Catherine:How will I recognize you?

Voice:Youll know, Doctor. It wont be long.

"Jesus Christ," Watts breathed as the tape clicked off. "What a fucking nutcase."

"Not exactly a clinical diagnosis, Detective, but fairly accurate," Catherine replied grimly. Rebecca had not spoken, and Catherine wanted desperately to go to her. She could see from across the room that Rebeccas spine was rigid and the hand that rested against the window frame was clenched into a fist.

At last Rebecca turned, keeping her gaze away from Catherine. "Did we get a trace?"

Watts shook his head. "Just under the wire--hes smart, this one."

Rebecca nodded, her face a careful blank. "Double the patrols through the neighborhood, and put a man on the street across from Catherines office and at each entrance to the hospital.

"Rebecca" Catherine began.

"Do it, Watts." She turned to Catherine, her eyes simmering with repressed anger and the revulsion she had felt as she listened to that quiet, disembodied voice on the tape. She could envision his hands on Catherines skin, forcing her down, violating her. His words were the only violation of this woman she would allow. Nothing, not even Catherines professional responsibilities, would change her mind. If Catherine hated her for it, thats the way it would have to be. She would not give this maniac any opportunity to harm Catherine. She was too precious for Rebecca to risk for a moment. "Hes changed his M.O., Watts--hes got a specific target now. This is where hell come. Keep up the extra patrols in the park. Ive got the prostitutes alerted if he shows there. Sooner or later hell come after Catherine."And when he does, Ill kill the bastard.

Watts heaved himself to his feet. "Right. Ill meet you at the hospital in the morning."

"Ill need to see Janet Ryan in the morning," Rebecca stated after Watts left. She still had not looked directly at Catherine. She was afraid if she did she would lose what little control she had left. She trembled inwardly at the thought that any harm might come to her. Catherine had awakened a need in her which Rebecca had buried for far too long. With the undemanding acceptance of her body and her heart, Catherine brought Rebecca face to face with the loneliness of the half-life she had been leading. Rebecca did not want to return to that life, and it was Catherine she needed in order to go forward.

"Ill want to be there when you question her," Catherine stated quietly.

"All right."

"Is there no other way?"

"No. Its not a random victim any longer, Catherine. Itsyouhe wants now."

Catherine looked into Rebeccas determined face and knew there could be no other way. She held out her hand, saying, "I need you to hold me, darling."

Rebecca was across the room in an instant, gathering her close.I will not let him hurt you!

Chapter Twenty-Five

Rebecca awakened with Catherine enfolded in her arms. The sky outside was just beginning to lighten with the dawn. She gloried in the sensations of Catherine -- her warm flesh beneath Rebeccas hands, the whisper of her breath against Rebeccas skin, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. Rebeccas lips found the soft skin at the base of Catherines throat as her hands began a gentle exploration of her body. She traced the curve of breast, the arch of hip, the slope of firm thigh -- all the planes that fused to form the wonder that was Catherine.

Catherines back arched and she pressed herself even closer to Rebecca, whispering urgently, "Do you know what youre doing to me? Im on fire."

Rebecca smiled as she fitted the length of her body to Catherines. She was rewarded with a soft groan from the woman beneath her, and suddenly Rebeccas body answered with an urgency that left her breathless. Her head grew light as every nerve in her body burned downward into a single pounding point between her legs. Then Catherines hands were upon her, stroking through her wetness, teasing her into full distention, playing her body like a sensitive instrument. Rebecca closed her eyes tightly, willing herself not to come. She caught one swollen nipple lightly between her teeth, groaning in satisfaction at Catherines swift gasp of pleasure. She tried to concentrate on the heat and softness of Catherines skin, and to ignore the pressure building in her clitoris as Catherine rolled it gently under her fingers. She was moaning now, barely able to think, her hands clutching Catherines shoulders as her hips began to thrust against Catherines hand.Not yet, not yet, not yet,she chanted silently, gritting her teeth, each second a sweet agony as the pressure in her belly built to overflowing.

"Oh!" Rebecca cried, shuddering, as Catherine pressed harder along the length of her clitoris. She couldnt hold it. The spasms started at the base and twisted outward, causing her to jerk in Catherines arms. When she cried out her release, she was unaware of the tears that coursed down her face.

