Winds of Fire, стр. 37
“Jayne must not have gone to her meeting yet. That was close,” Johanna said.
“I know. It gets the adrenalin pumping, doesn't it?” Frankie giggled.
* * * *
Frankie drained her glass of wine and then set the empty glass on the coffee table. “It sounds like we both got some interesting information.”
Johanna stretched. “I've got to hand it to you—it was a good plan after all.” She rubbed her head. “I couldn't wait to get that wig off. Guess wigs aren't for me.”
“Me either. Besides, I love your natural auburn hair so much better.”
“Yeah, I prefer yours any day, too.” She checked the time. “I'm exhausted. We should try to get to bed a little earlier tonight, after I finish up a few things.” She stared at her computer screen. “I was just thinking. Thatcher never changes his routine. I wish we could link the connection between Kristin Robbins, Thatcher Longman, and Becca Manning. What are we not seeing?”
Frankie tilted her head. “Well, we believe Thatcher is the father of Kristin's baby. That connects those two. But I can't figure how Becca fits into everything.”
“And why he allows her to abuse her authority unless she does have something on him.”
“Which we agree she most likely does. The connection that doesn't make sense is Kristin and the baby visiting Becca at Bronson Enterprises.” She exhaled loudly. “How the hell do they connect to Becca?”
“Maybe Kristin found out that Becca and Thatcher are falsifying financial records and she wants a cut,” Johanna offered.
She sighed softly. “Could be, but then why would Thatcher be so friendly with her? All I know is that he hasn't changed his after work schedule since we began tailing him.” She looked at Johanna. “I think we need to meet with Alec Oakman tomorrow and bring him up to speed on everything.”
“I agree.” She flicked on the TV. “I want to catch the news before we go to bed. It'll be on in a couple of minutes.”
“Okay.” Frankie settled back into the sofa and put her hands behind her head as a few commercials danced across the screen. “I would have given anything to see Jayne's reaction when we didn't return. She was itching to be interviewed.”
Johanna giggled. “She must be livid.”
Frankie smiled. “I'm sure she is. What do you think about getting a different car each night for our surveillance? I could talk to Jillian about it. Just to be on the safe side in case someone recognizes the car.” She turned her head in Johanna's direction. “You never know.”
“That's a great idea. I never thought of that.” She glanced at her computer. “I've been trying to dig up something...anything on Becca Manning, but it's like the woman doesn't exist except for the brief write-up on the company website. How can you hide yourself completely in this day and age with the Internet?”
“I don't know, but it only convinces me that she's hiding something that would destroy her if it became public knowledge.” Frankie's eyes drifted to the newscaster who'd just come on with a breaking story. She listened intently. “Another fire.”
Johanna's eyes widened as she listened to the reporter. “Thank God no one was injured or any businesses damaged in this one. How many fires has this been, Frankie?”
Frankie shook her head. “I don't know...too many and some repeats.” She removed her hands from behind her head and rubbed her jaw. “Tomorrow I think we should look up the dates and times of each fire.”
“Do you want me to start tonight?” Johanna asked.
“No, sweetie. You're exhausted. Why don't you jump in the shower and as soon as I take care of these wineglasses I'll join you,” she said with a sly wink.
* * * *
Johanna stripped off her clothes and then turned on the shower. She stretched luxuriously before stepping inside. The warm water soothed her aching body and relaxed her. It had been a long day and she longed for her bed. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, holding each one in before letting it out. She kept her eyes closed, tuning out the world around her.
When Frankie's arms suddenly encircled her, Johanna smiled as she leaned back feeling Frankie's hard nipples pressing into her. Life was good, life was perfect.
“Too tired for a little fun?” Frankie murmured.
“Never,” Johanna replied huskily as Frankie slowly moved her hands over Johanna's thighs while softly kissing the back of her neck. “Mmm, that's nice.” The need for sleep rapidly disappeared as her body tingled under Frankie's touch. She grabbed Frankie's hands and tried to force them to her vagina.
Frankie pulled away and lathered soap in her hands and then sensuously ran her hands over Johanna's body, taking her time until every inch of Johanna's flesh had been lathered.
Johanna savored every touch as her body screamed with the tantalizing pleasure Frankie was causing. As Frankie expertly massaged Johanna's shoulders, any tension left in her body was now gone, replaced by raw hunger.
When Frankie finished, she gently turned Johanna around and with one hand swept the damp hair away from Johanna's face and stared deep into her eyes.
Johanna reached a hand out and stroked Frankie's cheek. She didn't know how it was possible, but every day her love for Frankie grew only stronger. They'd been through a lot together and she felt fortunate that together they'd managed to get through the bad times without weakening the tight bond that kept them cemented. They were not only partners, but soul mates. She savored every minute they were together.
As she looked into Frankie's brown, penetrating eyes, she not only saw the love those eyes held for her, but more importantly felt that