- •In an excited voice Jaylynn said, "Don’t they travel in packs—or droves—or swarms? You know what I mean?"
- •In an unsure voice, Tess said, "Run?"
- •In a hoarse whisper, Dez said, "I’ll warm you up," then kissed her again.
- •It was a puzzle to her, and one that was troubling. It was just as well that she arrived at the duplex to get her landlady just then, because it was clear she was making herself awfully nervous.
- •In mock horror, Sara said, "No way! I can see it now, he comes home and you try to steal my boyfriend!"
- •It was a quandary.
- •In unison, both Dez and Jaylynn screamed, "No!" and rushed below the window.
- •Victor leaned out the window, one little leg over the sill.
- •In a grouchy voice, Dez said, "How come this place is like a maze? They ought to hand out maps when you arrive."
- •Vanita shrugged. "Still . . . You know, it was really something what they did."
- •In her partner’s ear, Dez said, "I’m only letting you lead because you seem to be enjoying it so much."
- •In a grumbling voice, Dez answered, "Something like that. I hated it. Had to learn to waltz, foxtrot, swing, square dance, polka—like I was ever gonna use any of it!"
- •In a loud voice, Dez said, "I can’t imagine su familia enjoying the sight of you and me dancing."
- •In silence, Dez remained leaning against the door, her heart beating fast.
- •It took a brief second before Jaylynn realized the lieutenant meant Cowboy. As she released the strong, warm hand, she said, "Yes, ma’am. He’s a great guy and an excellent cop."
- •It was cold outside, and the chilled air immediately got to her. She was glad to be wearing her warmest winter coat and gloves, but her legs, even in wool duty pants, felt the frigid air immediately.
- •In a whisper, Jaylynn said, "It’s going to be all right, Dez. Really."
- •If it hadn’t been so dark out, Dez was sure she would have clearly been able to see Nielsen’s face blanch.
- •In a hoarse whisper, Oster said, “Dez, what in the hell are you doing over here?”
- •Impatiently, Dez said, "I'm here because I have to be here. You should know it's required."
- •In a soft voice, Parkins said, "Different time - different climate, Tony. And your people weren't systematically hunted down and killed like the Hmong people were. It's different."
- •In an angry voice, Jaylynn said, "It's like every sappy song that comes on the radio makes me cry. I can't stop wondering and worrying about Dez, and I don't know what to do."
- •In a strangled voice, Tim said, "Kevin, help."
- •In a voice full of disbelief, the tall cop said, "Geez, I'm not gonna go around talking about this to anybody."
- •It was driving her crazy.
- •In the quiet of Cabin h, Dewey and Dez screwed the sheetrock into the wall studs, then stood back to admire their handiwork.
- •In a gruff voice, Dez said, "How do you know she loves me? That's not in the report!"
- •Vanita exhaled and smiled, looking around the car. "Lots of leg room up here, Lu. Hope you fit in the back okay."
- •Vanita nodded and pointed. "Over there, Dez, next to the building."
- •Vanita said, "Lulu. Our chauffeur doesn’t seem to have a clue. Did you explain what in tarnation is going on here?"
- •Vanita was giggling. "What will they think of next? Isn’t this wonderful? Wish they’d had this when my little demons were small. Would’ve saved on a lot of threats and spankings."
- •Vanita took off her glasses and squinted at them. "My, my, these bifocals of mine may need a tune up."
- •It was too hard to hide her feelings and too late to be embarrassed for one minute more that she had them. Marie had told her that was what made people human - all those intense feelings.
- •In a prim voice, Vanita said, "Well, whenever you do, I’ve got the phone for if you fall over in a dead faint and don’t answer my calls."
- •Vanita pointed up with her free hand. "Ever notice how Perkins has the biggest flag on the planet?"
- •In unison from behind their menus, the sisters said, "Coffee. Black. And lots of it."
- •Vanita returned a smug look. "Stick to the facts. I may be old, but I am not decrepit. I’ll be up and running before too long."
- •Vanita said, "Or rent - or lease - just let you live there if you don’t buy. We haven’t really thought that out."
- •In short time, they found a kit that held walkie-talkies as well as a compass and a spy-glass. Amanda’s eyes brightened. "She’ll like this gray color, I think, don’t you?"
- •I’ve been missing you terribly. Please let me know you are all right.
- •In a grouchy voice, Jaylynn said, "I don't know...Maybe one-thirty or so."
- •In a gruff voice, the tall cop answered, "What was I supposed to tell her? That you’re really a merciless psychic digger who’s excavated all my secrets?"
- •In a low voice next to Jaylynn’s ear, Dez said, "I think the session went well because you were there. That’s what I think."
