guns, I looked your way to
be sure you were safe.  Then I heard the firing.  Kathy, I don't
think a cobra can strike as fast as you moved.  You were sitting
with your hand on your purse.  The next instant there's flame
coming from your right hand and those shits are on the floor. 
Sam and I were buddies during World War II and saw a lot of
action together.  He would have been very proud!"  He held her in
his arms until Sally returned.

The two girls went out to the car with Kathy still carrying her
cognac.  Charley had told her that it was one of the best in the
world, Remy Martin's Louis XIII.  All she knew was it was
delightfully smooth and was calming her down.  Sally headed out
the Virginia Beach Expressway.  Kathy could hardly stay awake to
give Sally the intricate directions to her apartment.

Kathy showed Sally to the guest room, went to her room, removed
her clothes and fell into bed.  She was so tired that she left
her clothes in a pile on the floor where they fell.*Chapter 14*

Kathy awakened in her bed with sunlight streaming through the
window.  Sally was standing  at her bedside looking unhappy. 
After stretching luxuriantly, she said brightly, "Good morning,
Sally.  What time is it, anyway?"

"Good morning.  It's nearly eleven and I'm very sorry I awakened
you."

"Don't be silly.  I haven't slept this late in months," said
Kathy as she got to her feet and disappeared into the bathroom. 
She emerged a few minutes later after brushing her teeth.  "Why
are you looking so unhappy?" she asked with the concern showing
in her voice.  "I hope you didn't get bad news about Jim!"

Sally brightened.  "Oh, no!  I called the hospital and he's fine.
 I am going to see him tonight."

Kathy was seeing Sally for the first time in good light.  The
girl was wearing skin-tight blue jeans, a loose sweater, and a
pair of moccasins with no socks.  The girl had beautiful auburn
hair, brilliant green eyes and lovely features.  Kathy studied
her carefully.

Sally reddened under her gaze and continued, "It's not Jim, it's
your apartment.  He's the electronics technician; I'm not.  I've
never seen such a place.  Everything is electrical!  I'm so
inept, I couldn't even figure out how to draw your drapes.  I
tried to draw them so you could sleep longer.  Then I decided to
try to fix breakfast, but the kitchen scares me.  And I couldn't
even figure out how to make my shower work.  And I know I look
like a slob, but..."

"I'm so sorry.  I was just admiring your beauty.  Sally, I think
you're a doll.  It's none of my business, but are you wearing
anything under those jeans?"

Sally blushed crimson and shook her head, no.  "I was going to
work and we wear those little uniforms.  They're built sort of
like a girdle and they're strapless with kind of a built-in bra.
With the side cut, you can't be sure even bikini briefs won't
show so..."  She held her head up straight and finished the
speech.  "No, Miss Smith.  I am not wearing any underwear.  I'm
sorry for embarrassing you.  I'll leave now."

Kathy smiled fondly.  She liked this lovely little sailor. 
"Sally, you will like hell leave!  First, for God's sake, it's
Kathy, not Miss Smith.  Miss Smith sounds like a maiden
64-year-old school teacher.  Second, you seem like a bright girl.
 I hope you've noticed what I'm wearing... or not wearing.  I
apologize to you.  I seldom wear clothes around my apartment.

"You probably noticed that there is no view into the apartment
except from straight overhead.  You've noticed that I have no
pubic hair.  It's a foible I have and I've gotten used to.  I
hope I'm not embarrassing _you._

"You mentioned breakfast, which reminds me, I'm starving.  And
it's Sunday.  I love a big breakfast on Sunday.  How about you? 
I'll start cooking while you check at the front door for the
Sunday paper."  By the time Kathy finished her recital, Sally was
smiling happily.

Kathy padded off to the kitchen while Sally retrieved the paper.
She asked if she could help and was told that the biggest help
would be to sit down and let the demon cook work.  Kathy made a
breakfast of omelettes with pecan-smoked bacon, and waffles with
butter and pure maple syrup.  "Since you're in the Navy and
surviving, I assume you drink coffee?"  She nodded and Kathy
poured it.  "Sally, I'm embarrassed.  I don't even know your last
name.  I gather Jim is a boyfriend, and I don't know his,
either."

Sally put out her hand, "I'm Sarah Fitzgerald, but I am called
Sally; Jim is James O'Rourke.  I am very pleased to meet you."

Kathy took the girl's hand and was pleased with the firmness of
her grip.  She hated limp handshakes from anyone.  Glancing at
the front page of the paper, Kathy noticed that the temperature
was expected to reach the upper seventies.  She looked at Sally
speculatively.  "Do you swim?"  Sally looked puzzled but answered
that she did.  "Come on then, let's take advantage of the day!"

She led the way through her bathroom, opened the sliding door to
the pool deck, and checked the temperature.  For a change, the
weather man had got it right.  "I don't think you want to swim in
those do you?  Those sweaters get terribly heavy when they're
wet," she said with a grin.

Sally had long since become accustomed to Kathy's nudity and had
guiltily wanted to be bare as well.  She lost no time in
stripping off her sweater and jeans after kicking off her mocs. 
She stood in front of Kathy with a question in her eyes.

"Turn around slowly," Kathy said absently.

Sally was a smaller girl than Kathy, standing five feet four
inches tall.  The uniform she wore at Charley's may have been
made like a corset, but obviously Sally Fitzgerald didn't need
one.  Whiteness across her loins showed where they had been
covered by a bikini.  There was no similar mark across her
breasts.  Like Kathy's, Sally's breasts were high and firm but
not overly large.  She had a small patch of red pubic hair. 
Sally blushed with the color beginning at her loins and rapidly
spreading upward.

She had seen that Kathy had noticed the remains of an even tan
covering her breasts.  She answered Kathy's unasked question.  "I
looked everywhere but I couldn't find a suit whose bra matched
the line of my uniform at work, so I just leave the bra off when
I can."

Kathy grinned.  "You look perfect to me.  What does Jim think?"
she asked, guessing that Sally's relationship with the young man
was more serious than she would admit even to herself.

As she asked the question, she manipulated the controls on her
shower.  The water flooded out from all directions.  She motioned
to the smaller girl and they both stepped in.

This time, Sally didn't blush.  "He always wants me to take the
bottom off, too, but usually I won't."  She jumped a little as
Kathy turned down the water flow and the girls started soaping
themselves.  When Sally reached her buttocks, Kathy noticed there
really were bruises showing.

Kathy probed a particularly dark one with her fingers and Sally
yelped.  "You weren't kidding about the pinches, were you?"

"No, I wasn't," she said ruefully.  "I try to keep Jim from
seeing them.  He gets furious.  I try to face him which usually
works okay.  He's a boob man, and he really likes mine.  He likes
to weigh them in his hands.  Anyway, concentrating on my boobs
keeps him from looking at my bottom."  Sally started to laugh,
remembering a scene from the past.  "Once, a guy gave me a really
hard pinch and I yelped.  Jim got mad and decked the guy!"

"That doesn't sound funny.  What did you do?"

"I decked _him._  I told him that I worked there, and it was bad
for business to hit the customers."  While Sally was talking,
Kathy was soaping her own body.  "Kathy, you really are
magnificent, you know."  When she finished, Kathy activated all
the jets again and the girls moved under the sprays.  "This is
heaven," Sally said.  "I could stay in here forever."

"We can finish later.  Let's go."

She led the way to the pool and dove in.  Sally followed moments
later.  They stroked side by side up and down the pool.  Sally
was a smooth and powerful swimmer and had no difficulty keeping
up.  As they moved, Kathy could feel the tension in her muscles
ease.  She figured it was the aftermath of the events of the
previous night.  Finally exhausted, she hauled herself out of the
pool with the smaller girl following smoothly behind her.  After
hauling out two mats, the girls soaked up the November sunshine.

Kathy awakened feeling cool.  She and Sally had almost
immediately fallen asleep.  It was the drop in temperature caused
by the late hour that had awakened her.  The smaller girl was
still sleeping on her back, but Kathy could see the girl shiver a
little in her sleep.  "Come on sleepyhead.  Let's go!"

Sally opened her eyes and shivered.  "Good Heavens.  What time is
it?  I must have slept for hours!"

Kathy replied, "Judging by the sun, I guess it's about three. 
You're cold!  Let's warm up."  Earlier, Kathy had activated the
sauna so it was up to temperature as the girls entered the room
with its dry heat.  Kathy poured water on the rocks which
instantly flashed to steam.  She joined Sally on the bench and
they leaned back to enjoy the moist warmth.  After sweat had been
pouring from her pores for a while, she showed Sally how the
scraping technique worked.

Finally, Sally said, "Can we leave, now?  There's not nearly as
much of me as there is of you, and I think at least half of what
was there just melted!"

Kathy laughed at the quip.  "Do you feel brave, Sally?  Do you
want to go the whole hog with a sauna?"

"What do you mean?" the girl asked.

"In Finland where they originated this device of torture they do
it in the winter.  They also beat each other with birch twigs in
the sauna, but we passed on that and settled for scraping.  In
the winter, before going into the sauna they cut a hole in the
ice of the lake outside.  When they get out of the sauna they
jump into the freezing water.  It closes the pores in a hurry!  I
think there is some religious significance to the whole thing,
but I'm not sure.  I don't have a frozen lake, but I do have a
cold water pool that I'm going to jump into.  Do you want to join
me?"

"Lead on, boss!  I'll try almost anything once," the small girl
replied.

Kathy opened the sauna door and jumped feet first into the
circular pool.  After the instantaneous shock, the water felt
good and then cold.  She let her head break the surface.  Sally
was looking in the water with concern showing on her face because
Kathy had stayed under so long.  When her head bobbed to the
surface, Sally smiled in relief and jumped.  She, too, stayed
under, emulating Kathy's performance.  When she bobbed to the
surface, Kathy said, "What do you think of it, Sally?"

"I think I'm freezing my boobs off, is what I think.  Can we get
out now?"

The two girls quickly emerged and went back to Kathy's shower. 
In an instant, warm water flooded over them.  This time Kathy
produced shampoo and conditioner.  As their bodies recovered from
the thermal shock, they washed each other's hair.  "I love your
hair, Sally.  The color is glorious.  You're the first redhead
I've ever met who can tan."

"Thank you.  I appreciate the comment from a girl whose hair is
24-carat gold!  Yours is magnificent.  Why don't you just let it
grow?  I couldn't imagine anything sexier than letting that gold
flow over your breasts and over your man's chest and...  I'm
sorry, Kathy.  I'm getting carried away.  Who's your boyfriend,
by the way?"

"I don't have one yet.  I'm still hoping," said Kathy.

Sally looked at her thoughtfully, "Have you tried a classified
ad?  That works sometimes."

With that, she fled from the shower, but not before Kathy landed
a hard swat on her rump.  When Kathy got out of the shower, the
smaller girl was ruefully rubbing her bruised rump and talking to
herself.  "When are you going to learn, Fitzgerald?  When _will_
you learn not to antagonize big brutes when you have a bruised
ass?  When?"

"Follow me," Kathy said with an impassive expression on herface.

They made their way to the exercise room where Kathy had the girl
lie face down on a massage table.  Kathy went to her supply of
lotions and found the one she was looking for.  Gently, she
worked it into the girl's bruised buttocks.  Then she massaged
the rest of her body.  When she finished, she covered the girl
with a soft blanket and let her sleep.

At five-thirty she went back to the exercise room.  Sally was
just waking up.  She looked like a small girl with her eyes full
of sleep.  Tenderly, Kathy lifted the blanket and lightly ran her
fingers over the girl's bruises.  "Does that feel any better?  I
apologize.  I forgot the bruises.  Lady, I'm going to see about
armoring the uniform bottoms with Kevlar when we reorder.  You
are hurt."

Sally sprang lightly from the table without saying a word.  She
motioned Kathy to take her place on the table.  A little
fearfully, she did, lying on her stomach.  Sally motioned her
over on her back.  The girl examined the massage lotions.  Her
eyes lit up when she found what she wanted.  Then she started to
work on Kathy with strong yet gentle fingers.  Kathy could feel
her muscles warm and relax as the fingers did their work.  Sally
rolled her over and started to work on her legs, moving up her
thighs to her buttocks.  As the warmth spread Kathy fell into a
sound sleep.

At seven-thirty she opened her eyes to see Sally studying her
face.  "Smith, I hate you!  Not only are you beautiful when you
sleep, you're even beautiful at the moment of awakening!  That's
disgusting!  It's... It's... It's sinful!"  Her words and her
tone were belied by the lovely smile on her face.  "Come on
sleepy head.  Time to move.  I called the hospital and they said
I could see Jim until eleven.  I have to get going."

Kathy looked at her.  "May I visit, too?  I'm driving you back to
the base."

Sally looked surprised but nodded.  After a quick dinner, Kathy
sat the girl down and went to work on a hairdo that she had
thought of.  Sally was delighted with the result.  "I don't know
what you did, but it makes me look like a pixie in a very
seductive way.  And that's a contradiction in terms, I know."

With reluctance, she pulled on her jeans.  Kathy helped with her
sweater to avoid spoiling her new hairdo.  Then she went to her
room and came back tugging on a pair of skin-tight Levi's of her
own which she topped with a Yale sweatshirt.  She put on a pair
of moccasins and they were off.

While driving toward the base, she probed Sally's plans.  "Sally,
last night at Charley's you said you wanted to be a lawyer.  Were
you serious?"

"Honestly, Kathy, I was more hoping than planning.  I'm going to
be twenty-two when my enlistment is up.  Jim will be twenty-two,
also.  He wants to study electrical engineering at Cal Tech.  The
big lug is smart enough to do it, too.  But there's just not
enough money, I'm afraid.  I'm saving a lot of my Navy pay and we
get good educational benefits.  As you gathered, Jim doesn't like
me working at Charley's and getting mauled.  The only reason he
hasn't hauled me off by my hair already is that the money is good
and I save it all."

When they arrived at the hospital, Sally showed her Navy ID, and
Kathy identified herself.  They went up to the ward where Jim was
lying in bed.  Kathy realized the talk today had helped Sally
sort out her feelings.  When they reached his bedside, Sally
looked beautiful and Jim said so.

She said, "Jim, I would like you to meet my friend, Kathy Smith,
who saved your life last night.  Kathy, this is Jim O'Rourke, who
keeps asking me to marry him.  Can you imagine marrying a big lug
who's so dumb he thinks he can walk through bullets?"

With a soft cry, Sally cradled his face in her hands and kissed
him lovingly on the lips.  Ignoring Kathy, Jim put his hand under
her sweater and cupped a breast.  Sally continued to kiss him
while mewing softly.  Then she put her hand over his and held it
there.  Finally she pulled herself away.

The previous night Kathy had not had a good look at Jim.  He was
big and powerfully muscled, standing about six feet three, and
weighing over 200.  He had dark hair and blue eyes, which didn't
leave Sally.  Kathy approached the bed and extended her left hand
so he could grip it with his.  When he smiled at her, he showed
even white teeth.  Kathy thought he was a very handsome young
man.

"Miss Smith," Jim said, "I owe you my life.  The guys I was with
last night said that I would have been a dead man if it hadn't
been for you.  I was looking at the gunmen.  They had a
kill-craze in their eyes when they started shooting.  I thought I
was gone for sure.  Suddenly, they folded up like puppets with
their strings cut.  Thank you."

