Fate's Missing Piece

Preface


Winter 1455 - Orleans, France

         “Come here ma petite colombe de tortue, and climb up on my lap. Papa has a tale to tell you.” The old man made room on his lap and smiled fondly, beckoning her to climb up and cuddle with him.
         “Why do you call me your little turtle dove Papa?” The small 5 year old asked, and climbed atop his lap before settling into the bend of her father’s arm.
         “You are filled to the brim with gentleness, innocence and affection, ma fille, just like the doves. They are also the symbol of victory over death, which is what my story is about.”
         “A story about death?” The little girl looked up with a slight frown, curiosity flaring in her young eyes.
“It is the story of Le Maid, a very special woman. She helped deliver France from certain death.” The old man smiled faintly with a hint of admiration in his voice.
             “I’ve heard you say her name in your sleep, Papa. Is this a dream?”
         “Non, ma petite colombe de tortue, this is a true story. Its about a woman who was called on by the angels above to help our country.” He settled in and wrapped his arm around the little girl.  “Not too long ago, there was a young girl of thirteen. She was a good little girl, who always listened to her parents, followed their rules and followed the Commandments. She learned, like all good girls do, to do the housework, to spin and sew, and to heed her religion all from her Mama.” He said this as he tickled his daughter in the ribs until he got a giggle. “It was on her thirteenth birthday that she first heard the voices from God...”  The older man trailed off and stared across the room, his gaze lingering on the fire that blazed in the hearth. 
         “Tell me more Papa. What did the voices say?”  At the sound of his daughter’s voice, the old man shook his head gently and continued.
         “ Ahh, yes the voices. They were St. Michael, the Arch Angel, St. Catherine and St. Margaret. You see, the 100 Years’ War was still going on, and the English controlled the northern part of France. Charles VII controlled a small portion of Southern France. The voices told The Maid that she would regain Orleans and deliver Charles VII to Reims, to be consecrated. At the time, there were two rival claims to the French throne. There was Henry VI, the seven-year-old King of England, and Charles the VII, who, by rightful descent, should be King. Henry remained uncrowned because he was a child in England, and Charles remained uncrowned because he could not get into Reims.”
         “Why did he need to be in Reims, Papa?”
         “It is believed that each French king acquires a divine quality once he is anointed with the sacred oil from the Sainte Ampoule, at Reims. So, when The Maid was sixteen, she left home to answer her calling. Using many blessings and listening to the voices, she performed many miracles. She raised the siege of Orleans and upon winning many battles, she was able to get the king of France, Charles VII, to Reims. She watched as he was anointed with the holy oil, and for the first time, knelt before him and called him her king.”
         “What miracles did she do?” The little girl looked up with excitement in her eyes.
         “ Ahh, my sweetness, those are stories for another time, non? For now I just want you to know of this amazing woman, for she is an important part of all of our lives.” He leaned down and kissed the top of his daughter’s head.
         “Can I meet her, Papa? I have so many questions I would like to ask her!”
         “Non, ma petite fille. I am sorry to say, she was killed…” Sadness etched across his face as he spoke. “You see, eventually, she was captured and given a shameful excuse for what they called a trial. It was then that she was put to death as a heretic. But, we who knew her, know better. This is why I tell you this and will tell you other stories of her life.”
         “You knew her, Papa?”
         “Oh yes, Hauvy. Your Papa knew her and fought along side her.  For she was my sister, your Tante Jeanne. She is now known as Joan D’Arc and her name and her deeds will live on in history for all the days to come. We will make sure of that, non?”
         The young girl look up and gave a vigorous nod of her head. “Oh oui, Papa. I will help!”
         










Many a man holds dreams to be but lies,
All fabulous; but there have been some dreams
Not whit deceptive, as was later found.
Well might one cite Macrobius, who wrote
The story of the Dream of Scipio
And was assured the dreams are ofttimes true.
But, if someone should wish to say or think
‘Tis fond and foolish to believe that dreams
Foretell the future, he may call me fool.
Now, as for me, I have full confidence
That visions are significant to man
Of good and evil.  Many dream at night
Obscure forecasts of imminent events
                   
