copyright: i own and control these characters and the world they’re stuck in.
sex/subtext: subtext? of course.
violence: a smidge, yes.
notes
First, my thankyou goes to all my dedicated readers, whom hung in there from the start of this adventure. I always received constant feedback about this uber and it drove me further forward. All the feedback I received truly meant a lot and I thankyou every reader for it.
Second, I had such a wonderful experience with writing this uber that it will continue into a sequel. That is a promise. Also I'm hoping to no end that I can publish MST for the fans of it and if anybody can offer help with that, I'd greatly appreciate it. So keep your eyes open for the sequel.
feedback: can be directed to me at red_hope@yahoo.com
webpage: http://www.redhope.net
MST mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MST1153
started: August 28, 2003 – Thursday
ended: January 17, 2005 - Monday
Series 3: Putting the Puzzle Together Series Number: 19 Story Number: 57
Maryland State Trooper #1153
by Red Hope
Part LIX
"Carver?"
Ashley tilted her head a little and removed her trooper hat. "Yes, sir."
"Come in, please." The captain was standing behind his desk and beside him was a short female.
Ashley Carver knew the uniform to be military that the woman wore. She was all too familiar with the uniform especially when the woman turned around with the captain.
Captain Smith offered a smile to his trooper then held out a hand to the small woman beside him. "First Sergeant Ashley Carver, I'd like you to meet Captain Caitlin Jonson."
Captain Jonson came around the desk and held out her hand.
Ashley didn't hesitate to approach her and briskly shook Captain Jonson's hand.
Captain Jonson took a step back beside Captain Smith, her hands resting on her small hips.
"Captain Jonson will be my successor, Carver." Captain Smith noted the hidden surprise in his trooper's eyes. "Captain Jonson comes from the military."
"Yes," readily agreed Ashley, "You are a captain in the military, sir?"
Captain Jonson refrained her smile for the obvious proper title Ashley gave her. "Yes, sergeant. Captain Smith mentioned you are in the military."
"Yes, sir."
The small woman lifted her chin some. "What division?"
"Twenty-ninth, sir."
Captain Jonson briskly nodded.
Captain Smith cut back into the conversation. "Sergeant Carver is one of my best troopers, Captain."
Captain Jonson thinly smiled and peered up at the other captain. "That is good to know." Her attention drew back to Ashley. "I've heard your recent work with the local drug troubles."
"Yes, sir. It'll be taken to trial within the month or so."
"I am glad to hear that. My congratulations on the job, sergeant. I expect to see the same work when I take over."
"Of course, sir." Ashley Carver had unknowingly placed her hands behind her back, much as if she were in the army. She hadn't quite realized she'd subconsciously done it until now.
"What's your rank in the army, sergeant?"
The trooper held back her smile but her eyes glowed proudly. "Corporal, sir."
Captain Jonson mutely nodded.
"Thank you for stopping in, Carver." Captain Smith offered a warm smile to his trooper. "Captain Jonson will be taking over within a few days here."
Ashley almost sighed because she enjoyed working with Captain Smith. She was sad to see him retire. "When is the party, sir?"
Captain Smith quietly chuckled. "Tomorrow evening, sergeant. I believe you will be there?"
"Of course, sir." Ashley's eyes though wondered back to Captain Jonson. For some reason, she was very taken with her soon to be captain. She recognized the distinct shoulder patch of an army captain neatly sown on the captain's jacket.
Captain Caitlin Jonson was rather short, mostly likely Katia's height, which put her around five foot and four inches. Her hair was about shoulder length and a striking, brilliant auburn shade. This tended to make her greyish green eyes glow with depth. And despite her small framed body there was a certain air of strength and power that vibrated off her.
Ashley Carver knew this woman was a force to be reckoned with if she was dare crossed. Ashley had to admit she was taken by this older woman's commanding presence. Then Captain Jonson's deep sultry voice cut through Ashley's idle thinking.
"I look forward to working with you, sergeant. It was nice to meet you." Again the captain held out her hand for a shake.
Ashley quickly accepted it and offered a faint smile. She then dipped her head and put her hat on as she walked out of the room. As soon as she made it to her desk, she was pounced by young Trooper Tern.
"Yes, trooper?" slowly drew out Ashley as if she was annoyed.