As he spoke, Kathy could see tears forming in his eyes.  By the
time he finished, they were streaming down his cheeks.  He turned
toward Sally who had a tissue and started gently drying his eyes.
 "As for you, young lady!  I spent all day thinking about you and
about us.  I love you so much, Sally!  I decided something.  You
admire Miss Smith enormously and want to follow in her footsteps.
 I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for her.

"We're going to pool our money, and we're going to use it for you
to go to USC and then on to USC Law School.  There are a lot of
jobs in Southern California for a top electronics technician and
I am one.  We'll do just fine.  When you finish, you can suppor
me!" he said with an attempt at a grin.  He continued.  "Miss
Smith, would you believe this little twit has combined SAT's of
almost 1550?  She really does."

Kathy was trying desperately to keep from crying.  These two
young people were obviously so deeply in love and now Jim was
preparing to sacrifice his career for his future wife's.  She
managed to control herself and speak without her voice cracking.
"If you call me Miss Smith one more time, James O'Rourke, I'll
hit you right where the bullet went in.  Ask your future wife if
I can hit.  She's still rubbing her cute little ass."

At that point Sally spoke up firmly.  There was not even a quiver
in her voice.  "No, you will not, Jim O'Rourke.  I'll be
barefoot, pregnant and home with the kids.  Kathy, he didn't tell
you he got an even 800 on SAT math...  And 800 on AP Physics... 
And 800 on AP Math B&C.  Of course, we don't talk about his SAT
English scores.  The poor dear is only marginally literate. 
That's why I feel sorry for him and have to take care of him."

"Jim," Kathy asked changing the subject, "is it true that Sally
decked you at Charley's one night after you flattened a
customer?"

Jim grinned and rubbed his jaw.  "I'm afraid it is.  I was on the
floor.  She has an absolutely wicked right cross!"

Sally went back into Jim's good arm and was kissing him
passionately when Kathy quietly left the room.  Neither knew she
had gone.  Kathy wondered how long it would take them to figure
out how to make love in the hospital bed without hurting his
wounded arm.*Chapter 15*

When she returned to her apartment after leaving Jim and Sally,
she turned on the VCRs and rewound the tapes to see the evening
news shows that she had recorded.  The three network stations had
major coverage of the shootings the night before.  One of the
anchors commented that the two gunman had been convicted of three
killings between them.  He continued by saying that, regardless
of what one may think of the deterrent value of the death
penalty, those two men would never kill again.  Overall, Kathy
was pleased with the tone of the newscasts.  The next morning she
glanced quickly at the morning paper while she ate a quick
breakfast.  It, too, played the Saturday-night shooting
prominently.  There were sidebars with eyewitness interviews
coupled with statements from several officials.

On Monday, Kathy had no idea how the staff in her office would
act.  When she walked in, everyone dove for the floor.  Her
laughter broke whatever tension there may have been.  Pete
motioned for her into his office.  She sat down in her customary
chair, adopting her usual pose.  He looked at her.  "Knock off
that Junior League shit, for Christ's sake!  It looks natural,
but it's an act.  A very good act, understand, but an act. 
Saturday night was _not_ an act.  Kathy, you could have been
killed."

Kathy stuck out her tongue.  "I rather like my Junior League bit,
too.  You're mean!"

Pete ignored her and went back to the papers on his desk.  "We
have a bunch of stuff that hasn't been released to the press,
yet.  Some of it never will be.  The medical examiner's report is
interesting.  I've never seen one quite like it.  Instead of the
usual technical jargon written in a studiedly dispassionate tone,
this one was written with overtones of awe.

"It seems the cause of death was identical in both cases: two .38
caliber bullets entering the chest cavity from the left on a
slightly rising trajectory.  Both bullets passed through the
heart and imbedded in the upper right quarter of the body, in or
near the shoulder.  All four bullets have been recovered.  They
match the rifling of your LadySmith and the spent brass retrieved
from its cylinder.  Death was instantaneous.  Either bullet in
each body would have been immediately fatal.  The two reports are
identical.  Do you have any explanation?"

"The place was crowded with people.  I wanted to be sure bullets
wouldn't be ricocheting around the room.  Did they find and
recover the other bullet fired by the gunmen?"

"The police dug it out of the wall panel separating the rooms. 
The Navy turned over the slug extracted from O'Rourke's arm.  The
guy on our List gunned O'Rourke.  His buddy's bullet hit the
wall.  The police can't recreate the scene with accuracy good
enough to determine how close it came to hitting him, but it
isn't important anyway.  Paraffin and other tests were run on the
bodies.  Results are conclusive:  Each man fired his weapon once
before he was hit.  The recovered bullets match up, and so
forth."

Mahoney stopped and looked up.  "Never in my years in law
enforcement have I encountered such a clear-cut case.  It's so
good, even the usual gun-control nuts haven't opened their
mouths.  As soon as the inquest can be scheduled, there will be a
finding of justifiable homicide in the line of duty to prevent
further injury or death.  The mayor is waiting for the official
finding to award you a commendation for exceptional performance.

"For chrissakes, Kathy, even the damned Navy wants to get into
the act!  For some unfathomable reason the Admiral commanding the
Naval Base wants to present a commendation at a formal Admiral's
inspection and review next Sunday.  It seems some of his people
who were at Charley's Saturday night stated that the two gunman
started firing with a crazed look in their eyes.  They said the
guys were going to keep shooting and would have wasted a lot of
highly-trained naval personnel.

"The governor is watching developments.  He would like to do
something dramatic but hasn't figured out just what to do yet. 
To top it all off, just before you came in I get a call from that
dumb-ass head of the police pistol range!  He wants to see you as
soon as possible; he had you shooting at full-face targets and
didn't fill you in on target areas of the body from other
angles."

Kathy continued sitting, but her face looked grim.  She waited
for Mahoney to speak while he waited for her.  He broke the
silence.  "I'm sorry, Kathy.  Damn it, I'm scared!  The best
assistant in the whole damned state, and possibly the whole
country, in a shootout!  The experts are unanimous.  It was the
finest police work they've ever seen.  It is the only exchange
that went _exactly_ by the book.  One shot each from the bad guys
and they're wasted.

"The District Director of the FBI won't stop talking about _two_
shots.  'Not one, two.  Right by the book.  Fire at least two to
make sure -- a double tap.  Every bullet lethal.'  Kathy, I am
proud.  Scared as hell for you, but proud.  I find myself
believing what the Dean told me:  You _do_ get the job done."

He rose and went around his desk.  Kathy also got up, thinking
they were leaving the office.  Instead, Pete stopped, took her in
his arms and kissed her.  Kathy calmly kissed him back.  When he
released her, she heard a barely-perceptible, "Wow!"  Peter
started muttering about getting a lot of shit from Personnel for
sexual harassment.

The hearings and paperwork were handled in record time.  About
all Kathy remembered later were people with their hands out
congratulating her.  Often they were trying to get into news
photographs with her.  As soon as she could, she got away from
the office after ensuring that her assistants were staying on top
of their cases and pushing ahead as fast as possible.

She went out to visit some police stations to check on morale,
the critical variable in her law-enforcement equation.  On her
first set of visits announcing the program she had been received
with skeptical support.  "We'll give it a try, _but..."_  Left
unsaid was the thought that it wasn't going to work.  The
atmosphere she found on this visit was totally different.  She
was treated with the deference accorded Queen Elizabeth of
England on a state visit.  The attitude was shared from the
newest rookie to the most senior watch officers.  "Kathy, you're
one of _us._  You've been there."

In spite of always being armed, the typical police officer spends
his entire career without ever firing a shot in anger.  Some
observers feel it's a good thing considering what all too often
happens: Dozens, and at times hundreds of rounds are fired
without hitting the person at whom the shots were aimed.  Gun
battles in which more passers-by are hit than bad men occur all
too often.  It is not frequent but often enough to hurt the
police self-image.  Police officers detest, most of all,
appearing to the public to be a bunch of Keystone Kops.

Kathy had been involved in the most dangerous possible situation
encountered in police work: shots fired in a location crowded
with innocent civilians, with the civilians as the target.  Her
response was instantaneous, exactly correct and most of all
deadly accurate.  All the officers knew this.  None of them put
it into words.  Kathy had buried two of the worst gunmen in
Tidewater.  The police appreciated it.

She went into a small station in East Norfolk.  The desk sergeant
saw her come in and did a double-take.  Instantly, he was out
from behind his desk to shake her hand.  "Miss Smith, what you
did was perfect, simply perfect.  Thank you."

Kathy, without thinking, said simply, "Thanks, Sergeant."  and
kissed him full on the cheek.  The sergeant turned bright red and
glowed. _Kathy Smith kissed me on the cheek,_ he thought.  At
that moment he would have cheerfully died for her.

Kathy went back to the small squad room.  A single detective
stood up, came over and shook her hand.  He didn't say anything
but just kept shaking her hand.  A pair of patrolmen entered the
station and saw her.  One stiffened to attention and saluted
smartly.  The other's jaw dropped.  Kathy heard him mutter as she
passed, while returning the salute of the first, "It's her!  It's
Kathy Smith.  She's here."

At the end of the day, she sat in her library and tried to
evaluate the day.  She couldn't.  It had certainly boosted her
ego.  On the other hand, the tributes she received were genuine
and heartfelt.  There were no fancy speeches.  There were people
who respected her for what she had done and were grateful for the
opportunity to show this respect.  She finally decided that the
day was positive for both her and for the uniformed forces.

When she entered her apartment, her answering machine showed
twelve messages.  It was an extraordinary number since so few
people knew her phone number.  When she played back the tape she
found no messages at all.  Because her machine marked the time of
each call, she did notice that they came about every thirty
minutes, beginning about six hours earlier.  The most recent call
had come in about fifteen minutes before she returned home. _If
the caller follows his schedule,_ she thought, _the next call is
due about now._  At that instant the phone rang and Kathy picked
it up.

"Kathy, it's Julie.  I've been trying to reach you for hours! 
How are you?"

"I'm fine, Julie.  What's the trouble?"  Clearly something was
very important to cause Julie to maintain her call frequency. 
For some reason she wanted to deliver a message personally
without placing her trust in a machine.

"Kathy, I told you once before that we hear things.  I also told
you that you have important support in surprising quarters. 
Well, Hon, 'the surprising quarters' just about declared today a
holiday in your honor!  Those creeps you burned are not missed. 
In fact, their passing was greeted with cheers.  Incidentally,
you have achieved a level of respect with some people who, uh...
use weapons in their profession.  One man with particularly good
firearms skills believes it was perfect shooting.  He kept
repeating, 'Not good...  not great...  Perfect!  It can't get
better than that!'

"At any rate I have been asked to pass on a warning.  A rumor has
reached town that some special talent may have been imported to
take you out.  This rumor has started activity in very high
councils.  It's a matter of turf, you understand.  No one knows
if the rumor has substance, but I was ordered to tell you, 'For
God's sake, keep your head down and be careful.'  Honey, you were
unbelievable.  Good-bye."  The circuit went dead.

Kathy had noted particularly Julie's use of the word, ordered. 
It said to her that this was a direct communication from the top
of the organization in Tidewater.  It was interesting.  She took
out her gun-cleaning kit and cleaned and oiled her pistol.  She
replaced the bullets the lieutenant had given her with four from
her box of special match-grade ammunition.

The next day was Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.  Kathy
felt she had to bring a gift to Jane and Bob when she visited on
Thanksgiving.  As she headed out of the building, she was
preoccupied trying to think of an appropriate gift.

As she walked slowly toward the curb her brain registered
something wrong.  A car was moving slowly down the line of parked
cars as if looking for a curbside parking space to open.  Kathy
was at a spot on the curb where parking was not permitted.  The
curb in front of her was clear for a space of about two
car-lengths.  Just then the approaching car accelerated.  Kathy
hit the sidewalk, rolled once, drew her pistol and fired one shot
as a shotgun blast went over her head.  The car sped away but
Kathy thought she had hit the gunman sitting in the passenger
seat.

She got to her feet and looked down.  Foolishly, all she could
think of was that wonderful medical phrase, abrasions and
contusions.  She assumed the doctors felt better treating
abrasions and contusions than they would treating scrapes and
bruises.

While she stood there wool gathering, the sounds of sirens were
heard coming from all directions.  The glass door in her building
had been destroyed by the shotgun blast.  Made of safety glass,
it had disintegrated into thousands of pieces.  The force of the
blast had driven most of the broken glass back into the
building's lobby.  Fortunately, no one was hit by either the
pellets or the flying glass.  In moments, police cruisers
screeched to a stop at the curb.  Officers jumped out with their
guns drawn.  The first arriving officer immediately recognized
Kathy.  At the same instant she felt faint and went down on one
knee.

The officer grabbed his radio microphone and screamed, "It's
Kathy Smith!  Someone tried to kill Kathy!  Send an ambulance!" 
He followed with the address of the district attorney's office,
grabbed his first aid kit and ran to Kathy's side.  He took off
his coat, folded it to make a pillow for her head and made her
lie down.

She tried to get up but the officer insisted that she remain flat
on the sidewalk.  The officer started to weep, "The dirty
bastards tried to kill Kathy."

Other patrol units had arrived by this time.  A second officer
took off his coat and gently put it over Kathy as a blanket.  In
moments, there was a phalanx of police surrounding Kathy with
drawn weapons in case another attempt were made on her life.

The ambulance arrived.  Emergency Medical Technicians quickly
determined that she had not suffered a life-threatening wound
requiring on-the-spot attention.  Carefully they transferred her
to their stretcher, covered her with a blanket, and loaded her in
their vehicle.  The two officers retrieved their coats.  As the
ambulance roared away towards the hospital it was accompanied by
four police cruisers, two leading and two trailing.  The police
were taking no chances.

At the hospital, she was rushed into an emergency treatment room.
 The time lying on her back, both on the sidewalk and in the
ambulance, had allowed her faintness to pass.  Although she
wanted to get up, the staff wouldn't let her.  They carefully
undressed and examined her.  She had bruises and abrasions on her
right arm, elbow, hip, knee and calf from hitting the sidewalk. 
The doctors found two shotgun pellets had ripped through the back
of her dress.  Idly, Kathy wondered if she could write off the
now-destroyed garment as a business expense.

After the sustained seriousness following the shooting she
appreciated the trauma specialist who examined her.  He was a
young physician of about thirty.  Kathy looked at him, smiled to
relieve the tension she felt and asked him how she was.

The doctor frowned, and looked very serious.  "Miss Smith, I'm
sorry.  I've treated girls with more serious injuries sustained
jumping rope!"  At this he grinned and started to chuckle.

Kathy had felt a sinking sensation when she had seen how serious
he looked.  When he finished his statement, she yelped.  Then she
started to laugh.  The doctor held her in his arms as her
laughter turned to tears when post-trauma shock hit her.  He just
held her as she slowly calmed down.  Finally, she pushed away and
really smiled.  "How much do you charge for holding patients in
hysteria, Doctor."

He looked very thoughtful for a moment before he answered. 
"Well, it depends on how attractive they are with rates inversely
proportional to beauty.  I'm afraid, Miss Smith, I would be
paying you a great deal."  He stuck out his hand, "I'm Charles
Miller, Miss Smith.  I'm delighted to meet you, but I wish it had
been under more pleasant circumstances."

Kathy gripped his hand firmly, "Please call me Kathy, Doctor."

She had become more aware of her surroundings.  She was seated on
an examining table wearing the standard hospital gown that is
both very short and open in the back.  She looked down at herself
and then at the doctor.  "I wonder...  I think this is the
perfect dress for the Thanksgiving party tomorrow, don't you?" 
They both laughed.