                             From: The Romance of the Rose









Chapter 1




Present Day - Miami, Florida

         “You owe me one, big time, Becca.  I was just heading home.  Now I have to battle the God awful Friday afternoon traffic.”  Shouldering her cell phone, Dori Toucher hit the gas as she made a U-turn on U.S. 1, avoiding the oncoming cars.
         “I know, I know, but it’s for a good cause.  I think Eddy’s popping the question tonight!  He’s been on edge all day, and won’t tell me what we’re doing tonight.  All he said was to dress nice.  I could really use the extra time to get ready and make myself beautiful.  Please, please, please?”
         Dori listened to the excited pleading and couldn’t help but laugh.  “You don’t have to beg. You know I’ll do it.  It must be the romantic in me.  All I have to say is that I better be invited to the wedding!”
         “Yes!  Invitation nothing, we want you in the bridal party.  Thanks so much, Dori.  You’re a Godsend!”
         Dori knew her friend all too well and could picture her dancing behind her desk. “Quit dancing Becca, and don’t tell me your not. I just need the name of the person I’m meeting.”  Dori tried her best to sound annoyed but the sound of laughter crept into her voice. Rebecca Harris, a tall red head, had taken Dori under her wing when she had first started at Wilson and Eaton Art and Antiquities Insurance, almost six years ago.  She was the older sister that Dori always wished she had, and as such, could never say no to her.          
After saying her good byes and turning up the volume on the radio, Dori made the turn for Key Biscayne and paid the toll.  She found herself cruising over the Rickenbauker Causeway. Looking around as she drove, Dori saw the enticing aqua waters and the swaying palm trees in the breath taking panoramic view. Gotta love convertibles! She turned the radio up a little more and tapped her fingers on the steering wheel along with the Corrs.  Thank God it’s Friday.  One more assessment and the week-end begins!  At least it’s on Key Biscayne.  With her short blonde hair blowing in the wind, and speeding along like a woman with a purpose, Dori looked like a typical Miami native.  Although Dori didn’t have it all, life in the melting pot of Dade County held what she truly needed from life. What that something was, she didn’t know yet, but she knew that, whatever it was, it would be found here.
  Pulling into the main lot of Cape Florida Lighthouse, Dori got out of her car. Taking a moment to straighten her ivory linen skirt and mint green sleeveless silk blouse,  she threw her briefcase strap over her shoulder. Running her hand through her tousled hair, Dori headed for the lighthouse entrance.  As she walked down the shaded path, Dori spotted the curator waiting for her at the end of the walkway.  At first glance, Dori judged the man to be just taller than her 5’5” height and over twice her 115 pound weight, carried mostly around his middle.  Dressed in brown slacks and a brown silk shirt, she saw his graying chest hair that showed threw his shirt which was opened halfway down to his waist. With slicked back hair, that exaggerated his dark brown eyes, which seemed to bulge out of his head, Dori got the very distinct impression that he saw himself as a ladies man.  “Oh boy, the only thing missing is the cheesy mustache and the gold chains around his neck.  Please, please, please don’t be the touchy feelly type!”  She took a deep breath, and straightened her posture.  As she neared him, she let out a heavy sigh. 
“You can do this Dori.  Just a few more hours and you’ll be done.  Smile pretty for the client.” she muttered under her breath.
“Mr. Ortiz, it's a pleasure to meet you.  I hope you haven’t been waiting long.” Dori removed her sunglasses and extending her hand. She put on her best ‘all business’ smile as she looked him in the eye.          
“No, no, not at all Dr. Tousher.  Please, call me Jose.”  Taking her hand, Jose found himself lost in Dori’s deep green eyes.  He seemed reluctant to give up her hand, as he clasped it between his sweaty palms.  “Please forgive me for saying so, but when the firm called and told me to expect a Dr. Tousher instead of a Ms. Harris, I wasn’t expecting such a beautiful young lady.”
         Pulling her hand away and fighting the urge to wipe it on her skirt, Dori nodded. “Thank you, Jose.  Please, call me Dori.  I seem to surprise many of our potential clients.  Apparently when people hear Dr. Toucher, they expect an older English man.  Don’t let my age phase you. I’m extremely knowledgeable in both art and antiquities and I will make an appropriate appraisal.”
         “I don’t question it, Dori.  Your company is highly regarded, and I want to thank you for making it out here on such short notice.  We were not pleased with the change in management within the last firm, but I’m hoping this change will be worthwhile, and from the looks of things so far, they are.”  With a look of desire, he reached for her arm to escort her inside.  “Shall we begin?” 
         Pretending to adjust her briefcase, Dori managed to avoid his grasp.  “Please.  From what I understand, this lighthouse is very rich in history, and contains many well preserved artifacts.”