Catherine held her, gentling her with loving caresses. "Its all right, darling. Im here. Oh, god, Rebecca, I love you!" She continued her soft words and soothing strokes until they both slipped into peaceful, satisfied sleep.

**********

The woman who stood across the room from her did not seem like the tender lover who had cried in her arms just hours ago, yet Catherine knew that she was. That side of Rebecca, the vulnerable, all too human side, disappeared when she buckled on her holster and clipped her detectives shield to her belt. As formidable and aloof as she appeared now, Catherine loved this part of Rebecca as well. What they shared in private was precious to her, because it was a part of herself that Rebecca kept hidden from the world. But Catherine admired and respected her for the other woman she was as well -- the tough street cop with a will of iron and a core of steel. Her tender warrior with the fragile heart.

Rebecca looked up to find Catherines eyes upon her, and she blushed slightly. She was both pleased by the appreciative look on Catherines face and embarrassed by the scrutiny. Nevertheless, she warmed inwardly to the attention from this composed, gracefully beautiful woman.

Clearing her throat, Rebecca said, "I know it will be difficult for you to have me around all day, but I just cant take any chances. Hes becoming unpredictable, and theres no way to anticipate his behavior. Im sorry."

"Dont be," Catherine replied, kissing Rebecca quickly as she reached for her briefcase. "I can think of much worse things than having you around all day. And I do know that youre doing what needs to be done. I appreciate it."

**********

Janet Ryan was sitting in a chair by the window when Catherine and Rebecca entered. The bruises on her face were fading, but she still appeared fragile physically. She smiled a greeting at Catherine and looked hesitantly at Rebecca.

Rebecca sat beside her in a worn armchair.

"Do you remember me, Janet? Im Detective Frye. I spoke with you before." When Janet nodded, Rebecca continued. "I have more questions to ask you. Im want you to tell me again everything you did on the day of the assault. Everything you can remember -- even if it doesnt seem at all important. Start with when you woke up."

"I overslept," Janet began uncertainly. "I usually run in the mornings and then take the train to work. I was rushed that morning, so I decided to drive. I remember working. Nothing unusual happened. I took OHara Drive home. The sun was still out and there were boats on the river. It seemed so peaceful I decided to stop. I parked and began to walk down to the water." She stopped suddenly, a fine sheen of sweat glistening on her pale face.

Rebecca tried not to appear anxious. Janet was speaking in a low monotone and her eyes were slightly unfocused. Her memory for the events surrounding the rape was clearly improving. Rebecca desperately needed for her to remember.

"Youre doing wonderfully, Janet," Catherine said softly. "Tell us about walking down to the water."

"It smelled like spring. There was no one around. I felt so peaceful. Then, I heard something, a scream!" Once again she stopped abruptly. This time she was visibly agitated. Her hands trembled and her breath came in quick gasps. Catherine reached out and lightly rested her hand on Janets arm.

"Youre all right, Janet, you are safe here with us. Can you tell me what is frightening you?"

"There was a man! He was doing something to the woman on the ground! I ran toward him, screaming at him to stop!" Janet looked wildly about the room, her gaze fixing on Catherines face. "Oh, Dr. Rawlings! I cant remember! I just cant remember any more!"

"Thats all right, Janet, youve done beautifully. Really. Ill speak with you again tomorrow. It wont be long now before we can talk about sending you home."

Catherine stood and motioned to Rebecca to follow.

"Thats as much as youre going to get for today, Rebecca. Sheisremembering, but it will take more time."

"What about trying hypnosis or drugs?"

"Its possible that either method might help spark further recollections, but Im concerned that forcing the issue will be harmful to Janet in the long run. Her memory will return when her mind is healed enough to deal with what she experienced."

"Is that doctor talk for `no?" Rebecca asked.

"Youre learning, Detective," Catherine laughed. "Was it helpful for you at all?"

Rebecca shrugged in exasperation. "I cant help feeling that theres something there and Im just not getting it. Three times this guy rapes and murders someone in a fairly well-populated area of the park, and no one sees him coming or going. Hes like the invisible man."