A nurse came in to assist Charley -- "If I'm supposed to call you
Kathy, you damn well can call me Charley" -- with cleaning and
dressing the abrasions.  "Kathy, I would like you to meet my
wife, Cindy.  Cindy, this is Kathy Smith."  Cindy Miller shook
hands, and the two then set about carefully cleaning the
abrasions of dirt, cement particles, and other debris.

Kathy was regularly "ouching" as they worked.  She finally said,
"Look, I know you Millers are sadists.  I know you have to use
scouring powder to be sure its clean.  But for God's sake, do you
really need to use Brillo, too?"

The Millers laughed but were relieved she was well enough to
crack jokes.  While Charles finished, Cindy left the room for
more supplies.  When she returned, she had a lovely robe that fit
Kathy well.  She also brought some facial soap and washed Kathy's
face, as well as a hair brush which she used first to brush out
dirt and dust and then to arrange her hair neatly.

Cindy Miller looked at Kathy and said softly, "Wow!  Kathy you
don't use any makeup at all, do you?"  Kathy shook her head. 
"And your hair:  You just wash it, brush it, and comb it."  She
nodded.  "Kathy, if I let this information out, half the women in
Virginia would be after you.  With all the garbage the rest of us
have to go through...  And after all that agony, we can't hope to
look half as pretty as you do on your worst day..."  Cindy cocked
her head, then grinned, "Which just might be today."

"Cindy, this is your bathrobe, isn't it?"  The nurse nodded. 
"It's a very nice one.  A present from Charley?"

Another nod.  "Kathy we're a trauma team and our hours can be
weird.  So I keep some things I need here at the hospital."

"Thanks, Cindy.  I am very much obliged."

Dr. Miller had checked outside and returned.  "How do you feel,
now?"

"About like the girl who tripped jumping rope in the playground
at recess.  Why?" Kathy replied.

"Because I can't even count the number of people waiting for you
out there.  I don't think there's been such a mob since President
Reagan was shot!  How do you want me to handle it?"

"Well, for openers I want to get out of your hair so you can
treat some injured people.  Then I guess I'll try to sort out the
guest list."

"Kathy, I have just been told in no uncertain terms that you are
the primary concern of this institution right now.  I just
realized you probably don't even know where you are.  This is the
hospital where your uncle, Sam Jenkins, died.  He built the damn
thing by himself.  His generosity will never be forgotten.

"Furthermore, you are the hottest news item on the East Coast and
have been for months.  We like basking in your reflected glory. 
Speaking professionally -- and seriously -- I don't want you out
of my sight just yet.  I'm pretty sure you're okay.  But I want
to be absolutely certain."

Peter Mahoney was the first one in the door.  He was reassured
that Kathy wasn't seriously hurt and she was soon grateful for
his presence.  He directed traffic and set the interview
sequence.

There were detectives who had been assigned to the case.  They
checked her pistol, extracted the empty cartridge case and put it
in an evidence bag.  A police stenographer joined them and
recorded her statement.  Finally -- at Kathy's insistence and
against Pete's better judgment -- the press were allowed to see
her.  Dr. Miller had arranged to use the room in the hospital set
up for press briefings.  The TV cameras were set up and the crews
were ready.

Kathy walked out on the podium alone to field questions.  As she
appeared the press applauded and cheered.  Kathy blushed.  She
realized that the gentlemen of the media -- regardless of
whatever else they might be -- are the most cynical audience
around.  They like to believe that they've seen it all and
believe almost nothing.  Their applause was a tribute from their
hearts.

She briefly described the events, which were few enough.  No, she
was not seriously injured, just scrapes and bruises.  There was
absolutely no way she would change the Dangerous Criminals Task
Force approach.  She was strangely proud of this attempt on her
life.  It was proof that the program was working.  Then, from
memory, she gave the press a comprehensive progress report on the
program.

When it was over she called Jane Ferguson.  She had previously
called to reassure her that she was all right.  When she
finished, she asked the Millers if they were on duty on
Thanksgiving.  When they said no, she extended Jane's invitation
to join them for Thanksgiving dinner.  The invitation was
accepted.  Kathy checked the time.  It was three o'clock.  She
made another call to Jane to ask for her help, quickly giving her
a list of things to buy.  Jane was used to getting strange
requests but she repeated back the list because this one was
particularly odd.  Kathy then accidentally caused a near-brawl. 
She asked a group of police officers if someone would give her a
ride home and a fight almost erupted over who would get the
privilege.

While Kathy was being treated, the law enforcement agencies in
the area mobilized.  In only moments the message had spread that
parties unknown had try to gun down their Kathy.  Three hours
after the shooting there was a break.  A rental car was
discovered abandoned in the woods near the airport.  It was
messy: There was a corpse in the passenger seat, and a shotgun
was on the floor by his seat.

Then the crime lab people swarmed into action.  The cause of
death was determined after autopsy to be one bullet in the head.
It had entered at the bridge of the nose and ricocheted inside
the skull making jelly out of the brain.  Death was
instantaneous.  Only one shot had been fired from the shotgun and
the corpse tested positive as the shooter.  The bullet recovered
from his skull was the one bullet fired from Kathy's gun.

That evening the TV news shows rearranged their planned story
sequence.  The stories began with the shooting, shifted to the
body in the car and then to Kathy's press conference.  The story
tone was one of awe.  Today, the girl who killed two gunmen
Saturday night shoots and kills a killer who is shooting at her.

One local news show featured an interview with a Marine
small-arms expert.  The Marine officer was an instructor in a
special program developed to train men in urban fighting.  The
officer said that Kathy's shot was nearly impossible.  However,
he pointed out that her reactions reflected extraordinary
training and practice.  "Hitting the gunman had to be luck.  But
her prior reactions showed training and practice.  Miss Smith saw
the danger, dropped to her right, rolled, drew her weapon and
returned fire in a single continuous motion.  That was not luck,
nor could it be."

The reporter asked how the officer could be sure.  Statements
from passers-by were, as usual, conflicting and inconclusive. 
The officer replied, "It's a matter of physical evidence.  From
the location of the broken glass ballistics experts reliably
placed the car at a point on the street where the shotgun was
fired.  At the same time, a forensic pathologist estimated where
the car was when Kathy fired.  The two spots were virtually
identical.  With the maximum margin for error, the two points
were only a few feet apart.  Therefore," he concluded, "It had to
be highly-trained reaction."

The main story was transmitted by satellite to network news
control in New York.  It was then re-transmitted to all
affiliated stations for discretionary use on their local news
shows.  Because of the pervasiveness of violent crime in cities
around the country, many local stations used the story, and some
used it all.

That night Kathy received a telegram from Chris who had given her
shooting pointers in the Yale competition.  Chris was now working
in Minneapolis where the story had been played.  The telegram
read, SAW YOU ON TV TONIGHT.  YOU STILL LOOK GREAT.  GLAD TO SEE
YOU'RE STILL SHOOTING 10'S.  STORY SAYS 5 10'S WITH 5 SHOTS. 
LOVE, CHRIS, ALPHA HOUSE, YALE.

Kathy sat on her sofa assembling the energy required to get up
and go to bed.  She had absolutely refused the police offer to
have policewomen in her apartment overnight.  Just then the phone
rang.  It was Julie again.  After reassuring the woman that she
really was all right, Julie said, "I was ordered to thank you for
keeping your head down.  The dead gunner has been identified and
steps are being taken."

They talked a few more minutes and Julie hung up.  Kathy smiled
to herself.  Clearly some sources were faster than others.  She
knew for a fact that the body lying in the morgue was still John
Doe as far as the law enforcement agencies were concerned. 
Officially, the body was still unidentified.  Yet she had just
heard "from a well-informed source" that others had identified
the body and -- ominously for someone -- "steps were being
taken."  She stumbled into bed.

The next morning -- Thanksgiving Day -- Kathy eased herself out
of bed and limped into the bathroom.  She turned to look at her
right side which was a mess.  The bruises were now turning color
and the abrasions were oozing lymphatic fluid.  Of course, they
looked far worse than they were.  She went to her closet to find
something to wear.  Her clothes were all tailored to her figure
and would be very uncomfortable over the bandage on her hip.  In
the corner she found a wild muu-muu she had bought on a trip to
Hawaii.  It hung from her shoulders like a tent.  It wasperfect.

She arrived at the Ferguson mansion before the Millers.  Jane and
Bob were waiting at the door as she walked up, concern in their
faces.  Jane had talked with Kathy and they had seen her on the
television news, but it wasn't the same as being reassured by the
woman in person.  Kathy realized there was an unforeseen
advantage in wearing her muu-muu.

When Jane saw what Kathy was wearing she started to laugh.  The
incongruity of the mansion setting, a Thanksgiving dinner and the
multicolored muu-muu were too much.  The older girl started
laughing so hard she could no longer stand.  She collapsed onto a
living room sofa.  When she recovered her composure, Jane took
Kathy upstairs.  They went into a bedroom so Jane could inspect
Kathy's injuries first hand.

As she did Kathy smiled down at her, "The big problem today is
going to be how to maintain modesty.  It's the only thing I own
that I can wear that doesn't put pressure on the bandage on my
hip."

Jane stood up and held her friend.  "It's disgusting...  It's not
fair...  Kathy Smith, you are the only person alive who can put
on that wild-looking tent and still look gorgeous!"  She smiled,
and kissed the girl.  "Kathy, we've been so worried!  Please
don't use up all your luck."  Jane then told Kathy she had been
able to obtain all the items on the strange list Kathy had given
her the day before.

A short time later the Millers arrived.  Kathy had the
opportunity to see Cindy Miller out of her nurse's uniform for
the first time.  She was a beautiful girl with brown hair.  Her
size and build were very similar to Kathy's.  Then it turned out
that Charley Miller and Bob Ferguson knew one another from the
Hospital board on which Bob served as a member of the Executive
Committee.

Drinks were served followed by a sumptuous dinner.  After the
blessing, champagne was poured and Bob offered a toast, "To Kathy
Smith!  Without Kathy, Jane and I wouldn't be together today.  I
would not be the happiest, most contented man in the world today.
 This is a day for giving thanks, Kathy.  Thank you for being
with us, and thank God for allowing you to be with us."  They all
drank.

After dinner, they adjourned to the living room.  The butler and
chauffeur appeared carrying a stack of large boxes which they
placed, without instructions, beside Kathy's chair.  Kathy said,
"There are a few things here I want to present.  I know it is
Thanksgiving, not Christmas, but these are in the way of
thanksgiving."

She shoved two large boxes over to where the Millers were seated,
looking very puzzled.  Cindy and Charles each started to strip
the festive paper off the two boxes.  Charley's turned out to be
a case of Comet cleanser; Cindy's was a case of Brillo.  They
were dumbstruck; they were about to open the cases, when Kathy
said, "Don't bother opening them.  They are what they appear to
be.  I know you exhausted the hospital's supply on my body
yesterday, so I thought it only fair for me to replenish it."

The Millers started to laugh, remembering Kathy's comments of the
previous day.  Then Kathy carried over two more boxes and gave
them to the couple.  Again they started to unwrap the packages. 
Cindy opened hers first.  She took out a beautiful natural-tan
cashmere bathrobe.  As she unfolded it, feeling the wonderfully
soft fabric, Charley finished opening his box.  It was a
duplicate in his size.  At that moment the maid appeared with
Cindy's bathrobe that she had lent Kathy.  It had been cleaned
and refinished to a like-new state.

Cindy looked up at Kathy.  "I don't know how to thank you!  But
it's so unnecessary.  Charley and I saw you on television last
night.  I was so proud that the robe Charley gave me was on
television.  Honestly, Kathy, I only wish it looked half as good
on me as it does on you."

At this point Jane entered the conversation.  "Cindy, I know, and
you're right.  But please accept Kathy's gifts in the spirit
intended.  I can tell you from glorious personal experience that
Kathy makes a life's work out of being nice... of doing things
she isn't expected to do... of being nice to others.  Cindy, she
does it because she wants to.  She's Kathy."

* * *

The Naval review on Sunday was memorable.  Kathy felt strange
wearing the maternity clothes she and Jane had picked out on
Friday.  They were constructed appropriately for her injuries,
even if they did appear odd.  Kathy was on the reviewing stand as
sailors and marines passed in review.  With the formation at
Parade Rest facing them, the admiral began his address.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today to honor Katherine
Smith, Assistant District Attorney of Norfolk County.  As I'm
sure you all know, through her skill and bravery she prevented
serious loss of life in a very dangerous shooting incident.  An
establishment was crowded last Saturday night with sailors and
marines.  Two gunmen entered to commit a robbery.

"One of our sailors, demonstrating more bravery than good
judgment, tried to intervene and was shot for his pains.  We have
statements from over a dozen eyewitnesses.  They all agree on one
crucial point: The gunmen were about to empty their weapons into
the crowd.  At this point I can only conclude Providence
intervened in the form of Katherine Smith who was sitting there
at the time.

"She drew a weapon and fired four shots.  Each gunman was hit
twice in the heart, dying instantly.  Experts here at the base
are still shaking their heads in utter disbelief.  Each shot
would independently be considered miraculous.  There are no
numbers large enough or small enough to determine the probability
of four-for-four.

"The Congress has acted on the recommendation of the President. 
Katherine Smith,  please step forward."

Kathy faced the Admiral and stood straight, as he continued.  "It
gives me great pleasure to award to you, on behalf of the
Congress and President of the United States, the Medal of
Freedom.  It is the highest award the Government can present to a
civilian.  I have asked Electronics Technician First Class James
O'Rourke, the sailor whose life you saved, to present it toyou."

Kathy hadn't seen Jim before.  He came forward, smartly saluted
the Admiral with his left hand -- _He must have been practicing,_
Kathy thought -- and received the award.  He faced her and put
the medal hanging from its ribbon around her neck.

At this point he departed from the script.  He kissed her on the
cheek and whispered, "Thanks, Kathy!"

The assembled troops cheered.  The Navy band struck up a march
and the troops were dismissed.

Then the Admiral came over to Kathy and kissed her.  He echoed
Jim in a whisper, "Thanks, Kathy!"

Off the reviewing stand, Jim O'Rourke caught up to her.  Sally
Fitzgerald was at his side wearing her uniform as a yeoman first
class.  Kathy thought she looked beautiful.  Kathy could see
Sally's eyes glowing whenever she looked at Jim.  The small girl
gave Kathy a warm kiss and thanked her, too.

Kathy took the opportunity to whisper, "I assume you brilliant
kids were able to figure out how to make love last Sunday?"

Sally started to blush but then just grinned.  "Sure did!" she
replied.

* * *

Three weeks later Jim and Sally each received registered letters.
 Jim's was from California Institute of Technology in Pasadena
informing him that he had been admitted to the class starting the
following September.  He read the next lines, blinked, read them
again and yet again.  The words didn't change.  Due to a special
grant, his education had been prepaid through the completion of
his doctoral studies.

Sally had a similar experience.  Hers was from the University of
Southern California informing her that she was admitted to the
class starting the following fall.  Her education had been
prepaid through completion of Law School.

The letters arrived on Friday, the week before Christmas.  They
celebrated together over the weekend.  They never got out ofbed.

On Christmas Eve, Sally saw Kathy at Charley's.  She ran to her,
gathered her into her arms and kissed her.  Tears flowed down her
cheeks.  "Kathy, there's no way Jim and I can ever thank you, let
alone repay you, for what you've done!  You saved his life and
made ours.  All we can do is name our first daughter, Katherine,
after you.  So, of course we'll do that.  There's nothing more we
can say.  Merry Christmas, Kathy, and may God bless you!  I pray
that you find the guy you're waiting for."  She dabbed at her
tears and tried a small grin.  "And don't forget to try the
classified ads."