With a slight bow, Jose opened the door for her and wiped the perspiration from his forehead.  “Yes, many that pale against your beauty.”
Dori gave a slight smile at the compliment and quickly took out a notepad and camera, showing her eagerness to get down to business.  This is going to be such a long evaluation.
         On what seemed like a private tour of the keeper’s house, Dori went through and recorded the artifacts and took snapshots of each for review back at her office. She would make duplicates for the client as well.  As they made there way to see the lantern room, Jose was called away for a phone call.  “I won’t be but a moment.  Please enjoy the view and I will meet you at the top.”
         “Thank you.” replied Dori, and a wave of relief washed over her at the thought of being rid of his longing glances for a few minutes. 
         Dori was pleased that she had been working out lately, or the 119 steps to the top would have killed her.  After taking pictures of the lantern and surrounding room, she turned and faced out towards the water. Her thoughts switched from work to the beauty she saw before her. The Bay was scattered with boats skimming across the water. She inhaled the wonderful scent of salt water. With the breeze on her face, Dori closed her eyes and pictured herself on the deck of one of those boats. She could almost feel herself basking in the early evening sun.  Taking a few steps to the left gave her a better view of the beach below.  The sandy area had a few sun worshippers left, but most seemed to have called it a day.  Closer to the lighthouse, in the rock jetty, Dori noticed a lone woman sitting on the largest boulder, staring out at the water.  One long tanned leg was stretched out in front of her, and her arms hugging the other.  Her raven hair, flowed in the breeze, and hid most of her face.  Being at the top of the lighthouse obscured her view, but Dori noticed a strong jaw line and high cheekbones.  Dori couldn’t help but feel that this woman was hurting in some way and something was pulling at her own heart, as if trying to reach out to this statuesque beauty.  Where are your thoughts taking you, and why do you look so alone? 
         The sound of wheezing pierced through her thoughts, then the attempt to clear his throat to get her attention.  Jose was drenched in perspiration as he reached out a shaky hand and placed it on her arm, to steady himself. 
         “So sorry for the delay.  I must say that the view up here can’t get much better. As he straightened himself, he tried to look less winded. He wiped his forehead with  his already damp handkerchief, and with a leer, he added, “I don’t want to keep you from any plans you may have for this evening. If I am, I hope you will let me take you out for a quiet dinner overlooking this wondrous Bay as a token of my apology?”
         Abruptly brought back from her thoughts, Dori forced a smile and replied. “Thank you for the offer, but my plans were adjusted to accommodate time for your appraisal.  Shall we finish up with the cookhouse and the original lens housing?”  Pulling away from his grasp, she gave a little shudder at the thought of being guided by this man.  There was just something about him and his actions that made her want to take a shower as soon as she got home. 
         As they descended the steps, the curator perked up after being brushed off and delved into the history of the lighthouse.  “Ah, yes. The original lens can be dated back as far as 1825.  In fact, the lighthouse itself dates back that far, making it the oldest building in the Miami area.”
         “I read about that as well as the Indian attacks.  It is truly a wonderful historical site.”  Switching the subject back to the present and filling in the lull in conversation to avoid any further advances, Dori forced a smile and added, “I should have a written appraisal and insurance contract on all of the artifacts within the next week.”
         “That sounds wonderful.  I will be available anytime if you should need a second viewing or have any questions.”  The heavy set man forced out the words as the physical excursion needed to keep up with the blond taxed his already winded lungs.
         “With such a thorough tour, I doubt there will be anything you haven’t covered.  Shall we finish?”  With that said, Dori headed for the cookhouse, with the heavily perspiring curator trailing behind her.
         By the time they finished, Dori headed back to her car and noted that it was well passed dinner time. 
         “Well, let’s see about adjusting those plans for the evening.  I guess I could work out first and pick up some take-out on the way home.”  As she unlocked her car door, her stomach let out a loud protest.  “Ooor, I could order some take-out, rent a movie, and work out a little extra tomorrow.” 
         As she started the car, Dori smiled as she decided that lazing at home with a good movie and some pizza seemed like a wonderful idea.  Driving back over the Causeway, she looked out at the picturesque Miami skyline.  “God the views out here are wonderful.  Nothing beats the water.”  She aimed her car back to Coral Gables and the two bedroom bungalow she called home. 

