Another snippet

Excerpt from Book Two: The Agent's Road Back


"Zeke stood up and went into the adjoining bathroom and washed her face. The swelling was nearly gone and the dark circles were moving down her cheeks. She could feel the anger rising up from her toes, “fucking bastards. I will not let you rob me of my life,” Zeke spat under her breath.
After climbing into bed, she willed herself to let go of the hurtful image and replace it with the pure beauty of the wonderful night she spent with her new lover in Taos, NM. She methodically visualized the beautiful room with the candles and fireplace. She could feel the delicate touch of Anne's trembling fingers unbuttoning and slowly removing her clothes, the tentative exploring mouth on her body, and the deep kisses dancing back and forth rhythmically. Give and take, in and out, back and forth, touching everything and starting over again, the passion ebbed and flowed for both. There were trembling crescendos that exploded in her core that Zeke had never known were possible. It was a dream and it was real and she deserved to have that happiness, they both did. Zeke slipped off to sleep holding a pillow close to her with far away twinkling blue eyes watching."

Excerpt from Book One: The Agent's Retreat

“It looks like you should be fine here, Aldonza has everything under control and seems very fond of you. Of course, I’d like you to let me know if you need anything…I mean you’re not 100% just yet,”said Anne smiling.
The protective nurse began to emerge--probably more so to protect the uncomfortable nurse.

She continued as she packed up her things, “You really will need to stay off that ankle for another week or so and then gradually start putting weighed on it. The bandage on your back should be changed again Wednesday… And I can show Aldonza if you’d like me to.”
“Gosh, it sounds as though my nurse is quitting…” said Zeke sadly.
“No…of course not, it’s just that I thought you might want to get back to your vacation and not be pestered all the time.”
Zeke sat forward in her chair looking directly at Anne, “why on earth would you say a thing like that?”
Stunned by Zeke’s frankness, Anne stammered, “I don’t know…”
“In spite of the bizarre circumstances, I have really enjoyed the time we’ve spent together, and I liked the fact that I had a friend in New Mexico.” Zeke responded warmly.
Now Anne felt like a complete fool, “Oh no…I mean, I do too. I’ve enjoyed it. It’s just, well…sometime people feel smothered…that’s all.”
“You know, Anne, sometimes having a job like mine creates a sense of disconnectedness and a sense of being adrift. I have my parents in Mississippi, but I don’t have a lot of close friends and I thought we kind of connected”
Anne was actually blushing by now. “Shoot me now for being so stupid. I was just way off.”
“I don’t think I would say that to an armed Federal officer.” They both laughed at the reference.
Anne stood up and picked up the empty beer bottles, Zeke followed her into her room.

“I should really get going; I do need to work tomorrow.”
“Right.” They both just stood still--not more that three feet apart.
“Why don’t you give me a call later to let me know how you’re faring?”
“I will,” said Zeke leaning against the desk and setting the crutches aside.

Anne started to take a step toward the door and Zeke opened her arms; Anne turned involuntarily and was drawn into a warm but tentative embrace as Zeke said, “I appreciate everything you’ve done, I really mean it.”