Kathy gave her a very light pinch on her bottom and left thebar.

That night, when Sally took off her uniform she found five $1,000
bills in her bosom.  In her locker was a small box with Christmas
wrapping.  The gift was a box of birth-control pills with a
little note, "Don't be in a big rush to have Baby Katherine.  I'm
patient!"  The note was unsigned*Chapter 16*

Spring had arrived in Norfolk.  Kathy was in her accustomed pose
and in her usual chair in Peter Mahoney's office.  He was looking
at her with a wry smile, while she looked at him with what he
termed her "bright little Junior League face."  Their respective
attitudes had developed to the point of being a joke shared
between them.  In the six months since Kathy had joined the
staff, they had developed a mutual fondness and respect.

Peter masked his affection with gruffness, while Kathy screened
hers with her little smile.  Pete was impressed.  For the first
time in memory, the momentum in the war on crime appeared to have
shifted to the law enforcement agencies.  All the reports he
received were that police morale was the best it had ever been. 
They were attacking, rather than fighting a rearguard action. 
And it was Kathy who had done it.  He saw his job as being to get
her the tools she needed and keep others out of her way.

He looked at her steadily.  With a deadpan expression he said, "I
hear WTAR is changing the name of it's news show.  It's going to
be 'Eyewitness News Starring Kathy Smith.'  For chrissakes, they
can't _have_ a show without footage of Kathy to open on.  Kathy
at the courthouse after a conviction.  Kathy at a police station
handling a booking...

"Come on, for chrissakes!  There _are_ other things happening in
the world outside Norfolk!  Keep this up and the first mention of
war being declared would follow the first commercial break!" 
Peter grinned and added,  "You are doing a great job.  I
understand that we're close to 100 arrests of people on the list.
 By the way, when are you going to put out a new one?"

"That's a good question, Pete, and I'm glad you brought it up. 
We started with a list of 163 names.  There are fewer than
seventy left at large.  The police are really going at it.  For
the first time a list is _shrinking._  They're used to stacks of
cases that just grow larger.  New files are added at the top of
the stack faster than they come off the bottom.  The pile just
gets bigger.  This pile is shrinking and they're charged up.  I
don't want them to lose that momentum.  It's the most powerful
weapon we've got!

"On the other hand, intelligence reports that some guys on the
list haven't been seen around town in weeks.  Presumably, they've
moved out of town to what they hope to be more hospitable
surroundings than Norfolk has provided lately.  Obviously, we're
not going to get those guys unless they come back just to help us
close our files.  It's a fine line, Pete.  What do you think?"

Mahoney was impressed.  Kathy never just did things, she thought
about them.  Her observations were dead accurate:  It _was_ a
fine line.  Police were gung ho.  "Let's sleep on it Kathy, and
see how it goes.  I agree with your analysis, as usual.  Damn it,
girl!  All I've done since you got here is agree with you.  Who's
in charge around here, anyway?" he demanded.

With her usual grace Kathy went down on her knees on the floor
and bowed from her waist until her forehead touched.  She folded
in half like a jackknife and slowly straightened with a smile. 
"You are, oh mighty lion!  You are in charge here!"

Pete grinned and threw an eraser at her which, as usual, she
effortlessly ducked.  "Just so you don't forget!"

That evening the news led with the story that the 100th man on
the list had been arrested.  He had been surprised by a police
stakeout team while trying to rob a liquor store at noon.  Kathy
appeared on the screen announcing the arrest and praising the
great police work.  Every available local politician was there to
take a bow for the TV cameras.  She went into the kitchen to fix
her dinner when the phone rang.  It was Julie.

"Kathy, I've got a huge favor to ask.  Honey, _no one_ knows
about this call.  There is a terrible miscarriage of justice in
progress.  This afternoon a boy was arrested for rape.  It seems
he and his girl were in a sleaze-bag motel.  You know the kind:
where they rent rooms by the hour?  Anyway, they were in their
room going at it.

What they didn't know was that the operator was making money on
the side by hiding TV cameras in the rooms.  It's sort of a
do-it-yourself porno movie without hiring the talent.  We resent
that, by the way... all these damned amateurs.  Anyway, they have
this girl on videotape saying 'no, no, it hurts.'  You know the
stuff.

"The girl was all confused and signed all sorts of things.  One
of the things she signed was a rape complaint.  I don't know what
really happened but I'm damned sure it wasn't what that idiot,
Hannigan, thinks.  They're throwing the book at the guy and
trying to wrap it into your Dangerous Criminals thing.  That
sleaze bag is trying to horn in on your act.

"Kathy, it's bigger than those clowns know.  The guy is the son
of the top boss here in Norfolk.  The girl is the daughter of the
top man in Philadelphia.  She's a house guest of my boss and the
shit has hit the fan!  The kids are engaged to be married. 
Kathy, you could prevent a major war!  The kids are good kids, by
the way.

"I have to level with you, Hon.  There are big risks for you.  If
you get involved, the story may come out and you would look like
you are washing Mafia linen.  It could wreck your operation.  I
don't have to tell you that the people, the press and the police
are all on your side.  But there are scum out there who resent
being moved out of the limelight.  They would cut you down in two
seconds if they thought they could.  If this blows, they'd be on
you like the pack of jackals they are."

Kathy didn't hesitate.  "I need some more information, Julie. 
Where are they holding the boy, and where is the girl?"  Julie
named the station house in South Norfolk.  She said that Hannigan
was even holding the girl in custody as a material witness. 
"I'll do what I can, Julie.  Keep in touch, though.  I may need
to communicate with your man through you and I don't know your
phone number and don't want to know.  Now I've got to move."

Kathy knew Mike Hannigan.  He was Pete's least-liked assistant. 
As Peter told her once, "He crawled out of the woodwork the day I
arrived.  I can't get rid of him so I just ignore him."

Kathy called Pete at home.  He came to the phone at once and knew
it was important.  Kathy never called him at home unless it was.
He sensed, too, that this was no time for jokes.  "What's up,
kid?" he asked.

Kathy said, "I have a favor to ask Pete.  There's a rape case in
South Norfolk Hannigan is running.  I would like you to move him
out and let me take over.  It's important."

Pete asked no questions.  He trusted Kathy to have good reasons
and knew she had good judgment.  He said, "Gee, Kathy, I'm glad
you called.  There's a very important rape case in South Norfolk
I want you to handle personally.  Hannigan's on it now, but I
have to use him on something else.  I hate to spoil your evening,
but I would appreciate it if you could get down there right
away."

Kathy grinned, and played along.  Pete couldn't keep from joking.
 "The guy who's trying to get into my pants won't like it chief,
but for you, anything!"  She knew that Pete could hear laughter
in her voice.  She became serious, "Thank you very much, Pete.  I
appreciate your trust and will respect it."

Kathy had recently purchased a new BMW.  Tonight, with the
highways clear of traffic, she opened it up and nearly flew to
the South Norfolk station.  When she arrived, Hannigan was on the
phone.  He was obviously arguing with Peter, an argument he
couldn't win and didn't.  He slammed the phone back in its
cradle.  "Pete has taken me off the case for something bigger. 
It's yours, now."  He stalked out of the station without another
word.

Kathy wondered what "more important case" Pete had cooked up. 
She didn't worry.  He could be very creative.

She met Sergeant Tucker who had led the vice squad raiding party.
 The esteem in which Hannigan was held by the police was as low
as Kathy's was high.  It was obvious he was pleased to see
Hannigan off the case.  "Miss Smith, it's a genuine pleasure to
meet you.  I think you're doing a wonderful job, and I don't have
to tell you that we think you walk on water."  Kathy sat down and
asked him about the case.  "Honestly, Miss Smith..."

"It's Kathy, Sergeant.  At least all the officers who stop me for
speeding on the Expressway call me Kathy.  But I guess they see
me enough so we should be on a first-name basis by now."  She
smiled and Tucker melted.

"My name's Tom, Kathy.  And this case stinks to high heaven. 
Hannigan was on the raid -- why I'm not sure -- and he ran
everything.  The trouble is all the damn wheels are turning.  If
it had been me I would have sent the kids home with a spanking
but Hannigan said it's rape, so now it's rape.

"The problem is, Kathy, it can stick.  We have the video tape
with the girl saying 'Stop, Tommy, stop!  You're hurting me.' 
Tests taken -- against her will, by the way -- show traces of
semen.  That's really all it takes."

"Tom, who are the kids?"

"That's another thing that's funny.  The girl's name is Cynthia
Agnelli.  She won't give an address.  The boy is booked as Tom
Doe on the strength of the tape.  No last name.  She won't say,
and he refuses to answer any questions.  I told him he could make
a telephone call when he was booked, but he refused.  The kid is
scared shitless -- pardon my language -- but won't say a word. 
The girl just sits in a holding cell, crying.  What do you want
me to do?"

"I want to get this case on track, Tom.  If it's really rape I'll
throw the book at him.  If it's a miscarriage of justice, I'll
stop it.  May I see the girl, please?  And let's get her the hell
out of this shit-hole right now.  Pardon my language," she said
with a grin.

Tom grinned back at her and started to relax. _Kathy Smith might
be young,_ he thought, _but she's a real pro.  She has all the
ink and TV time she can handle.  She's not going to let this turn
into a three-ring circus!_

Kathy and Tom went to the sergeant in charge of the holding tank.
 He immediately recognized Kathy.  "Sergeant, I am taking custody
of the witness and will be responsible for her.  What do I sign?"
 Kathy signed for the prisoner and waited.

A few minutes later a terribly frightened girl was escorted out.
Kathy held out her hand.  "Hello, Cynthia.  My name is Kathy
Smith.  I'm an assistant district attorney for Norfolk County. 
I've been assigned to handle your case."

Cynthia was obviously frightened, but her training came out, "How
do you do, Miss Smith..."  That was as far as she could go as she
looked around.

"Are you looking for something, Cynthia?" Kathy asked.

"That man..." she said with hatred audible in her voice.

"Oh!  You must mean Mr. Hannigan.  He's been taken off the case.
I hope you don't mind?"

The relief in Cynthia's face was obvious.  She even tried a small
smile.  "Not at all, Miss Smith.  What are you going to do?"

"The first thing I'm going to do is get you out of here.  I'm
afraid Tom will have to spend the night.  He's booked on a felony
charge."

When she said the words, Cynthia broke down in tears.  It was
obvious to Kathy that the poor girl had spent most of the day in
tears and was an emotional basket case.  She led her to the car,
helped her in and drove back to her apartment.  After showing the
girl where things were in her room, she found a high necked
flannel nightgown for her to wear, and helped her into bed.  Then
Kathy called Jane's private number.  A few moments later a
passion-filled voice answered with, " Uh... Hello?"

Kathy grinned to herself.  "For chrissakes, don't you and Bob do
_anything_ besides imitate rabbits!"  No words were spoken as she
heard the two reach orgasm together.  Kathy put the telephone on
speaker while she undressed and waited for Jane to come back on
the line.

Minutes later Jane spoke on the phone, "The answer to your
question is no.  Unlike some other people I know, we're poor.  We
can't afford a 25-meter swimming pool outside our bathroom.  A
girl's got to get her exercise somehow!"  Jane's voice became
serious, "What's up?"

Kathy quickly filled her in, knowing that the secrets would be
safe.  Finally, she got to the point of the call, "Look, Jane,
you understand the situation.  Could you babysit my guest in the
morning while I play girl DA?  Could you get here at seven?"

Jane said of course she would and then continued teasing Kathy. 
Before she hung up the phone, Kathy could hear her say lovingly,
"Come over here, Bob Ferguson!  I'm not through with you yet." 
The connection was broken.

Jane was in the apartment at seven, using her own key.  As Kathy
gulped her breakfast, Jane stretched like a tigress and lightly
ran her fingers over her loins.  "I had to miss my wake-up this
morning!  I hope you appreciate the sacrifice I'm making for
you?"

As Kathy ran for the elevator, she wheeled and stuck out her
tongue, "Abstinence is good for you!"

The hearing was scheduled for nine o'clock.  Kathy had made sure
that hers would be the first case called.  "The People vs. Thomas
Doe, please.  The People vs. Thomas Doe."  Wearing handcuffs, Tom
was led out by the  ailiff and was shown where to stand.

Kathy swallowed hard and thought, _Here goes nothing!_  She
approached the bench.  "Your Honor, the state is dropping its
charges against the defendant."

There was an audible gasp from the spectators in the courtroom. 
Many of them were court watchers, people who spent their time
attending trials and hearings.  They were to jurisprudence what
the knowledgeable fan is to baseball: they knew the players and
they knew the game.

This was a "man bites dog" story.  It was the first time Kathy
Smith had ever dropped a charge.  She was always going for the
throat.  And she was death on violent crime, certainly including
rape.  As word of this reversal quickly spread, reporters started
to sidle into the courtroom.

Kathy continued, "The complainant, Miss Agnelli, has withdrawn
her complaint.  The state believes the withdrawal is sincere. 
Accordingly, the state is withdrawing its charges."  Kathy had
her fingers crossed as she looked at the judge.

He knew Kathy professionally and had developed a thorough respect
for her.  He looked at her thoughtfully for a few moments and
then banged down his gavel.  "The case of the People vs. Thomas
Doe is dismissed!  Next case."

Kathy went over to Tom Donetti who was standing utterly
bewildered at the change in fortune, while the bailiff unlocked
his handcuffs.  "Tom, I'm Kathy Smith.  You'll have to collect
your things and sign out before you go.  I can see I'm going to
have to meet the press.  Please wait for me.  I must talk with
you before you leave."

Donetti went out the way he had come in to sign out, while Kathy
walked out the courtroom's main door.

As she expected, the press was waiting in force.  She led them
into a room she often used for these press conferences and closed
the door.  "You seem to have a bunch of questions.  Let's hear
them," she said.  "There's just one thing.  This session is
entirely off the record.  You're free to take any notes you want.
 When we finish, we'll see what goes on the record, okay? 
Questions?"

There were none.  Kathy had called in a chit she knew she had
with the press.  In her career she was always available and
always on the record.  She knew how to tell a story complete with
headlines.  She was also spectacularly photogenic, whether for
still or TV cameras.  She knew the press owed her and, more
importantly, they knew it too.

"What happened in there, Kathy?" a reporter asked.

"A miscarriage of justice was just averted, is what happened.  A
couple of kids were fooling around where they shouldn't have
been.  The motel operators were getting free porno movies without
having to pay the talent.  All the rooms in that by-the-hour
horror show are wired with TV cameras.  If the action is good,
the operator has a pornographic video to sell.  If it isn't, he
reuses the tape with the next sucker.  The book is being thrown
at the operator, by the way.  Anything else?"

"I just learned that Thomas Doe is Tom Donetti, the son of the
top Mafia man in town.  Why did you walk away from organized
crime?  You're not afraid of them, are you, Kathy?" another
reporter said.  There had been a gasp when the Mafia connection
was mentioned.

Kathy ignored the buzz.  "I believe the name you have is correct.
 However, I think that's the only thing you said that is.  Thomas
Donetti is vice president of Eastern Virginia Trucking Company. 
It is an ICC-regulated common carrier which, I understand, is
known for good service and good prices"

"And good Mafia connections," someone interjected.