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         A lone woman dressed in running shorts and a tank top sat on the rock jetty near the lighthouse.  With long muscular legs stretched out, as she leaned back on long powerful arms.  Flowing black hair blew across her face, hiding well chiseled features and the most beautiful blue eyes so often compared to the richest sapphires.  Now, though, those eyes didn’t carry the sparkle of any type gem, instead they reflected sorrow and grief.
         Staring out at Biscayne Bay, A.J. Marcou tried hard not to let her defenses down so far as to start crying.  It was 10 years ago... Ten years ago today, to be exact, but it felt as though it happened only yesterday.  Every year at this time she had to be alone, not wanting to deal with the thoughts and sympathies of others.  In her mind, she didn’t deserve the sympathy; she deserved to wallow in the grief caused by her own inabilities.
         Catching the tear which threatened to fall, she felt as though she just wanted to scream.  She sat on this rocky area, away from the visitors, letting her long hair fly in the breeze so it would hide her sorrow. She pulled both of her legs up to her chest. 
         “First losing Mom and Dad in that freak car accident; now you.  We were supposed to be there for each other but you left me.  You promised you would never leave me.  I’m so sorry Davey, so very sorry...  It was all my fault.  I miss you more than I ever thought humanly possible.”
         Remembering that fateful night, A.J. let her thoughts take her back as if she were there once again…