- •In a gruff voice, the tall woman said, "I’ll have you know that fat pack mostly contains stuff for you."
- •Into her ear, Jaylynn said, "You’re so funny, Dez. I ate way more than usual. How could you eat less?"
- •In a dry voice, Dez said, "No matter how much you want me to keep in touch, you can’t give me that, Jaylynn."
- •In a flat voice, she answered, "Same dream as always. Same scary shit."
- •Vanita grinned at her, and raised her cup. "Great. Want to try some low-fat cocoa coffee?"
- •Vanita reached over and patted her hands. "You look like hell, girl, and don’t let anyone tell you any different. You definitely need some coffee."
- •Vanita took a slurp of her coffee cocoa. "I sure hope you don’t work today."
- •Vanita rose. "Well, I’ll go get my purse and coat, and we can all ride over in the Chrysler."
- •In a low voice, Dez said, "What’ll you do with the other part of your time?"
- •In mock horror, Jaylynn said, "No! I would never - I’m sure I said almost as good."
- •Is it a good idea, and do I really want to do that?
In an angry voice, Jaylynn said, "It's like every sappy song that comes on the radio makes me cry. I can't stop wondering and worrying about Dez, and I don't know what to do."
Sara scooted over until she was sitting thigh to thigh with Jaylynn. She patted the smaller woman's leg. "There isn't anything you can do until she chooses to resurface."
"But why! Why is she doing this?"
Sara shrugged. "Who can tell? I think you have to wait until she is ready to talk to you." She looked at Jaylynn out of the corner of her eye. "Little Miss Patience - waiting is no fun, is it?"
"No! I want to smack her. The minute I see her, I'm going to walk right up and sock her in the stomach."
Sara giggled. "I'm sure that will incapacitate her immediately, and then she will spill her guts right away to tell you what's been happening."
"You know what I mean!"
"Not really, but I'll take your word for it."
Jaylynn leaned into her friend and put her head on Sara's shoulder. They sat there for a few moments until they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Tim appeared in the doorway, followed by Kevin whose hand he held.
"Hi, guys," Sara said.
"Well, you girlie girls ... Jaylynn?" Tim said in a worried voice. "What's wrong?" He let go of Kevin's hand and strode right up to the couch, squatted down, and looked at her with concern. Kevin crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe.
"It's nothing ... I'm just missing Dez."
"Where the hell is she?" the red-haired man spat out. "Do you mean to tell me she still hasn't called you?"
Jaylynn shook her head, her eyes red-rimmed and face a mask of misery.
Tim stood up. He pounded his right fist into the palm of his left hand. "I'll take care of her. Kevin and I will track her down - teach her a lesson. We oughta go beat the crap out of her for this."
Sara burst out laughing. "Oh, please ... you and what gay army? She'd beat the hell out of both of you. One-handed. Blindfolded. Lying down."
Tim said, "She seemed so devoted to you, Jay. Where has she gone?"
"I don't know," the blonde said. "No one seems to know at the station either. I mean, I know she's in trouble for everything that happened at the beat-down, but the brass don't seem that concerned. I don't understand why she's on leave or why she doesn't call me."
Sara said, "Well, you did sort of tell her off at the hospital, didn't you?"
A fresh wave of tears came over her, and she fought for control. She didn't quite remember exactly what she had said to the tall cop - she didn't want to think of it.
Tim shook his head. "I still think we oughta go have a word with her."
Sara said, "We wish you could, but no one knows where she is, Tim."
Jaylynn listened to her friends discussing possible ways of locating the tall cop. She knew they were just concerned for her, but really, there was nothing anyone could do to help her. She just had to wait. It didn't seem fair - and it wasn't, as far as she was concerned - but that's the way it was. "Thanks for the generous offer of murder and mayhem, guys-"
"Hey," Kevin said from the doorway, "I never offered any violence."
"I stand corrected," the blonde said. "Tim, thanks for your offer, and thanks to you, Kevin, and Sara, for the moral support, but I just have to deal with this on my own."
Tim put his hands out, palms up. "I still think someone ought to teach her a lesson ..."
Sara giggled again. "Tim, you remind me of the Lion in The Wizard of Oz."
Everyone but Tim laughed.
"You know, I am pretty sure that was a slam," he said.
"Oh, no," Sara said with mock seriousness, "I would never slam either you or the Lion, since you both have such pretty hair." He narrowed his eyes and advanced toward her. "Officer Savage, help! A homicidal maniac is after me!" Shrieking with laughter, the two women rose and grabbed at Tim, dragging him down to the floor in front of the couch.
Tim twisted and struggled, but Jaylynn held up her casted arm. "Careful, Little Big Man, you don't want to hurt my wrist, do you?"