Kathy ignored the interruption.  "Mr. Donetti is a college
graduate.  He has no arrest record of any kind, not even a
speeding ticket.  His father has been the subject of more grand
jury and other investigations than anyone other than his lawyers
can count.  He has never been indicted.  You people are far
closer to the libel laws than I am.  Are you sure you want a
libel suit on your hands?"  Kathy had shot her bolt.  Now the
question was whether the press would buy what she was selling.

"What about the girl?" someone asked.

"What about the girl?  The poor kid is scared out of her wits! 
And _she's the victim,_ for chrissakes.  Good question.  What
about the girl?  She comes down to Norfolk to visit her fiance
and his family.  She's busted and held in a stinking holding tank
in that shit-hole in South Norfolk for nearly twelve hours. 
Yeah, what about the girl?  She's terrified for her lover.  It's
a great way to plan for a wedding, isn't it!"

It worked!  She could see the reporters looking down at the
floor.  They knew their papers' lawyers would have a fit if they
thought the word, Mafia, let alone printed it.  The boy certainly
didn't look like a criminal.  They could hear "press persecution"
already.  And then there was the poor girl.  No story.

"What would you like us to print, Kathy?" a friendly reporter
asked.  "How about a tiny police-blotter line saying that charges
against Thomas Doe have been dismissed?  Full stop."

Kathy turned on her most dazzling smile.  "Thanks, guys!  I
really owe you!  I think that would be a fine story."

The reporters smiled back.  They really liked this girl, and she
was doing a hell of a job.  They trusted her.  She came off the
podium and circulated, shaking hands and individually thanking
them.  As he was leaving, one reporter was thoughtful. _I didn't
get a story.  It's all dead.  So why do I feel so good about it?_
he wondered.

Kathy went out and found Tom Donetti waiting for her.  "Where is
Cindy?" he asked.  "Where have they taken her?"

Kathy liked him at once.  His first words were for his fiancee. 
"That's what I had to see you about, Tom."  She put out her hand
and he took it in a firm grip.  She liked the shape of his hands.
 "She's at my apartment.  If it's okay with you, I think it would
be better if she stayed there awhile.  What do you think?"

Tom Donetti was a little under six feet tall with dark hair and a
dark tan.  He held her hand and looked into her eyes.  He liked
what he saw.  "I think it's a great idea.  My dad's going to have
my hide," he said starting to grin, "and the sight of my skin
coming off would make Cindy cry."

"There's one thing, Tom.  Can you get her clothing over to my
office fast?  The poor kid has nothing to wear.  And I need a
number where I can reach you."

He gave her a set of numbers for various times.  "Miss Smith,
could you do me a favor?  Could you lend me some money for a
phone call?  Mine disappeared somewhere."  He smiled at her
warmly and added,  "This favor is in addition to the minor one
you just carried off: getting me out from under 20-to-life on
felony rape, of course."  Then he shuddered and said, "You just
met with the reporters.  What's going to happen?"

Kathy fished some coins out of her purse and passed them to Tom.
"They're going to report the news, of course.  It will be in the
fine print on the police blotter column: rape charges against
Thomas Doe were dismissed.  What did you expect them to say?  And
the name is Kathy.  I think we're about the same age and you act
like I'm some old woman!  You're disgusting!"  Her accompanying
smile took the sting out of her words.

Tom looked at her in utter disbelief.  Then his expression
changed to a beaming smile as he said, "Kathy, I owe you!  I'm
not really as dumb as I act.  And yesterday I was all-galaxy
dumb, I'm the first to admit.  But that's the story they're going
to print?"  Kathy nodded.  "That's all of it?"  She nodded again.
 "What about Cin?  What are they going to say about her?"

Kathy looked at him and frowned.  "What do you mean, 'say about
her?'  They'll say absolutely _nothing_ about her.  She's the
_victim_ for chrissakes!"

"Kathy, I _know_ what you've just done.  Not only are the charges
dropped but you made them disappear!  How many chits did you call
in to make that happen?" he asked shrewdly.  "Kathy, I swear to
you, you will _never_ be sorry for what you did today!  Never! 
Now I gotta dash.  I'm going to be late for my skinning."

Kathy waited for him to return.  His call took awhile.  Kathy was
nervous and wanted to get home.  While she waited, she called the
office and quickly filled in Peter on what she had done and then
said she would be taking a few days off.  He told her to remind
him to dock her pay.  She said baggage was going to be dropped
off for her and she would be by to pick it up.

Tom came back shaking his hand as if it were burned.  "That
receiver got _hot!_  I thought Dad would explode.  He was about
to start tearing the city apart to look for us.  While I was
talking he got word that I was being held on a rape charge, and
he exploded again.  I told him that you had taken care of it.  He
went off again!  'Who did _what?'_  God, I've never heard him so
upset.

"So I told him that Kathy Smith had dropped all charges and taken
steps so that there would be nothing in the papers.  He said to
tell you that I'm a no-good bum but you knew that anyway.  But
you, Kathy, are a genius and a wonder worker.  He told me to be
sure to thank you.  Cindy's clothes will be at your office by the
time you get there.

"Kathy, I have to agree with everything Dad said.  Particularly
the parts about me being a bum and you being a wonder worker." 
He shook her hand and left the court house.  A black limousine
arrived for him as he reached the curb.

By the time Kathy retrieved Cynthia's luggage and returned to her
apartment, she was surprised to see it was not yet noon.  It had
been a very eventful morning.  She went in and found Jane sitting
in a chair reading a book.  She looked up and smiled, "Hi.  That
was fast.  How did it go?  Cynthia is still dead to the world in
there."

Kathy quickly recounted the morning's events.  Jane regarded her
fondly, "I'm glad to see you're still picking up fallen sparrows
and returning them to their nests.  Kathy, you joked about it,
but they were serious and I am too.  You are a wonder worker! 
Working wonders comes so naturally to you it doesn't seem like
such a big deal.  It is a big deal!"  Jane glanced at her watch
and yelped, "Gotta dash!  I'll be late for my major work of the
day!"  She gave Kathy a big grin and a wink as she ran out of the
apartment.

Kathy went to her room and changed into her favorite Levi's and a
Yale sweat shirt.  With her feet bare she entered the guest room
where Cynthia was just starting to awaken.  Kathy accelerated the
process by opening the drapes to allow the sunlight to spill into
the room.  The girl stretched and opened her eyes.  Suddenly, she
looked terrified and jumped out of bed.  "We've got to help
him...  We've got..."

"Calm down, Cindy.  It's all taken care of," Kathy said.

The girl looked startled.  "How did you know?" she asked
quizzically, "Tommy's the only one who calls me that.  Have you
seen him?  How is he?  Tell me!"

"Relax," said Kathy giving Cynthia a bathrobe to wear.  "Let's
eat, and I'll tell you all about it."

She went out to the kitchen and started preparing breakfast. 
Cynthia joined her and she poured the fresh coffee Jane had made.
 "Tom is on his way home.  Charges were dismissed this morning. 
I have your luggage downstairs.  It was agreed that you might be
better off here for a few days.  Tom wants you to stay here,
too."  She grinned at the girl and added, "He said to tell you
his father is going to skin him alive and the sight of him losing
all his skin and screaming might make you cry.  He wanted me to
emphasize how considerate he is of your feelings!  So there!"

Taking the joke as a sign that things were all right, Cynthia
smiled.  It was the first smile Kathy had seen on the girl's face
and it lighted up her features like sunshine.  Cynthia looked at
her shrewdly.  "You did this for us, didn't you, Kathy?  I've
only been down in Norfolk for a few days, but I already feel I
know you... or at least know about you.  I must have seen you on
every newscast that's been on since I've been here.  Why did you
do it?"

"What do you mean, why did I do it?  You and Tommy were in
trouble and needed help.  I helped.  Big deal."

Cindy pursued it, "The Mafia connection, Miss Smith.  You've
heard of the Mafia.  It's an organization that runs things.  Why
did you do it?  You are the straightest straight arrow alive!  I
think you're incapable of doing anything dishonest.  Why?"

"Do you mind if I call you Cindy?" Kathy asked.

The girl smiled and said, "Not at all.  I love the name, even if
Tommy and I are the only ones who do.  I would love it!"

Kathy continued.  "Where are you in school?"

"I graduated from Rosemont College last June."

"How about Tommy?"

"He graduated from Lafayette College three years ago."  Cindy was
puzzled at the line of questioning.

"What have you been doing since graduation?"

"I loafed during the summer.  Now I'm involved in the Junior
League on the Main Line.  And I'm getting ready for the wedding,
of course."

"When is the wedding?"

"In June... in just two months!"

"Do you like Tommy?"  Kathy chose her words with care.

"No, Miss Smith."  Cindy replied coldly, "I don't 'like' Tommy! 
I love him!  I adore him, perhaps...  But no, Miss Smith, I don't
just like him."

Before she could move, Kathy had the younger girl in her arms. 
"I'm sorry.  That was nasty of me.  I had to know and you
answered my question."

By this time the girls had finished their meal.  "Cindy, I may
shock you.  I am dying for a swim, but I don't wear a suit in the
pool, so I hope you don't mind being around a naked woman.  You
probably wouldn't care to, but you're welcome to join me."  With
that Kathy went to her room, stripped off her clothes and stepped
into her shower.  She was interested to hear the sound of the
shower running next door as well.  She stepped out of the shower
dripping and made for the pool.  The April day was glorious with
the temperature in the eighties with low humidity.

Then she saw Cindy emerge from her bathroom, also dripping from
the shower and also nude.  Kathy could see that the younger girl
was quite tentative, like a young bird just trying its wings. 
Kathy dove in and stroked back and forth.  She heard the other
girl hit the water an instant later.  They continued swimming
laps companionably until Kathy pulled herself from the pool with
Cindy following.

Kathy dragged up two mats.  As she did, she could feel the
younger girl's eyes following her as she moved.  When they were
settled on the mats, Kathy asked, "Do you approve?"

Cindy jumped.  "Approve of what?"

"Me.  I could feel you studying me.  What do you think?"

Cindy smiled and relaxed.  "I think you are the most beautiful
district attorney in the country, is what I think.  No wonder you
don't wear clothes!  I would never wear clothes, either, if my
body was like yours!"

Kathy grinned, "Well, it just goes to show you.  If you fish for
compliments long enough, you'll eventually get one.  Thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment, it's the truth!  Just look at me and
look at you.  I didn't think I was too bad, but compared to you
I'm ugly!"

Kathy accepted the invitation and studied the girl.  She was
about five feet three.  Kathy guessed her weight at less than
110.  Her face was oval with sensuous lips.  Her breasts were
proportionately fuller than Kathy's giving way to a small waist
with very trim hips and beautiful legs.  Her hair was light brown
and -- judging by her pubic hair which was a slightly darker
shade -- it was her natural color.  Her body was lightly tanned
with the tan accentuated by the white strips across her breasts
and loins.

Kathy got up and returned a moment later with tanning lotion. 
"If you're going to lie in the sun like this, you'd better use
some.  It's obvious you never lie in the sun nude and, believe
me, you can burn in a hurry."  She grinned at Cindy, "You better
believe it's embarrassing when you can't sit down because you
fried your ass and your breasts are jiggling like Jell-O because
you can't possibly wear a bra!"

Cindy took the lotion and started spreading it on her breasts and
loins.  When she rolled over, Kathy applied it to her bottom
which was trim and firm.  Cindy started laughing.  The laughter
grew in intensity as Kathy looked at her.  "What's so funny?" she
asked, puzzled.

Cindy rolled over on her side to face Kathy.  "I was thinking
about what you said.  The more I thought about it, the funier it
seemed!  I can just see myself with fried boobs!  And they would
wiggle like Jell-O!  I'm bigger than you, Kathy, but not nearly
as firm."

She made a startled face.  "What was that?" Kathy asked.

"That was Tommy squeezing one of my burned buns!  He's an ass
man.  At least that's what he says.  Whenever he thinks he can
get away with it, he takes my buns in his hand and gives a gentle
squeeze."

"What do you do when he does it?" Kathy asked.

"Well, the first time he did it I slapped his face hard and
started to cry.  Then I progressed to slapping his hand away. 
Now..."

"Now, what?"

"Now, I just melt!  Kathy, I'm awful, but I do.  I try to move
his hand away because... because..."

Kathy looked at her with understanding and said, "Because you
feel that if he doesn't take his hand away you're going to melt.
Your loins are on fire.  Everything is getting wet.  If he
doesn't move his hand you're going to want more..."

"You know!  Oh God, Kathy, I want him so...  I just want him
inside so badly it hurts!  I'm on fire here," she placed her hand
on her crotch.

Kathy could tell she was feeling the sensation as they spoke. 
She said softly, "Your cunt's on fire."

Cindy's eyes widened for an instant, then relaxed.  She lay on
her back with her right hand still over her moist slit.  "My
cunt's on fire..."  She went back up on her elbow.  "I said it! 
It's true: my cunt's on fire."  Kathy lay back to soak up the
sun.  The two girls slept.

Kathy awakened the sleeping girl at four o'clock.  Several times
while Cindy slept, Kathy had applied more lotion to her breasts
and loins.  Cindy was still half asleep as Kathy led her into her
oversized shower.  They showered and soaped and rinsed.  At that
point when Kathy cut the hot water, the shower was suddenly ice
cold.  Cindy jumped and squealed.  Then she just turned in the
sprays, seemingly oblivious to the goose bumps that appeared all
over her body.  Kathy turned off the shower, gave Cindy a towel
and took one herself.  After toweling off her body and
towel-drying her hair, she ran a comb through it and left the
bath.  She noticed that Cindy had put down the towel, reentered
the shower and shampooed and conditioned her hair, too.

Kathy was sitting in the library cross-legged watching the
evening news when Cindy padded in and joined her.  Kathy had made
herself a martini and had left the pitcher at the bar.  There was
no mention of the rape arrest.  It was what Kathy had been
watching for.  She turned off the television set.  "I made myself
a Beefeater martini.  There's more in the pitcher, but I have
almost anything else."

"May I try one, please?"  I've never had the nerve before.  I had
to wash my hair.  After the day in jail yesterday I would like to
be skinned to get rid of that... that..."

Kathy held her tightly.  "It's over.  Don't think about it. 
Think about your wedding!"  She released the girl and went to the
bar.  She returned with the drink and raised it in a toast, "To
you and Tommy: Long life, love and happiness."

Cindy blushed.  "Thank you, Kathy."  She took a sip of the
martini and beamed.  "I like it!  It's good."

"And they can be lethal," Kathy added.  "I think it's a better
drink than what I see a lot of girls ordering today, though.  I'm
talking about those alcoholic milk shakes with every possible
mixture of strange cordials.  Some of them taste pretty good but
you have no sense of the alcohol content in what you're drinking.
 With the strange mixtures, it can be a good formula for getting
sick, passing out or both."

When Kathy went into the kitchen to prepare steaks for dinner,
Cindy followed with her drink.  Kathy said she needed no help, so
she sat down and watched the preparations.

"You are a strange and wonderful person, Katherine Smith.  You
don't normally wear clothes in your apartment, do you?"

Kathy looked over at the girl, startled.  "You're very
perceptive, Cindy.  How did you know?"

Cindy smiled fondly at this tall girl who had become her friend.
"Two reasons.  First, you move so naturally around the apartment.
 You are not only unconcerned about your nakedness, you're
unaware of it.  Secondly, the furnishings -- I love your taste,
by the way -- feel good on my bare skin.  I figured they were
chosen with that in mind.  I was serious, earlier.  You have a
perfect female body.  Not a good figure, not good boobs, not
pretty: Perfect, as in perfection!"