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10 years earlier...

         “A.J., Howie, you two stay here and watch the front. Back-up should be here any minute.  Stu, you take Rich and head to the rear of the building.  John, you and I will check out the side entrance and Howie, make sure no one leaves.  A.J., let back-up know what’s going on and we’ll meet you guys on the inside.”  David Marcou checked his gun and made sure his extra clips were within easy reach.  That done, he looked up to check that everyone understood what he had just ordered.
         “Something’s not right Dave.  I think we should wait.  I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” A.J. whispered as she pulled her older brother to the side.
         “Don’t worry Angel, we’re just taking a peak.  We won’t go in until back-up gets here.  As soon as you give the word over the radio, we’ll make our move.”
         “Dave, it’s just not right.  There are over 15 guys in there, 8 of them known to carry MP5 subs.  I know Hahn’s in there, but he isn’t going anywhere soon.  You said yourself that this meet was to discuss territory.  We all know that takes more than 15 minutes, especially with those greedy bastards.  Why can’t you just wait up for a few more minutes?”
         “We’re just going to get the lay of things.  There’s no move until word is given, I promise.”
         Knowing that once her brother had his mind set on something he held on to it like a pit bull, she gave a slight nod in defeat.
         “OK guys, it’s show time.  A.J., Howie, we’re waiting on your word.  Let’s get to it.  Be safe.”
         As they each headed to their assigned post, A.J. offered up a silent prayer that all would go smoothly.  Dave and his task force had been working on bringing down the Vendermeider cartel since they moved into the Miami-Dade area about 10 years ago.  Since then, more than $33 billion worth of art and antiques had been stolen by this ring, in the Miami area alone.  From what Dave told her, the cartel could be dated back to WWII.  North America was the most recent expansion for the cartel outside of Europe and the Orient.  Since Dave made detective, his attention had been focused on them.  When A.J. had joined the force a year ago, she tried hard to be a part of Dave’s efforts.  Still being in uniform meant having to wait for Dave to call.  Now the time had come and she hoped that all the time and effort put in would pay off.  Hahn Von Oldermein was the head of the southeastern branch of the U.S. operations and he was in the warehouse along with his major “contributors” and several of top henchmen.  They all wanted this bust bad.
         A brief call from each post let A.J. know that everyone was in position.  Just as she was about to inform them that back-up was still seven minutes out, the front door opened.  As the man exited, Howie thought he could see the steely glint of a gun barrel as the man raised his hand. Taking the first shot, Howie pulled his trigger and watched as the force of the shot threw the man back into the warehouse. 
         “Gun drawn at the entrance, move in!  Move in!”  Howie screamed into his radio as A.J. raced for the door.  Bending down to check on the man that Howie had shot, she saw that the gun was actually a cigar and that across his shoulder, the man’s submachine gun was still slung.  With the right side of his skull missing, A.J. was pretty sure that he wouldn’t be needing his gun anymore. Grabbing it, she headed for the back of the warehouse where she could hear gun fire.  As she made her way behind some stacked crates, A.J. spotted David pinned down in the corner to her left. John was lying to his right, shot in the shoulder and clutching his wound.  Stu and Rich where in the far right corner, both down.
         Just as she turned to fire on the men cornering Dave and John, she saw Dave go down.  “Nooo!”  Running towards her brother, A.J. fired the machine gun and made her way to the two prone men.
         “Officers down! Call for multiple buses!”  After yelling into her radio, A.J. stood and fired at anything that moved.
          By the time her clip was empty, back-up had arrived.  Seeing no one standing, they headed over to A.J. who was holding Dave’s head on her lap and rocking him back and forth.
         “Stay with me Dave.  You promised. Don’t you dare leave me.”  She looked up with a tear stained face and saw the other officers, she shouted, “Don’t just stand there, get some help.”  Looking back down, she pressed harder at the gaping wound in his chest.  “Don’t leave me Davey, please. You’re all I have left.”  She spoke her final words to her brother in just above a whisper.