Trooper Tern cleared her throat and replied, "Katia Danforth has arrived. She's waiting out in the lobby."
"Thank you," curtly replied the sergeant.
The young trooper said nothing else and rushed back to the front desk.
Ashley's lips curled into a grin after she'd scared Tern off. She had too much fun with that young trooper despite in all reality they weren't much different in age. Yet she knew her height gave her much advantage over many people. Ashley pulled out a folder from her right bottom draw then stood back up from her chair.
Katia Danforth rose up from her chair when the door opened with Ashley in it. She instantly felt a smile tug at her lips. She adjusted her purse on her right shoulder then headed for Ashley.
Ashley couldn’t resist her own smile at seeing her best friend. She then oddly noted a plastic bag tucked under Katia's right arm. "What's that?" she quietly asked when Katia was close enough.
"Something you might be interested in," whispered Katia. She peered down at the bag then back at Ashley, her eyes gentle.
The trooper nodded and pushed the door open more. "Come on." After Katia stepped into the back office, she followed after her. "This way," she ordered. Ashley took an interrogation room and pulled out a chair for Katia.
After Katia got comfortable, she set the bag on the table. "I think this'll help with the trial against Bobby." She carefully untied the bag and opened the bag enough to be peered into. "After...." She fell short but after a deep breath, Katia forced herself to finish. "After I was… raped, when I went back to the room. I changed out of my clothes." She paused and looked at Ashley. "I guess all those crime shows paid off," she tried to joke but it didn't seem to help.
Ashley reached over and gently touched her friend's leg. "These are the clothes from that night?"
Katia only nodded.
The trooper sadly smiled and squeezed Katia's leg. "Thank you."
"I hope it can help. There might be some… evidence." Katia retied the bag and pushed the bag aside. "How is everything looking?"
"Good… really good." The trooper set her folder on the table between them. "I have your statement ready. You just need to look over it and sign it."
"What about the charges?" quietly asked Katia.
"That is ready too."
Before Katia got into the paperwork, she looked up at Ashley. "Was there any bail for Bobby?"
"Yes. Unfortunately the DA couldn't do anything about that."
"Has his bail been paid?"
"No and it doesn't look like it will be." Ashley clearly saw the relief escape Katia. "It seems his family doesn't have much money to begin with. So there's nothing to worry about, K."
"I'm glad," gently whispered Katia.
Ashley sadly smiled but her head was dipped down as she thumbed through the paperwork in her folder. She finally found what she was looking for and she pulled out several sheets of stapled paper. She placed it down on the table in front of her friend. "Go ahead and look over everything. I'm going to take care of these." She picked up the page of clothes that now would become evidence in the case against Bobby Fluehr. "I'll be back," she assured while standing up.
Katia didn't move or say anything as she listened to her best friend leave the room. After the door clicked, she focused on the first page of her statement. She knew this would take awhile so after a deep breath she started on the first line.
After about fifteen minutes, Sergeant Carver returned to the interrogation room to check on her friend. As she quietly entered, she noted Katia carefully studying the statement. She silently took her seat. "I meant to tell you," she softly spoke, "most of Bobby's friends are also being arrest."
The young woman paused in her reading and peered over at the state trooper. "They are?"
"Yes," quietly continued Ashley. "We have enough information and witnesses to arrest them." She went quiet for one second then added, "I'm not sure exactly what's going on with them. There's another officer mainly involved with that."
Katia merely nodded then returned to her statement. She didn't have much left so she was finished within two minutes. Her head bobbed a few times as she took the pen that awaited her. She slowly and carefully formed her signature on the line then followed it with the date.
"Next are the charges that you're bringing against Bobby." Ashley picked up the statement then brought over the charges, a little thinner. She slipped the statement away into it's folder.
Katia now leaned against the table and began reading over the charges against Bobby Fluehr. "When will I testify?" she whispered.
"I'm not sure yet," replied Ashley, "but the ADA will contact you about that."
The small woman only nodded as she continued reading the charges. When she finished, she again signed the bottom and dated it. She handed the thin layers of paperwork to her best friend then looked up at her.
As Ashley glanced at it briefly she asked, "How are things with your family?"