"Cindy, how do you feel, by the way.  I put more lotion on you
while you slept.  Are you okay?"

Cindy put a finger on a breast and pushed.  The finger mark
indicated that the breast had received sun, but was not burned. 
"I'm fine," she said and started to laugh, "I wonder what fried
boobs would taste like?  Speaking of which, I'm ready to eat a
horse.  Will we be ready to eat soon?"

For reasons she could not explain even to herself, Kathy served
the dinner in the dining room.  The meal was served on fine china
and eaten with sterling tableware.  She dimmed the lights and
they ate by candlelight.  When dinner was finished, she served
coffee and cognac.

"That was exquisite, Kathy.  Is there anything you can't do well?
 And may I see your pistol I heard so much about on the news?"

Kathy returned with her purse-holster.  She withdrew the gun,
unloaded it and passed it to Cindy.  The girl studied it with
care, Kathy noticed, not as if it were some form of snake and
passed it back after deftly flipping it to pass it butt first. 
"It's a nice weapon.  You used this to burn three men with five
shots.  Utterly incredible!"

"You're familiar with firearms, I see," said Kathy.  "Frankly,
I'm surprised."

Cindy grinned, "Shh!  For God's sake, don't tell my father!  He
would absolutely freak out! _His_ daughter handle a .38?  The
idea!  The fact is, Kathy, I like to shoot.  You know, I'm really
looking forward to being married.  Tommy's different.  I don't
think he would particularly like me to handle guns, but he would
go along if there were a reason.  It's like the sun.  My father
would freak out over tanned boobs!  With Tommy, it would depend
how they looked.  I like yours, Kathy.  They look so much... so
much healthier when they're not pasty-white like mine.  Do you
mind if I try to tan mine?"

"Of course not!  In fact, I'm flattered, I guess."  Kathy
refilled the coffee cups and cognac glasses, and sat down again.
"Cindy, do you feel like talking?"

"Of course," she replied.  "About what?"

"About what you were doing in that dump yesterday with Tommy."

She could see the younger girl start to tense and then relax. 
Cindy smiled, "You are a master of psychology, too, whether you
know it or not.  You ask _the_ sensitive question!  But first, we
swam God knows how many laps.  That's a great pool for swimming,
by the way.  Then we soak up the sun, have a magnificent dinner
eaten while we're still nude, then have a couple of cognacs that
taste like ambrosia.

"Now how in hell can I say 'I can't talk about that:  It's too
personal.'?  The fact is, Kathy, Tommy was trying to help me lose
my virginity!"  The statement was made defiantly with a toss of
her head.  Her eyes were bright as she watched for a shocked
reaction from Kathy.

There was no reaction, as Kathy continued to swirl her cognac in
its snifter.  She looked up, "The way you say that, I gather it
didn't work?"

"No, damn it, it didn't!"  Cindy suddenly started to cry.  "Why
me, for God's sake!?  Every girl I know lost hers at age fifteen.
 Or at least it sounds that way.  In the dorm at school these
dumb bitches lie around in bra and panties and talk about how
wonderful it was when Charley stuffed them or something stupid."

She looked up at Kathy forlornly, "That's unfair and unkind. 
They're nice girls, really.  It's just that I'm so jealous! 
Every time I hear this stuff, I get upset.  Kathy, I have a very
strong hymen.  The damn thing just won't rupture.  I'm pleased,
really, that I'm a virgin for Tommy.  I want to pop it but it
hurts so damned much.  Then I had to watch that tape with that
obscene man, Hannigan.  We watched the tape of me and Tommy in
bed together.  That shit was creaming in his pants... and he made
me watch it, too, the bastard.  I feel dirty, thinking about it.

"What can I do, Kathy?  Tommy's sex is so long and massive!  I
want it inside me desperately but when we tried the pain nearly
killed me!  Kathy, I'm like a girl dying of thirst, inches away
from a crystal-clear lake, stopped by this awful membrane that I
can't penetrate."  The poor girl started to cry like her heart
would break, "Kathy, please help me!  Please!"

Kathy held her until the sobs quieted down.  Finally she said,
"You're serious, aren't you?"

Cindy's head jerked up, with her eyes lighting with hope, "Can
you?  Could you help me..."

Kathy stood up from the table and asked, "Would right now be soon
enough?"

Cindy jumped up, "Last year wouldn't be soon enough!  Let's do
it!"

Kathy led her into the exercise room and had her lie on her back
on the massage table with her legs spread wide.  Kathy went to a
cabinet, put on a pair of sterile surgical gloves and took out a
scalpel and a supply of surgical cotton.  She returned to the
table.  "Cindy, you know what's going to happen.  I'm going to
need your help as much as possible.  Open yourself as wide as you
possibly can."

Cindy spread her thighs wide apart to open herself and used her
fingers to open her vagina as wide as she could.

Kathy inserted her fingers with the scalpel tip exposed.  She
encountered the expected resistance, made a slit and withdrew. 
"You can put your legs down now, Cindy"

Cindy was crestfallen.  "I was all ready.  What went wrong?"  She
looked like she was ready to cry again.

"Nothing went wrong.  It's done.  See."  She showed Cindy the
blood on the cotton.

Cindy's eyes got as big as saucers.  "That's all there is?  It
can't be.  I didn't feel a thing.  With Tommy it feels like my
insides are being torn out.  Why?"

"Honey, it's the difference between a scalpel tip and a male
member.  The scalpel just cuts.  The member, in conditions like
yours, batters."  Cindy still looked skeptical.  Kathy went off
and came back with a vibrator that looked like a combination of a
male sex organ and a flashlight.  Cindy was sitting on the table
cross-legged watching with fascination as Kathy assembled her
gear.

 "Here," said Kathy, "Do something productive.  Put this condom
over the head."

It was obvious in an instant that the girl had even less
experience with condoms than she did with male sex organs. 
Notwithstanding, she did it.  She unwrapped the condom and
examined it carefully.  She looked up at Kathy and smiled
brightly, "Do you charge for educational services?  This is wild!
 Whenever I'm with Tommy, we're both so hot and anxious for
something to happen that nothing good ever does.

"Here I'm relaxed, the light is good and most of all, Kathy, you
don't treat me like I'm a little fool.  Kathy, this is the way it
unrolls, isn't it?"  She showed the condom to Kathy who nodded. 
The girl looked so proud as it neatly rolled down the imitation
organ.  "What now," she asked.

"Now you put K-Y over it and put it into your vagina.  You
haven't got all sexed up so you're probably very dry inside."

Once again the girl approached the task with great seriousness,
smearing K-Y jelly over the condom and then putting as much of
the lubricant into her vagina as she could.  "Now what?"

Kathy grinned and then laughed.  "Now you insert imitation male
member (A), into real Cynthia Agnelli's vagina (B)."  Cindy
grinned, and carefully started to insert.  Since she had spread
the lubricant generously, the fake slid in easily to its handle.

Cindy asked earnestly, "What do I do now?"

Kathy could no longer control herself.  She started to laugh and
her laughter continued and increased in intensity to the point
she could no longer even stand.  Tears of laughter started to
roll down her cheeks.  Cindy lay on the table with her thighs
spread wide looking bewildered.  She obviously didn'tunderstand.

Finally Kathy regained control.  "I'm so sorry, but I couldn't
help myself.  Look at your cunt, Cindy.  What do you see?

Cindy quickly extracted the device, then she, too, started to
howl with laughter.  She was laughing so hard Kathy had to catch
her to keep her from rolling off the table and falling to the
floor.  The girls returned to the apartment still laughing.  They
went back to the dining table where Kathy poured more cognac and
coffee.

"Kathy, how did you do it?  You kept a straight face for so long
while this hopeless idiot has an imitation cock all the way up
her cunt and wonders what to do next.  My God, it's like that
Polish sex manual that reads (1) Insert, (2) Withdraw, (3)
Repeat, if necessary.  I'm so sorry, Kathy!"

"I thought it was so cute!" Kathy exclaimed.  "You are such a
sweet girl, Cindy.  You're a virgin who doesn't want to be one. 
You're going to your husband untouched.  Yet, it's so obvious
that you have physical needs that you desperately need to
satisfy.  I think you two will do just fine.

"By the way, before I forget, Cindy, you don't have to worry
about that tape you were forced to watch.  I got a call today at
the office from Sergeant Tucker, the officer who led the raid. 
He personally destroyed it.  It won't come back to haunt you. 
But there's one question that's been bothering me.  Why, in the
name of God, did you go to that rat-hole with Tommy?  You are a
girl with exquisite taste, and I would expect everything in that
damn place to crawl away.  Why there?

"But Kathy," Cindy wailed, "we're not married yet!  We won't be
for two whole months!

"You travel a lot don't you, Cindy?"  The girl nodded.  "Have you
ever checked in at a hotel by yourself?"  The girl shook her
head.  "Has Tommy?"

Cindy looked puzzled, but said, "I don't really think so.  He's
supposed to do some traveling on business, but he hasn't yet.  I
guess he travels pretty much like I do.  Why?"

"Cindy," Kathy replied, "I love you!  Please don't lose that
lovely innocence.  But Hon, what do you think happens when you
and Tommy check in to a hotel?  Do you think they ask to see your
marriage license?  Cindy, they really don't!  They couldn't care
less, and if they _did_ care they wouldn't do anything for fear
of being sued.  All they really care about is being paid.  Honey,
Tommy could register, 'Thomas Donetti and friend', and as long as
his credit card is accepted by their machine, you're in!"

Cindy's reaction took Kathy by surprise.  "Do you mean to tell me
that after Tommy and I get married, he could take any bimbo off
the street into his hotel?  That's not fair!  I'll... I'll...
I'll make him wear a chastity belt, that's what I'll do!"

Then Cindy looked up and smiled forlornly.  "Kathy Smith, do you
mean to say Tommy and I could have just walked in off the street
and had a suite at the Omni?  With room service.... and
champagne... and breakfast in bed...?"  Cindy jumped out of her
chair and started pacing the floor.  "I'll kill him!  I'll
castrate him!  I'll never speak to him again...  Kathy, it's not
right!  Men are supposed to know how to do those things!  After
what he put me through..."

"I think it's wonderful, Cindy," Kathy interjected quietly.

Cindy stopped short and wheeled on Kathy, "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Kathy replied, "that Tommy hasn't been shacking up with
every bimbo he could get his hands on.  If he had been, he'd know
what to do.  And Cindy, Tommy is a _very_ handsome man.  He could
have dozens, and we both know it!"

"Kathy Smith, you're some kind of wonderful person, you know
that?  I'm a dimwit for not thinking of that.  You mean while
I've been so hung up on being a virgin, Tommy's been waiting for
years, too?"

Kathy asked, "How long have you two been going out together?"

"Eons!  My God, I can't remember the first time.  Kathy, you know
about the family connection.  Well, our families have been
talking about it for as long as I can remember.  I live in Bryn
Mawr, and Tommy went to Lafayette which is just up in Easton, so
we could be close.  When I was at Rosemont, poor Tommy was
practically commuting from Norfolk.  And all this time...  Of
course!...  Oh, the poor dear!"  Cindy took Kathy in her arms and
kissed her.  "Thank you, Kathy.  I've been such an idiot!"

The next day was a repeat of the first, except it lasted longer.
The weather was holding so they swam, soaked up the sun, swam
some more and just relaxed.  That evening, Kathy called Tommy. 
He picked up anxiously on the first ring.  "Tommy, this is Kathy.
 How are you?"

"I'm fine, Kathy.  I even have my skin.  How... how's Cindy?"

"Aside from being madly in love with you, she's fine.  Why?"

"Could I speak to her, please?"

Kathy couldn't resist teasing him.  "I'll see if she's free to
come to the phone.  Just a moment please."

Kathy passed the phone to Cindy and sat down across the room. 
She watched Cindy open up like a flower while she talked to Tom.
It was a pleasure to watch because they were obviously so madly
in love.  She put the phone down and looked at Kathy, "Tom would
like to know if you would have dinner with us tomorrow night. 
Please say yes!"

"Tell him I would love to," Kathy replied.

* * *

They met Tom at the Omni Hotel where he had reservations in the
Promenade, an elegant restaurant overlooking the main dining room
and Portsmouth harbor.  Tom looked ill at ease.  "Kathy, I have
to say something that you're not going to like:  My father wants
to meet you.  He said to tell you anytime, anywhere, but he
really wants to meet you."  Tommy carefully examined the design
of the service plate in front of him.

"I would be delighted," she answered quietly.  "What time would
be convenient?"

Tommy looked up at her, stunned.  "You _will?_  You really will!
That's wonderful.  When might you be free?"

"How about ten o'clock tomorrow morning?  Would that be
convenient for him?"

Tommy rose from his seat and excused himself to make a phone
call.  When he was out of earshot, Kathy said to Cindy in a low
voice, "I think you'll find the accommodations here significantly
better than at your prior hotel.  What are you doing this
weekend?"

Cindy excused herself and went after Tommy.  Awhile later they
came back arm in arm.  They both glowed.  When they were seated,
Tom said, "Ten o'clock tomorrow would be fine.  My father asked
me to thank you for taking the trouble to see him."  He went on
to provide directions.

Cindy was bubbling.  "We have reservations for this weekend! 
Tommy and I discussed with the clerk the merits of various suites
before we chose one!  Kathy, she said they are looking forward to
having us!  Do you think she really means it?"

Kathy grinned at her.  "Of course she means it!  Wouldn't you
mean it if it was a choice of having paying guests who look like
they'll spend a lot of money with room service against having an
empty suite?  That's the hotel business these days, Hon.  There's
just no business on weekends."  Cindy had blushed when Kathy
mentioned room service.

"There's one more thing," Cindy said.  Like Tommy earlier, her
eyes were focused on the service plate in front of her.  "I would
be deeply honored if you would be the maid of honor at my
wedding."  Cindy did not look up as she extended her invitation.

_The poor thing!  She believes I won't accept,_ Kathy thought,
_but she wants to make the offer anyway._  Kathy looked at Cindy
and smiled, "Cindy, I am truly honored.  You shouldn't ask me and
you know it.  You only met me for the first time two days ago. 
The maid of honor is the bride's best friend, but I'll accept on
one major condition.  The condition is that your parents approve
of your inviting me.  Cindy, I am deeply touched.  I will fully
understand if they say no, and I want you to promise that you'll
accept their decision.  Agreed?"

Cindy's eyes were glowing at her good fortune.  She nodded,
jumped up from the table and ran out to the telephones.  A few
minutes later she returned, glowing with joy.  "My parents would
be deeply honored to have you as a member of our wedding party. 
My father asked me to say that were it not for you, there could
be no wedding.  The groom would be facing 20-to-life for rape. 
He is arranging a suite for you at The Barclay on Rittenhouse
Square, unless you have some other hotel preference.  There will
be a car and driver at your disposal, of course.  Also, my mother
would like to know what date would be convenient for her to send
the dressmaker down to take your measurements.  Oh, and your
plane tickets will be delivered to your office tomorrow, if
that's satisfactory?"

"Cindy, I'm overwhelmed!  Of course, the answer is yes!  I can be
available whenever the dressmaker wishes to come.  Oh, Cindy! 
I'm so excited!"

Cindy and Tom just glowed.  They dined that night on baked
stuffed lobster, done in Tidewater style.  The lobster was three
and a half pounds; the stuffing was lump crab imperial... about a
pound and a half of it.  When they finished dinner, Kathy felt
she could roll home to Virginia Beach without having to drive.