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Present day


         With tear filled eyes, A.J. stared out at the setting sun, not seeing its beauty.  “I’m sorry Dave.  I should have been there sooner.”  Hanging her head, she let the salty droplets flow freely.

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         “Thank God.  Home at last.  This has turned out to be one of the longest days ever.” 
         Letting out an exasperated sigh, Dori passed under a small porte cochere, which attached the garage to the house. She entered the small but efficient kitchen, shedding her shoes and briefcase along the way.  She always kept a small light on because she hated to enter a dark room.  A soft light glowed over the kitchen sink as she turned on the main kitchen light in the modest house she had bought one block off of ‘frat row’ at the University of Miami.  One of the smallest houses in the subdivision, the house was perfect for Dori.  Not only was it in a convenient area, within walking distance to the University, but it was quaint and practical.  She had had enough pretentiousness living in her parent’s estate, so now she opted for simplicity.  As she opened the refrigerator, she felt a soft fur ball rub against her leg and heard the instant purring.
         “Hey, Merlin. Are you living up to your name and magically appearing again?  I know.  You’re looking for food.  How about I order up a pizza with a side of anchovies?  Does that sound good?”  After grabbing a bottled water and closing the fridge door with her foot, Dori bent down and grabbed her little black cat.  As she reached for the phone she saw the message light flashing.
         “All you do is lay around all day, the least you could do is answer the phone and screen my calls.  What a lazy little thing you are.”  She kissed the top of his soft head and put her pet down on the tile floor.  “Not too bad, only three messages.”
         Beeep… “Dori, this is Mother.  Just calling to remind you that it’s been three weeks since I’ve heard from you.  I’m beginning to worry that something has happened.  I also haven’t heard if you’re going to be able to make your father’s awards banquet.  We would all love for you to be there.  At least try to make the reception afterwards.  This is so important to you father and I know he would hate for you to miss it.  Anyway, please give me a ring when you get this message.  I really do worry.  Love much.  Bye bye, hon.”
         Dori ran a hand through her hair and let out a groan.  “She is so clueless sometimes.  Dad wouldn’t even notice I was missing let alone really want me there.”
         Beeep…”Hey Dori, it’s Lisa.  I just got a call from Mother.  She’s all stressed out about not hearing from you for so long.  I told her that you’ve been working on an appraisal at the Lowe Art Museum that’s been keeping you really busy, but I don’t know if it helped.  I would expect a call from her soon…”  Too late, she already did.  “Oh, Rob is yelling at me to tell you that you better not miss the grill out next weekend.  The twins miss their Aunt Dori. All they’ve been talking about is wanting to hear the end of your story about Merlin the Magical Cat.  You really make it hard to follow with regular bedtime stories, you know that?  Anyway, I miss you too.  Maybe we could meet for lunch sometime next week.  Give me a call when you get in and we’ll set something up, I’ll be up late.  I better go. Brynna is sitting on Charlie and is trying to take his ‘woobie’ away.  Love and miss you from all of us.  Talk to you soon, bye.”
         Beeep…”AAAH!  He did it!  He finally popped the question!  I had to call and tell you.  You’re the first to know.  Oh Dori, I am so happy!  You have to see this rock, Eddy did good.  He says hi, by the way.  Thanks again for covering for me tonight; I do owe you big time.  I have to go.  I’ll call you sometime this weekend. I still can’t believe it!  Love you. Bye!”
         Erasing all the messages with a huge smile on her face, Dori walked over to a counter drawer and pulled out the menu for The Big Cheese.  “It’s about time he got the nerve.  After five years she should be excited.  Nothing like finding the other half to make you whole, huh Merlin.” 
         With that said and pizza ordered Dori headed through the living room to where the bedrooms were.  Entering her room she shed her skirt and blouse, throwing them in the hamper for dry cleaning and changed into boxers and a t-shirt.  She plopped down across her queen size bed and grabbed the cordless phone from the nightstand and dialed her sister’s home number.  As she walked into the family room, she nearly tripped over one of Merlin’s toys when she heard how Rob answered the phone.
         “Rob’s house of domination, what’s your pleasure?”
         Thrown, but quick to reply, Dori placed her order, trying not to laugh.  “I’ll take a medium spanking with a small side of mild humiliation, for delivery, please.”  She sat down on the overstuffed sectional couch and propped her feet on the coffee table.
         Rob let out a roar of laughter.  “Hey Dori, I knew I could count on you for a comeback.  You’ve gotta love this caller ID stuff.  We just got it hooked up.  How are things?”
         Dori finally let loose the laughter that she had been holding back, but couldn’t help but rib her brother in-law a bit more.  “What, do you mean to tell me that my order won’t be placed?”
         “I’ll have to talk to the head Dom.  We don’t normally deliver.”
         “How are things at ‘Casa Williams’?”
         “Can’t complain.  Work keeps me busy but the twins keep me busier.  How about you?”
         “Same ol’. I heard that you’ve threatened me if I don’t show up for the grill out.”
         “Damn right.  It’s been too long since you’ve been out to the house.  We all miss you.  Three weeks to three year old twins is like three years.”
         “I know.  I’m sorry.  Things have been really hectic at work lately.  With all the thefts and people trying to get extra coverage on all their art and antiques, I can’t seem to find any free time.  I was actually calling to see if you guys would like some company for breakfast tomorrow.  I’ll even bring bagels.”
         “Throw in some cream cheese with chives and you’ve got a deal.”
         “Sounds great.  Is around nine OK?”
         “Just don’t be late.  You know how Irritable Idella is when she’s hungry.”
         “Ooooh, I’m tellin’.  She hates it when you use her middle name.”
         “I know.  That’s why I do it behind her back.”
         “Speaking of, is she around?”
         “She’s in with Charlie.  He had another bad dream.  It’s weird how he gets them but Brynna never does.”
         “It’s probably because Brynna keeps going until she drops from complete exhaustion.”  The door bell rang, signaling the arrival of her pizza.  “Rob, my pizza’s here, I gotta go.  Tell Lisa I’m sorry I missed her, but I’ll see you all tomorrow.  Love and kisses to all of you”
         “Looking forward to it.  Enjoy your dinner.  Love you too, bye.”
         After paying for the pizza and putting the side of anchovies on a plate for Merlin, Dori brought the pizza box into her family room and put it on the end table.  She popped a movie into the DVD player and settled in for ‘dinner and a movie’. 