"They're okay," quietly answered Katia. She didn't say anymore despite there was plenty more to add but she didn't feel comfortable here talking about it.
Ashley grasped her friend's closest knee and whispered, "Later."
The young woman felt a sad smile tug at her lips. She was grateful her friend was so perceptive about her. "Thanks," she muttered.
The state trooper nodded then stood up.
Katia got up too and silently follow Ashley out of the room and back to the lobby. She then went out the front door as Ashley held it open for her. Katia stopped walking when she came to her car, she faced her best friend.
Ashley stood tall and proud in her form fit uniform. Her lips thinned with a soft smile.
Katia melted into the smile and instantly she fell into a warm hug with her friend.
The state trooper squeezed tightly to Katia and she murmured, "I'll see you tonight?"
"Yes," promised Katia. She then pulled back and after one last smile, she got into her car.
Ashley started back for the barracks but she glanced back as Katia pulled out onto the highway. A faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She turned away and entered through the front doors.
Part LX
Katia snuggled deeper into Ashley's embrace, a faint sigh escaped her. She was completely full from her dinner a couple of minutes ago with her friend. Her mind was also full, full of concerns and questions. "So what happens now?" She peeked up at her best friend. "Where do we go now?"
Ashley softly smiled and her right hand slid up Katia's arm. Her fingertips then started tracing Katia's face, along her jaw line, small nose, soft lips, and warm cheeks. "I think right now you need some time." She noted the slight confusion glowing in Katia's eyes. "Get your life back on track," she clarified. "I'm not going anywhere," she promised.
"I know," murmured Katia. She now looked at her feet and noted her shoes were still on so she pushed them off. She then stretched out on the length of the sofa and shifted around until her head rested in Ashley's lap.
"Comfortable?"
Katia sensed the note of teasing in Ashley's tone. "Very," she lightly responded. "You?"
"Quite comfortable," agreed Ashley. Her fingers now ran through Katia's locks of blond hair. "How is your family?"
"Okay." Ashley's rhythmic touch made Katia's eyes drift shut. "I had a lot of explaining to do… with Bobby and all."
"How did they take it?"
There was a lingering silence except for Katia's deep breath. Then finally Katia replied. "There were a lot of questions… from Dad mostly. He was pretty angry about what happened." She paused then continued. "Mom was rather upset." She again stopped and opened her eyes. "Dad handles the legal side of it and Mom takes care of the health aspect of it. I mean I knew they would be there for me… I just didn't want to…."
Ashley tilted her head some as she wondered why her friend trailed off. She tried to figure out what Katia was thinking so she took a guess. "Deal with facing them?"
"Yes… I don't like involving them in my life sometimes." Katia's lips pressed tightly together. "They try to take control even though I know they mean well."
"Well they are parents," reminded Ashley, "that is their job."
"I know but I am going on twenty-one… you know."
"Doesn't matter what age you're going on to," gently teased Ashley, "they're always parent you."
"True." Katia went quiet for awhile. "I guess… I don't know." She sighed as her eyes closed again.
The state trooper hadn't stopped running her fingers through the golden locks. She let it stay silent for awhile then she quietly asked, "Does your father have a temper?"
"A small one… yeah."
"You know it's not so small if somebody ends up getting hurt." Ashley waited for some response but nothing was forthcoming. "Nor should it be ignored."
"Accidents happen, Ash." Katia opened her eyes again.
"Katia," slowly started Ashley, "does he abuse you… or your mother, sister?"
Katia sighed as her right hand went through her hair after Ashley's hand. "It's happened a couple of times… where he's gotten a little too angry about some stuff." There was a pause then Katia continued. "He's actually trying to stop; he's realized what he's been doing." She peered right up at Ashley. "He's getting anger management." Katia breathed heavily while putting her last thoughts together. "Mom is still having troubles with drinking… some times I think it's slowing down but I'm never really sure. Its her escape from work… reality."
Ashley was quiet for awhile, her mind putting together everything her friend had told her. "First, thank you."
"Why?" muttered Katia.
"For telling me, K… I know you've been holding that back from me."
"I know," murmured Katia. "From you and me… I sometimes try to ignore what's going on in my life."
"Yes you do seem to do that, don't you?" gently bantered the state trooper.