* * *

Promptly at ten the next morning, Kathy arrived at the address
Tom had given her and asked for Mr. Donetti.  A guard took her
purse, noticed the LadySmith, and put it aside.  He was carefully
patting down her body for more weapons when Anthony Donetti
appeared.  "What in hell are you doing!" he yelled.  "Get your
hands off that woman!"  He came hurrying up to Kathy with his
hand outstretched.

Kathy took it in a firm grip, "How do you do, Mr. Donetti.  I'm
Katherine Smith.  I'm very pleased to meet you!"

Tony Donetti beamed.  "Miss Smith, I'm honored.  Will you please
come with me?"

Kathy hesitated, and Donetti noticed the hesitation.  "Is there
something wrong?" he asked with concern in his voice.

"The guard has my purse.  I don't like it out of my sight."

"Give the lady her purse.  Now!"  There was steel in his voice.

"But boss, she's packing!  It's in her purse!" the guard
protested.

"Of course she is, you idiot!  This is Kathy Smith!  The weapon
in that purse has buried three men in the last six months!  Do
you want to try for four?"

At the mention of her name, the guards jumped.  The guard
instantly returned the purse.  "I'm terribly sorry, Miss Smith. 
I didn't recognize you.  I won't ever make that mistake again!"

Donetti ushered Kathy into his office and into a chair.  He went
behind the desk, sat down and looked at her steadily.  Finally,
he spoke.  "I agree with Tom.  You _are_ an angel.  Miss Smith, I
asked you to come in for two reasons.  First, because of who you
are and what you're doing for Norfolk.  The people you're putting
away are the scum of the earth, the predators: evil men who prey
on the weak.  God knows, I'm no saint.  We're into things that
are illegal.  But we don't do drugs.  They're lethal.  They
corrupt everyone who gets close, not just the users.  They
corrupt and destroy the dealers, too.

"Our biggest business is gambling.  I laugh whenever I hear those
clowns talking about 'the billions the gamblers take in.'  What a
joke!  First, we don't gamble; our customers do.  We just make
the book.  Miss Smith, let's say the Giants are playing the
Redskins.  You bet $10 on the Redskins and another guy bets $10
on the Giants.  You win.  I pay you $10.  I never saw your $10 --
that was credit -- and the other guy pays me $11.  I make _one
dollar_ on twenty.  The clowns talk about the $20, but I only get
the dollar.  That's 5 percent of the handle.

"The sad part is the same clowns sing the praises of the state
lotteries.  Do you know what they keep?  Upwards of 50 percent! 
It's a rip-off!  Why do you think we still sell numbers, even
when the state has a numbers game?  Our payoff is better, our
service is better and we'll take smaller bets."  He smiled
sheepishly and said, "I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to run off at the
mouth like that."

Kathy said, "Mr. Donetti, I would appreciate it if you would call
me Kathy.  I also want to tell you that you have a fine son!  I
was very impressed by him."

Donetti smiled, "Kathy...  I like the name, and I'm honored. 
Kathy, you mentioned my son.  I'm very proud of him, too.  Did
you know that he was an honors graduate at Lafayette?  He was...
and his old man barely finished high school.

"I've been hearing about you.  You put all the Kathy Smith
stories together and you're a cross between Joan of Arc, Wonder
Woman and Venus.  I think they're right, directionally, but I
still think they're missing a few things.  I got a call from Sal
Agnelli this morning.  He was very excited.  He wanted me to know
that you had agreed to be the maid of honor at his daughter's
wedding.  His daughter loves you like a sister and worships the
ground you walk on.  My son tells me that if it weren't for you,
he'd be looking at 20-to-life.  He's right.  They had him cold,
and you walked in and dismissed the case.  Why?  Why did you save
my son, Kathy?"

"Tony...  I'm sorry.  May I call you Tony?"  Donetti beamed and
nodded while Kathy continued.  "I couldn't do anything else. 
There was no crime committed!  Two good kids -- and I've been
amazed to learn how good they really are -- are in the wrong
place at the wrong time.  They have the bad luck to meet a bum
who happens to be a colleague of mine.  For that, my boss, the
District Attorney -- who knows we're meeting, by the way -- has
asked me to express his deepest personal regrets for the
humiliation your son has suffered.  Tony, if Hannigan's political
influence were neutralized, he would be history in a matter of
seconds.

"I'm sworn to uphold the law.  I take my oath very seriously and
try to discharge it to the best of my abilities.  I'm out to get
rid of the violent criminals who make people afraid to walk the
streets after dark.  Your son and future daughter-in-law love
each other very deeply.  I swear to you, rape was impossible in
that situation.  I am sworn to prosecute criminals.  There can be
no criminal if there was no crime.  There was none."

"I believe you, Kathy.  But you're overlooking a few things.  You
not only dropped the charges, but at least as important, you kept
it out of the papers.  As far as the media are concerned, it
didn't happen.  Kathy, I happen to _know_ that you called in a
lot of chits that morning to keep it out of the news.  There's
nothing in that oath of yours about that.  Right?"

Kathy blushed under his gaze and replied, "No, there's not." 
Then she looked into his eyes with her blue eyes blazing and
exclaimed, "But there's no way in hell I could just stand there
and watch two fine kids dragged through the mud!  It may not be
illegal but, by God, it is certainly immoral!  I will not allow
it!"

Tony Donetti beamed, "That's what I said: I owe you!  Kathy, I'm
going to give you a telephone number.  If you need me for any
reason -- _for any reason at all_ -- call the number and say it's
Angel.  I will speak to you within thirty minutes.  That is a
solemn pledge, too.  My son loves you.  My future daughter-in-law
loves you.  Let me join the crowd, Kathy.  I love you, too."

He stood up and came around the desk.  Kathy suddenly realized
that he was only about five feet eight inches tall, about her own
height.  He had an aura of power, she realized, that made him
seem taller than he was.  He stopped in front of her, held her
and kissed her on both cheeks.  The guards were standing at
attention as she left.

* * *

On Monday, Kathy drove to the Omni to pick up Cindy and take her
to the airport.  She already had the rest of the girl's luggage
in her car.  As she swung up to the entrance, the two young
people waved.  They knew that Kathy was taking more time away
from the office so they had assured her they would be waiting. 
Tom took Cindy in his arms as Kathy got out of her car.  She
smiled as Cindy lifted one small foot off the ground while she
kissed her fiance.  It reminded Kathy of paper starting to roll
just before igniting into flame.  She could hear small noises
coming from the girl.

"That's disgusting!" Kathy said with a wry grin.  "Haven't you
two had enough?"

At the sound of her voice, they turned toward her.  Both sets of
eyes looked glazed with passion.  At the same instant they both
said softly, "No," and went back into each other's arms.

"Cynthia Agnelli, if you don't get in the car this instant,
you'll miss your plane!  Your father will skin you alive.  And
I'll be there to help!"  Reluctantly, they parted, and Cindy
climbed in.

Tom turned to Kathy and kissed her softly on the cheek.  "Thanks,
Kathy!"

She grinned at him, shook her head in mock exasperation, got into
the car and rolled it out of the lot and up to the Expressway. 
As the car headed towards the airport, Kathy stole a glance at
Cindy.  "Well, how was your weekend?"

The look on Cindy's face was beatific.  "Heavenly!  Oh, Kathy, it
was like being in heaven!  We did everything.  It was a
discovery.  We would make love and.. and sleep a little...  Then
one of us would start running fingers lightly over the other's
body... and then we'd be awake, and Tommy would be aroused... and
then we'd make love."

Kathy was shaking her head slowly and smiling a tolerant little
smile.  "No, silly, I meant the important stuff.  You know, the
food in the restaurants, shopping at Harborside -- Damn!  I
forgot to tell you about this _darling_ new shop -- the
museums..."

Cindy was startled for an instant and then realized that she was
being teased.  "Kathy Smith, you are terrible!  It's a good thing
you're driving or I would push you out of the car!  Oh!" 
Continuing her mock anger, she folded her arms and stared
straight ahead.  Kathy thought she looked cute and said so.  The
younger girl grinned, and ran her tongue over her lips as if she
were a child licking off ice cream, "Delicious!  That's the word
for the weekend...  Deeelicious!"

She swung in the seat and turned serious.  "Kathy, can I ask you
something?  I... I... I feel so sore!  I ache...  I mean my
thighs, my groin...  Kathy, my cunt is so sore!  And Tommy!  This
morning, he could hardly get it up the second time.  I... I had..
I had to help him by taking him in my mouth!  Do we need to see a
doctor?"

Kathy felt a wonderful warm feeling as she listened to the girl.
_She's so innocent,_ Kathy thought.  Then quietly she asked, "How
many times did you do it over the weekend?"

Kathy watched the girl smile softly and wriggle her hips slightly
as she tried to count.  Finally, she answered, "I can't count...
I don't remember."

"More than ten?" Kathy asked.

Cindy looked startled, "Oh God, yes!  But why do you ask?"

"Because you're getting a wonderful husband and he's getting a
wonderful wife!  That's why.  Cindy, Tommy is human!  He's not a
machine, and neither are you.  My God!  What I'm hearing is
seventy-two hours of near-constant lovemaking.  I'll bet the only
sleep you got was when you both collapsed!  Honey, there's
nothing to worry about.  But be careful!  I'll bet your parents
will recognize the signs."  She smiled at her warmly.

"Kathy, there's something else.  When we were making love... 
when Tommy was inside me, I felt these waves in my loins.  They
would just build up and up and up...  I kept going higher,
until... until I exploded.  My body was going crazy!  My hips
were moving by themselves...  I was moaning and then... and then
I screamed.  Kathy, I blacked out!  What can I do?"

"Did you like the feeling?"

"Like it!  I can't describe it.  It was so wonderful!... hot..."

"Then enjoy it, silly!  It sounds like you and Tommy were
reaching orgasm together.  Cindy, that's what it's all about!"

"But Kathy...  when the girls talked, I never heard anything that
sounded like what I was feeling."

Kathy smiled and delighted in the girl's innocence.  "Obviously,
I should have given you an instruction manual.  That's the
trouble with these damn marriages.  The marriage license doesn't
come with a set of instructions.  Honey, you may not have heard
it because they may never have felt it!  The thing about sex is
that when it's good it's great, and when it's not, it's still
good.  With you and Tommy it was great!  By the way, when you
went to check in at the front desk, did the clerk ask to see your
Learner's Permit?"

Cindy looked startled and Kathy continued her teasing.  "Well,
you and Tom don't have a marriage license, so you need a
Learner's Permit.  They sell them at the next window..."  Kathy
was pulling up at the Piedmont gate.  With the transmission in
neutral and the brake set Cindy had her chance.  She hit Kathy on
the arm with her small fist and started to laugh.  Kathy,
startled, began laughing, too.

"You are terrible!" said Cindy with a mock pout.  "I'm being very
serious, and all you do is laugh at me."  She smiled ruefully and
asked, "Is it really so funny?  Am I so hopelessly naive?"

Kathy's face had a loving expression.  "No, it's not funny.  It
is beautiful.  I envy you.  And I'm so happy to have the
opportunity to be in your wedding."

Cindy impulsively leaned over and gave Kathy a kiss.  "And I'm so
happy my best friend can be there!"  She dashed off into the
terminal.

When Kathy entered the office, she met Pete who had a big smile
on his face.  He was so happy he didn't even bother to tease her
about arriving late.  "Guess what!  I can't believe it!  What do
you suppose I found on my desk this morning?"

Kathy cocked her head and looked thoughtful.  "A dead mouse...? a
turkey...?"

Pete grinned.  "Hannigan's resignation!  It seems he's decided to
go into private practice.  For him, that has to be ambulance
chasing.  My secretary just delivered my acceptance.  Damn!  I
knew I forgot something!  I forgot to say, 'accept with regret'.
That girl should have reminded me!"  Kathy gave him a big kiss on
his cheek.

When she reached her desk, she found a plain white envelope in
the center of her blotter.  It was unmarked and unsealed.  She
took out what was obviously a story torn from a Detroit
newspaper.  She read it quickly.  It reported that a body had
been found in a ditch beside the highway leading to Detroit's
Metropolitan Airport riddled by a shotgun in classic gangland
fashion.  From dental records it was identified as the body of a
known gunman with numerous arrests for violent crimes in the
Greater Detroit area.  The report concluded by saying that the
victim was a known associate of a man found dead in Norfolk after
having made an attempt on the life of Katherine Smith, an
assistant district attorney.

Kathy brought the clipping in to Peter who read it quickly.  "My,
my!  What do you know about that?  Reading this suggests that the
word is out in unmistakable terms that Kathy Smith is not to be
confused with one of the ducks in a shooting gallery.  How
interesting!"  He looked at her speculatively.  "Kathy, how did
your meeting with Donetti go last week?"

"Fine.  But why do you ask?" said Kathy, looking puzzled.

"Just asking.  You know," said Mahoney thoughtfully, "this
supports something rumored on the street.  There are strange
things going on.  It seems there are some unexpected people
supporting your crusade.  Remember that stakeout that produced
the 100th arrest?  Honey, police weren't there by accident. 
There was an anonymous tip phoned in.  I think you can feel a lot
safer now!"

* * *

When Kathy arrived in Philadelphia, she was made to feel like a
princess.  Cindy was waiting for her as she passed airport
security and gave her a big kiss.  Two big men were waiting
behind her.  "They'll bring your bags to the hotel.  There is
nothing you need from them right now, is there?"  Kathy shook her
head.  Cindy led the way down to the closer Departures concourse
and out to a waiting limousine.  While the driver remained behind
the wheel, another big man was waiting to open the door for the
girls.  They got in and the big car smoothly pulled away.

When Kathy had last seen Cindy two months earlier in Norfolk, she
didn't think the girl could ever look happier but now she did. 
She was joyous.  "Kathy, my father says I'm a big girl now, so he
let me meet you in his personal car!  Look!  She opened a panel
behind the driver and took out a cocktail shaker containing a
clear liquid.  She poured it into two glasses containing ice and
olives, and passed one to Kathy.  The girl was so intent on her
task it made Kathy smile.  She waited expectantly as Kathy took a
sip.  "Is it all right?  I've been practicing, but I have trouble
getting the amount of vermouth just right."

Kathy smiled at her warmly.  She noticed that the privacy window
separating the girls from the men in the front was opaque. 
"Cindy, I didn't think you could ever look happier than you did
when I left you at the airport, but you are now!  What's
happened?"

"Kathy, I feel joyous!  I'll be with Tommy tomorrow night!  You
were right, by the way.  When I got home, my parents watched me
carefully.  I tried so hard to move normally.  I was in such
delicious pain.  It reminded me of him whenever I moved!  Kathy,
I miss him so much when I'm in bed at night that I hurt...  I
honest-to-God hurt, I want him so."  Suddenly, Cindy showed
concern, "Is that sick or something...  I mean... a girl
shouldn't...  I mean men..."

Kathy smiled, "Shouldn't like sex?  Why, in hell, not?  How do
you feel now?"

"Wonderful!  When I met Tommy at the airport and I kissed him, I
started to feel that wonderful wetness inside.  Oh God, Kathy, I
can hardly wait!"

The car pulled up smoothly to the door at The Barclay.  The girls
alighted and went in.  Cindy went straight to the elevators.  She
commented that Kathy was already registered and she had her key.
Cindy still had her virtually untasted and now watery martini in
her hand.  She sipped it and thumbed through a magazine while
Kathy changed for the evening's rehearsal and dinner.  Kathy was
back fifteen minutes later.  She spun in front of Cindy and
asked, "How do I look?"