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         Jogging back to her home in the subdivision of Smuggler’s Cove, A.J. was glistening with sweat. She needed to push herself physically, to remind her that she was still alive, that only part of her died with David.  Her two-story home was nestled up in the cul-de-sac facing out towards the bay.  She loved it here. She was far enough away from the frenzied city life, yet close enough if she chose to be a part of it. She entered through the mudroom and disarmed her security alarm. 
         “Anyone home?” A.J. called out as she grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and downed half of it before coming up for air.  When there was no reply, she gave a shrug, downed the other half of the water and put the empty bottle in the recycling bin under the counter. She headed to the master suite bathroom, stripping out of her sweat drenched clothes along the way. 
         “Boy do I need a shower.  Can’t stink much more than this.”  She stepped into the cool mist of water that was emitted from the six shower heads and washed off what felt like a layer of sweat.  A.J. didn’t linger too long under the pounding spray which felt good as it hit her taut muscles. She knew there was still work to be done and she couldn’t put it off much longer. 
         As owner of one of the fastest growing security firms in the Miami-Dade area, Phoenix Security, Inc., A.J. had people that counted on her and she would never let them down.  Both clients and employees looked to her for answers, help and job security.  It was because they could count on her that her employees were so devoted and her clients so pleased.  After quitting the police force nine years ago, she had taken the money from both her parents’ and David’s life insurance policies to start Phoenix Security and invested the rest.  Between the business and investments she managed quite well.  It bought her the nice house in Smuggler’s Cove, the two cars in the garage and her favorite purchase, the 4400 Express Tiara yacht docked at the nearby marina.  But, to A.J. it didn’t mean much.  Money couldn’t give her what she needed, the part of herself that was missing.  It was the boat, ‘Marco’s Portal’ that was her getaway, that took her away from the reminders of the barrenness in her life. 
         As she got out of the shower and toweled herself off, she heard the thump of the doggy door followed by the distinct sound of nails racing along the tile floor towards her room.  Rapped in a towel, she stepped into her bedroom and was instantly greeted by a slobbering black Labrador retriever who was so excited to see her, its entire body was wagging furiously as her.
         “Augh!  Easy girl! I’m going to have to take another shower.  It’s good to see you too Lucy, but it took you long enough.  I made it in and got cleaned up before you found me.  Some watch dog you are!”  Scratching the large black dog behind the ears, A.J. started to rough house with her.  “I bet you were on the beach, weren’t you?  Let me see those paws.  Ah ha, just as I expected, out partying with the neighbor dogs.  Come here you.”  Rolling the canine on to her back, A.J. preceded to scratch her tummy.  “Just for that, you can make your own dinner.  Where’s your partner, huh?  Give up and answer, I have ways of making you talk.”  Lucy jumped up and gave one low pitched bark.  “I knew you were easy to break.  In her bed, huh?  Okay, let’s go check out if you’re telling the truth.”  Lucy tilted her head to the left and looked at her owner like she was offended that her honesty was in question.  “What? Am I suppose to believe the one who was out cavorting with the beach bums?”  Lucy let out another bark and tore out of the room at top speed.
         Dressed in cut offs and a clean tank top she made here way back to the kitchen.  After dumping two cups of dog food in Argo’s and Lucy’s dog dishes and refilling their water bowl, A.J. made her way to the study, passing Lucy along the way.  “Three, two, one.”  Crash!  “Never fails. You’d think she’d learn to slow down on tile before she smashed into the cabinet.  Let’s see.  Not hungry, can’t sleep, nothing good on the boob tube, I guess it’s work by default.” 
         As she entered, she saw a furry gold head lift up out of the corner of her eye.  “There you are girl.  Did you have a good day today?”  A.J. leaned down to pet Argo, her 11 year old golden retriever.  She had gotten her from David as a graduation present when she made it through the academy.  A.J. took the time to sit down next to her and the old dog shifted her head and laid it on A.J.’s lap.  A.J. scratched her friend behind the ear. “Rough day for you too, huh?”  Argo lifted a paw and put it on A.J.’s leg.  The golden dog couldn’t hear and had a hard time walking, but she always seemed to be able to sense when A.J. needed her.  A.J. made sure that the dog was close to here when she was home.  She had gotten her a couple of therapeutic pillows to lie on, one for the study and the other for the bedroom.  This way Argo had a place in either of the two rooms in which she spent most of her time.  “Time to bury myself in some work.”  A.J. got up and made her way across the room.
    She settled down behind her large rosewood desk in her plush black leather executive chair and turned on her computer.  As she waited for the computer to boot up, she leaned back and swirled the chair around so she was facing the large French doors and the floor to ceiling windows on each side that gave her a view of Biscayne Bay. 
         “Someday...  There has got to be more for me.  Someday I hope I can find it.”
         Lost in her thoughts, the computer sat unattended, and powered itself down to standby.  It wasn’t until Argo came over and rested her head on A.J.’s knee that the tall female realized that she had been sitting there for over an hour.
         “Oh my. I just took a head trip didn't I? I guess it’s bedtime, huh?  So much for entering in contracts.  I guess it can keep until tomorrow.  Let’s go.” 
         She looked down at her four legged companion, and saw the sad pools of chocolate brown staring back at her.  As though on cue, Lucy barreled into the study and came to a stop on the other side of A.J.’s legs. She scratched the lab under her chin while a long black whip swayed up and down making a thumping sound. “I hate to burst your bubble, but you get to sleep on the floor tonight. You’re not getting into my bed until you get a bath. That will teach you to play in the surf without me.” The dog let out a yawning whimper in reply.
         A.J. turned everything off, checked the locks and set her alarm, all force of habit.  If she taught others to protect themselves she had to do the same herself.  Argo laid down on her pillow at the foot of the bed, while Lucy curled up right next to her, using Argo’s hip as a pillow.  As she lay down in bed, A.J. offered up a silent prayer of forgiveness and hoped that a dreamless slumber would overtake her.