Katia mocked glare but then the smile broke her dark expression. "Yeah I know I do." She sighed and lost eye contact. "I have a lot to work on, huh?"
"Everybody has something to work on," reminded the trooper.
"What you have to work on?" suddenly teased Katia.
"Except for me," quickly shot back Ashley. "I'm perfect."
Katia cracked up laughing and smiling at the joke. "Riiiight," she breathed out between her last giggles.
The state trooper softly smiled and quietly stated, "I guess I can work on being a little less protective over you." She went silent and her eyes met Katia's.
Katia's lips puckered ever so slightly.
Ashley' lifted an eyebrow, a grin creased her lips.
"Naaaah," loudly joked both women simultaneously. They then fell into a short fit of laughter and giggles together. After they settled down, Ashley's thoughts went more serious again and Katia picked up on it.
"What is it?"
Ashley's eyes focused on her friend. "K, it might be a good idea to get some therapy."
Katia lips tightened then loosened in a span of a few seconds. "Yeah… you're right." She bit her lower lip then peered up at her friend. "I'm kinda nervous though… about going…. I've actually already looked into a few doctors. My mom suggested it."
"That’s good to hear." Ashley's hands shifted away from running through Katia's hair and now she traced her features. "If it'd help, I'll be happy to go with you, K. To the first couple of sessions until you feel comfortable."
"Really?"
"Really really," whispered Ashley.
Katia started to smile.
Ashley mirrored back the tender smile.
"Thanks, Ash."
The state trooper bent forward until her lips pressed against Katia's forehead. After the gentle kiss, she whispered, "Anytime."
For awhile, the pair remained quiet – both in their thoughts. Katia knew it'd take awhile before everything fell into place for her but she knew it would happen. She thought she knew who she was a long time ago but lately she'd come to realize she didn't know herself quite that well. It would take some time and she was prepared to give it that time. She also knew it'd be a quite some time before she revealed to her family about her gay tendencies. Katia wasn't even sure herself about that aspect of her life; her sexuality. What she was certain of was that she was clearly attracted to Ashley, on several levels. And it was in that thought that brought her back to the present.
"Ash?"
"Hmmmm?" Ashley broke from her thoughts, her focus back on her friend.
"What's going to happen between us? I mean… I…"
"K…." Ashley rested her right hand on her friend's shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze. "I think first you need to get your life back together. Then you can start to decide whether you want to go in this direction."
"What if… what if it takes a long time? I mean I can't expect you to wait for me."
"Take however long you need to, K." Ashley brushed back a loose piece of her midnight hair. "I can be patient… with some things." She smiled at the faint grin on Katia's face.
"Well what if… I decided I'm really not… you know, interested in women after all."
"Then we'll always be friends, Katia." Ashley shrugged. "It's okay."
"I just… I guess I just don't like seeing you put your life on hold for me, Ashley." Katia frowned. "I don't see how I'm worth it."
"Katia." Ashley lowered her head down close to Katia's, her eyes locked on emeralds. "You let me decide what is and isn't worth it in my life. You're very worth it, understood?"
Katia blinked but she nodded and faintly teased, "Yes ma'am."
"I think you need to take care of yourself first. Then we'll see how things are… where we are. It's nothing that needs to be rushed and I'm here for you."
Katia closed her eyes and her throat filled with a lump. She tried to swallow it down but she really couldn't at all. She sat up and swung herself around. She quickly pulled her best friend in for a long hug.
Ashley's soft smile appeared and she tightly hugged her friend. She knew in time everything would work out for Katia and for herself.
"Everything is going to be okay," quietly realized Katia aloud.
"In time," happily whispered Ashley, "in time." She turned her head and kissed Katia's temple. "Promise."
Katia pulled her head back from the crook of Ashley's shoulder. Her cheeks burned with hot tears but she was smiling. "Thank you so much, Ashley… for everything, for being here."
Ashley's emotions screamed to the surface and suddenly warm tears were caressing her face.
Katia's right hand pressed tenderly against Ashley's wet cheek. "I love you… so much." She leaned in.
Ashley's eyes instantly closed when her soft lips pressed against Katia's warm moist ones. When Katia pulled back from the light kiss, she whispered, "I love you too, Katia."
The End