Cindy, recognizing the opportunity to get even for some of
Kathy's teasing, looked up idly and airily replied, "Okay, I
guess."

Kathy's face fell.  She was wearing a blue dress in a shade that
exactly matched her eyes.  With her golden hair and tanned body,
she thought she looked good.  Now she was crushed.

As she stood there, Cindy jumped to her feet and hugged her. 
Kathy looked up and saw the wide grin on her face.  "I did it!  I
did it!" the girl cried.  "Kathy Smith, you dish it out enough,
but...  You look gorgeous, as usual.  You dunce!  You're
exquisite, and you should know it!"

The car took them to Bryn Mawr.  Although the privacy window was
still up, it was now transparent.  Kathy realized there were two,
with one providing complete privacy in the passenger compartment.
 She saw the man in the passenger seat make a call on the car
phone.  As the car pulled to a stop at the door, Kathy saw a
couple waiting for them.  Cindy introduced Kathy to her parents.

Salvatore Agnelli took her hand and said, "Miss Smith, we are
deeply honored.  Welcome to our home!  This is my wife, Theresa."
 Cindy's mother stood on tiptoes and kissed Kathy on her cheek. 
The older woman was about five feet two.

They entered the house and Cindy flew up the stairs to change
with Kathy moving to follow.  Agnelli took her arm.  "Miss Smith,
please.  Could I speak to you for a few moments alone?  Cynthia
can take care of herself for a few minutes."  He smiled, and led
the way into a book-lined study.  He carefully closed the door,
seated the girl in a comfortable wing chair and went behind his
desk.

"Miss Smith...  Kathy... may I call you Kathy?"  Kathy smiled and
nodded.  "As you probably know, Tony Donetti and I are...
business associates.  We've been friends for years.  Our children
-- our only children -- grew up together.  Kathy, I _know_ what
you did for our children."  He smiled warmly.  "I _suspect_ what
happened the weekend before she came home."

Agnelli held up a hand, as Kathy blushed.  "I don't want to know.
 I do know that Cynthia was so happy she could have floated home
without an airplane.  Please don't breathe a word of this to my
wife.  She would die!  And, Miss Smith, my daughter was moving
rather stiffly.  In one of my businesses, I've become sensitive
to the signs.  Kathy, without you this could not have happened. 
Our children owe their happiness to you.  They know it.  They are
all we have... all we live for...  My daughter's happiness is the
most important thing in my life.  Because of you, she is
overflowing with happiness!  She is joyous!  Seeing our
daughter's joy fills us with great happiness...

"I'm trying to say, Kathy, that you've made _me,_ Sal Agnelli,
the happiest man alive!  Anything that you ever want, if it's in
my power to provide, you will get.  That is a solemn promise. 
Tony gave you a number to reach him.  You can reach me through
the same number and in the same manner."

Kathy looked at the man.  She realized that he was what he
claimed to be: a proud father on the eve of his daughter's
wedding, rejoicing in her happiness. _And he gives me all the
credit,_ she thought.  She looked at him speculatively.  "Mr.
Agnelli," she began.

"Sal, please!" he interjected.

She smiled, "Sal, may I ask you a question?  You know an attempt
was made on my life?"  Agnelli nodded.  "A man was found dead in
a ditch near Detroit.  Do you know anything about that?"

Agnelli smiled.  "I think I heard something about that.  I
wondered about it.  So violent!  Has anyone bothered you since,
Kathy?"  She shook her head.  "I thought not," he continued.  "I
don't think it would be considered a healthy activity.  Now shall
we join the others?"

* * *

At the rehearsal dinner that evening, Kathy was sitting at Tom's
right with Cindy on his left.  She couldn't resist a dig. 
"Thomas Donetti," she whispered, "would you please keep your hand
in your _own_ lap.  Can't you wait just a few more hours?"

Tommy looked at her and grinned.  "I'm trying!  I'm trying!"  He
slid his chair back so Kathy could have a clear view of Cindy. 
"Cindy," he said, "Guess what?"

She looked over, "What?"

"I learned something a few days ago.  Kathy may be your best
friend, but she's _my sister!"_

Cindy frowned, puzzled.  "What are you saying?" she asked.

Tom grinned at his bride-to-be and at Kathy.  "Hon, you know I
was an Alpha at Lafayette?  Well, I learned that Kathy is an
Alpha from Yale!  She's my fraternity sister.  And did I ever
learn a lot!  She was elected Queen of Yale College, representing
the Alphas.  Honey, they had this contest -- sort of an Olympics
-- in three parts: brains, athletics and beauty.  Kathy won it
all!  I mean, she won every single event.  They're still talking
about it up there.  And she's your maid of honor."

A toast had already been offered to the bride and groom when Tony
Donetti, who was hosting the dinner, stood up.  "Ladies and
gentlemen: I would like to offer a toast to a young lady that
many of you have heard about but few of you have met.  I'm
speaking for my wife and me and for Sal and Theresa Agnelli when
I say that, were it not for this young lady we would not be here
tonight.  This young lady has made an impact in Norfolk where I
come from.  Single-handed, she has caused street crime to drop by
60 percent in less than one year.

"She courageously stopped a wholesale slaughter of innocent
people by killing gunmen who had already opened fire in a crowded
establishment.  She escaped an attempt on her life and in the
process killed the man who had fired on her.  Ladies and
gentlemen, please join me in a toast to our dearest friend, the
maid of honor, Miss Katherine Smith."

Kathy sat blushing with her eyes downcast as the guests rose and
warmly applauded.  She looked up and out at the crowd and
realized that many of the guests were out-of-town "business
associates".  She was surprised to see expressions of
understanding and respect in their faces.  Suddenly, Kathy
understood.  She had just been publicly taken under the
protection of the Donettis, the Agnellis, and all of their
associates.

After the toast had been drunk, Kathy rose.  She heard intakes of
breath, not realizing that it was a tribute to her extraordinary
beauty that many were seeing for the first time.  She said
simply, "Mr. and Mrs Donetti.  Mr. and Mrs. Agnelli.  Thank you.
I am honored to be here tonight and deeply grateful for your
hospitality and very kind words."  She sat down as applause
echoed through the room.

The next morning she was alone with Cindy.  The other bridesmaids
had been asked to wait downstairs.  Before beginning to dress,
Cindy was standing nude, critically inspecting herself in the
mirror.  Kathy saw that her loins and breasts were now tanned,
although with the differences in shade her bathing suit marks
still showed.  She turned slowly for Kathy's inspection.  "Do I
pass?  What do you think?"

"Well..."  said Kathy thoughtfully, taking advantage of the
opportunity to tease Cindy for the last time, "Okay, but..."

"But what?" said Cindy with concern sounding in her voice.

"It's your left breast...  It doesn't seem..."

Cindy ran back to the mirror and cupped her breasts in her hands.
 Suddenly, she released them and spun on Kathy, "Katherine Smith,
I hate you!"  She grinned at Kathy as she started to dress.  "I
may be slow, but I am learning."*Chapter 17*

Kathy walked into Peter Mahoney's office and sat down in her
usual chair.  "Pete, I have to talk to you."

Mahoney looked up startled by the serious, almost sad, tone in
her voice.  He showed his concern.  "Mr. Mahoney, today I am
submitting my resignation as assistant district attorney."  Peter
was shocked and showed it.  As he started to speak, she held up
her hand.  "Peter, this is hard enough.  Please don'tinterrupt."

Kathy was sitting upright looking at him, as she continued, "You
are up for reelection this year on the Democratic ticket.  The
Republican committee in town approached me.  They asked me to run
against you.  I am a registered Republican, you know.  They said
that I have achieved a great deal in the ten months I've been in
the job.  They said I'm the best-known public official in town
and have had extraordinary impact reducing street crime.  They
want me to run against organized crime.  Close down the gamblers,
the whorehouses, the after-hours clubs... you know, all the
targets beloved of reformers everywhere.  They said I could
neutralize your position on violent crime and beat you on sin. 
What do you think?"

Mahoney's face was expressionless.  "It makes sense.  I agree
with the analysis except I'm not so sure you could beat me. 
Probably you could, but so what?  What did you say?"

Kathy did not lower her head.  Pete could see tears form in her
eyes and start to roll down her cheeks.  She ignored them.  "I
told them everything I knew about fighting crime I learned from
you.  I said you were the most honest, most honorable man it's
ever been my good fortune to meet."  The tears were flowing in
twin streams now and her voice was cracking, but she did not
lower her head.  "Running against you would be the dirtiest, most
underhanded thing I could imagine.  You focused on danger to the
people: violent street crime and drugs.  If someone wants to
place a bet, big fucking deal!  I'm not going to lose any sleep
over it.  I couldn't be so two-faced!  The idea of a 26-year-old
girl, less than one year out of law school, trying to run this
office is absurd.  I told them...  I told them...  I told them to
take their offer and stick it!"

Kathy couldn't go on.  She just sat in the chair with her head
still upright and bawled.

Pete went around the desk, took her in his arms and could feel
her shoulders shaking from her sobbing.  He continued to hold her
while she slowly quieted down.  Then he helped her back to her
chair, produced a box of tissues and sat down in a chair next to
her.  He sat silently while she regained her composure and dried
her eyes.  "What do you plan on doing, Kathy?"

"I live in Virginia Beach, you know.  I'm even set up with an
office out there," She looked at him with a rueful little smile.
"You know, lined with the law books that every lawyer thinks he
has to buy.  I think it's kind of cute...  Anyway, I guess I'll
try the private practice of law."

"Is there any way I can get you to change your mind?" he asked.

"No, Pete.  I'm afraid not.  What happened was the thing furthest
from my mind.  Me?  Becoming a threat to your career?  It's
absurd!  I can't stay Pete.  I'm sorry."

"Kathy, can I tell you something?  Do you remember when you came
in here for the first time?  Right out of law school?  I told you
that I had been doing some checking.  Well, one of the guys said
that you were so good you would be able to take my job.  I don't
think he had just a year in mind, but never mind.  He said he
thought you could, but you never would.  He said you were the
most personally loyal person he had ever met.  His last words to
me were, 'You're the luckiest guy alive to get Kathy Smith.'

"He was absolutely right, Kathy.  You are the best thing that
ever happened to me or to this office.  I am proud!  You made me
proud, Kathy!  If anyone had said that this office could
accomplish what it has in the last twelve months, I would have
said he was crazy!  But it's happened, Kathy, and you did it." 
He took her in his arms and kissed her warmly.

* * *

The news of Katherine Smith's resignation stunned the city.  A
major press conference was called.  In addition to all the local
media, the wire services were present.  In the absence of advance
warning, the local TV stations were alerted by their respective
network news centers to prepare a story for possible network
broadcast.

Peter Mahoney handled the press conference: "Ladies and
gentlemen, this morning I received news that shocked me and will
shock you, too: Katherine Smith has just resigned her position as
Assistant District Attorney of Norfolk County, effective
immediately.  The reasons for the resignation were given to me
but I am treating them as confidential.  She can tell you if she
wishes.  I tried to get her to reconsider, but I did not succeed.
 Perhaps you will.

"I want to make another announcement.  Kathy Smith has bent over
backward to give me public credit for the Dangerous Criminals
project.  She claimed that I did the analysis, worked out the
program and was ready to put it into action when she started work
in this office.  What garbage!  When we met in this very room one
year ago, _I_ was hearing it for the first time, too.  The only
credit I deserve is for acting ability.  I didn't let my
astonishment show... and I had the good sense to put in charge
the person who conceived the program in the first place.

"It was Kathy's program from the beginning.  All of its success
is hers, not mine.  The program has been running for one year. 
Have any of you ever had a hint of what I just told you?  Of
course not!  I was enjoying the limelight, so I sure wouldn't
talk!  That leaves Kathy.  Politics is often a game of leaks and
planted stories.  Never with Kathy!  She is the most loyal,
dedicated and effective public servant I have ever met or heard
about.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Kathy Smith represents the true essence
and meaning of the term, public servant, that is all too seldom
seen.  I am proud, ladies and gentlemen!  She comes from the
great tradition of service in Virginia: George Washington, the
Lees, and the founder of her recent school, Thomas Jefferson. 
Personally, I think Mr. Jefferson is very proud right now.

"I have been honored to be associated with this woman.  You know,
you hear a lot about women's lib: how men won't give them a
chance, and all the things men have and women haven't.  Some of
you may not have noticed, but Kathy Smith is a woman.  She is a
beautiful woman.  And look what she has done in just one year. 
There's one more thing.  In the year she has been in the job, she
has been paid $17,500.  Kathy Smith is the biggest bargain in the
history of government!  My God!  Did we ever get our money's
worth!  Thank you!"

At this emotional moment, with tears running down his cheeks, he
turned to Kathy.  Tears were in her eyes as well.  He embraced
her, while strobe lights flashed like continual lightning and the
TV cameras recorded it on film.  The TV news people, normally
glib with instant analysis, were stunned into silence.  The shock
of Kathy's resignation was coupled with Mahoney's public
announcement giving her credit for the entire program.

The press was in a turmoil as Kathy clung to Peter and whispered,
"Why did you do it Peter?  I don't want the credit."

He whispered, "I know that, but you earned it."

They faced the press.  "Kathy," a TV anchor asked, "I won't ask
why.  I will say -- and I think I'm speaking for everyone else
here, and throughout Tidewater -- please stay.  We need you!"

Kathy stood up straight with her head high facing the press the
way she always did.  Except tears were pouring down her cheeks. 
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you!  I'm sorry I cannot stay in
this position.  Before I leave, however, I want to thank you for
all your support over the last year which helped make our success
possible.  Thank you for the many personal and professional
courtesies extended to me."  She tried to smile and almost made
it.  "Thanks to the photographers and cameramen who kept me from
looking like a witch.  Thanks to the reporters and news people
who kept me from sounding like a fool.  Thank you all, very much!
 Good bye!"

A policeman, tears blurring his eyes, helped Kathy off the stage.
 She needed the help because tears were blinding her.  The cheers
and applause were ringing in her ears.

* * *

She cleaned out her desk and put the material in a box.  She told
Pete she would pick it up on Monday if it was all right.

He kissed her softly.  "Keep in touch, kid.  We'll still be
here."

Kathy couldn't face her apartment right now.  She didn't want to
watch what would be on TV.  She decided to swing by Charley's.

To be continued...
	
* * *

Comments and constructive criticism are sincerely welcome.  Let
me hear from you.  morg105829@aol.com

*Kathy Stark* Copyright (c) 1991, 1998, 2001 by Morgan. 
<morg105829@aol.com>

All rights reserved.  No part may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any electronic means, including photocopying,
recording or by any information and retrieval system, without the
written permission of the author. <1st attachment end>


----- ASSM Moderation System Notice------
Notice: This post has been modified from its original
format.  The post was sent as an email attachment and
has been converted by ASSTR ASSM moderation software.
----- ASSM Moderation System Notice------


------- ASSM Moderation System Notice--------
This post has been reformatted by the ASSM
Moderation Team due to inadequate formatting.

-- 
Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights
reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| alt.sex.stories.moderated ----- send stories to: <ckought69@hotmail.com> |
| FAQ: <http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/faq.html>  Moderator: <story-ckought69@hotmail.com> |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Archive: <http://assm.asstr-mirror.org> Hosted by Alt.Sex.Stories Text Repository |
|<http://www.asstr-mirror.org>, an entity supported entirely by donations.         |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+