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  Tory gave her a stern but fond look. "Go!"

  Reese smiled, snapping a crisp salute. "Yes, maam!"

  She slipped out as Sheriff Parker entered with the little girls parents rushing before him. The satisfying sounds of relieved cries and a happy reunion followed her retreat.

  It took a few moments for Tory to convince the childs parents that she was absolutely fine, but finally they began to relax after the hours of frantic worry. At length she glanced toward the hall, stunned to silence by what she saw. Reese stood quietly at the door, watching. She had pulled on a pair of faded grey sweat pants and a tee shirt, well-worn clothes that accentuated the shear physicality of her form, stretching tight across her broad shoulders, exposing the highly defined muscles in her arms, clinging to her narrow hips and strong thighs. Torys throat tightened as her heart began to race. She wanted to look away; she wanted to deny the unmistakable wave of desire; she wanted not to find this unusual woman more beautiful than anything she had ever seen. Mercifully, the parents spied Reese standing there and descended upon her, releasing Tory from the gaze that unwittingly held her captive.

  Reese was clearly uncomfortable with the attention as Mr. James gripped her hand, shaking it furiously as he exclaimed, "Thank you so much, Sheriff. I cant tell you how much we appreciate what youve done!"

  "Youre welcome - really," Reese responded, while trying to extricate her hand from his vice-like grasp. At last he stepped aside, only to be replaced in an instant by his wife. She gazed up at Reese for a moment, her tear-reddened eyes fixed on Reeses. Then, unexpectedly, she laid her palm against Reeses cheek in a gentle caress.

  "I dont know what I would have done if you hadnt found her," she whispered softly.

  Tory watched, transfixed, as Reese tenderly placed her hand over the womans trembling fingers and clasped them softly.

  "I would never let you lose your daughter," Reese murmured.

  Reeses blue eyes lifted above the womans head and found Torys gaze. The depth of Reeses compassion lay open before her, and Tory was amazed that she ever could have questioned Reeses feelings. Reeses caring, exposed for an instant, had the intensity of a mortal wound. Tory comprehended in that moment that what Reese hid so well with her strict professionalism and rigid discipline was a degree of empathy that clearly verged on painful. That she hid it unconsciously, probably even from herself, came from years of habit. Tory had no doubt of that. She wondered what hurt had necessitated those barricades, and found herself even more intrigued by the impossibly handsome, impossibly compelling sheriff. Reese blushed under Torys intense scrutiny, finally looking away. The parents continued their thanks as they gathered their children and followed Sheriff Parker out, leaving Tory and Reese alone in the sudden silence.

  "Well, I -" Reese began.

  "Have you -" Tory said simultaneously.

  They laughed, each relaxing as the hours of tension finally dissipated. Reese leaned against the doorjamb and regarded Tory with a smile.

  "You were saying?"

  "Im starving. How about you?"

  "I didnt have dinner, and I dont remember lunch." Reesse glanced at her watch, frowning. "Unfortunately, its eight oclock on a Saturday night. Well never get in anywhere."

  Tory held up one finger, motioning her to silence as she lifted the phone from the wall behind her. She dialed a number from memory. "Claire? Tory King. Can you fit me in? Yes, right away would be great." She paused for a second, glancing up at Reese. "No - for two."

  She laughed, coloring slightly. "Dont jump to conclusions. Well be right over."

  "The Flagstaff," she said as she replaced the receiver, "lets go."

  "Wait a second," Reese protested, gesturing to her attire. "Look at me. I cant go like this!"

  Any further looking at Reese Conlon was exactly what Tory did not want to do. "You look great," she said, meaning it. "Besides, this is Provincetown. There is no dress code. No arguing!"

  For once, Reese accepted the order, sensing there was no room for negotiation. In truth, the crowd was casual as the hostess led them to a corner table with a beautiful view of the harbor. When chilled champagne in a bucket appeared at their side, she raised an eyebrow in question.

  Tory shrugged, embarrassed. "Old friends. I knew both the owners in Boston years ago." And now theyre trying to match-make!

  She busied herself pouring the champagne, disconcerted by Reeses silence. She looked across the table into Reeses searching eyes. "What?" she asked.

  "Tell me about Boston," Reese replied. The look on Torys face when she mentioned it told Reese whatever happened there haunted Tory still. She wanted to know what caused that fleeting glimmer of pain.

  Tory could pretend she didnt understand, but decided in an unguarded moment not to. She rarely spoke of her personal life, but she wanted to now. Reese was looking at her as if her next words were the only things that mattered, and Tory wanted her to know. She wasnt ready to ask herself why.

  "I lived there for ten years, during my residency, and a few years after. My lover trained there also, and we both went into practice at Boston General when we finished. Claire and Sheila, the women who own this place, were good friends of ours. They moved here to follow their dream of owning a restaurant, and when Katherine left me, they convinced me to move here. At first I thought it would just be temporary, until I got my life in order. But now I know that this is my life."

  "Had you been together long, you and Katherine?" Reese asked, her eyes never leaving Torys face.

  "Since medical school - almost twelve years." Without being asked, she continued. "I was an ER attending. She was a trauma surgeon, and dashing as hell. All the women were after her, and finally she strayed. I found her with one of the nurses in an on call room in the middle of the day. She said it was the first time, but Ill never know, will I? She left me a short time after that." She couldnt keep the pain from her voice, and she was shocked to find tears in her eyes. Tears that she knew were not so much for Katherine, but for her own disappointment in love.

  "Im sorry," Reese murmured, hearing the tremulousness in Torys voice. "That was stupid of me. I didnt mean to stir up old wounds."

  Tory smiled grimly. "Dont be sorry. I thought what we had was forever. I was mistaken. I wont make that mistake again."

  Reese understood the subject was closed. "My dojo is about finished. Still interested in training?" she asked, searching for safer ground.

  "Absolutely," Tory responded enthusiastically, grateful to turn the conversation away from herself, and genuinely eager to discuss their mutual attraction to the martial arts. "When?"

  Reese laughed. "You remind me of Brianna. Always ready to go."

  "Thanks, I think. Hows she doing?"

  "Really well. Shes got natural ability, and if she stays with it, shell be good."

  "Im glad to hear it. Shes needed some direction."

  Reese debated discussing her concerns about Brianna with Tory, but decided she shouldnt betray the girls confidence. She sensed Tory would know what to do if things got out of hand, and resolved to talk to her if and when the need arose.

  "So how about tomorrow morning? Six thirty?" Reese asked.

  Tory laughed ruefully, realizing that for Reese, Sunday was no different than any other day of the week. She obviously had no concept of sleeping in.

  "Ill be there. Now lets order. I have to go home and go to bed."

  Reese looked at her in surprise before Torys gentle laughter informed her of the joke.

  The meal passed quickly as they spoke of the tourist season and exchanged light gossip about the small town inhabitants. The food was excellent and the effect of the shared champagne relaxing. They had just ordered coffee when Tory realized that Reeses eyes were riveted on someone across the room.

  "Excuse me a moment," Reese said, as she stood and moved resolutely away.

  Tory glanced after her as she approached two women seated across the room. The loneliness she felt at Reeses sudden absence surprised her. For a tim
e, she had forgotten where she was, or what she needed to do the next day. She had been totally immersed in the moment, and enjoying Reeses company tremendously. Reese was unexpectedly insightful, humorous, and entirely focused on Tory. It was a heady mixture, considering how physically attractive she was as well. In that way she reminded Tory of Katherine, and for the briefest of instants, Tory panicked. Then she took a breath and reminded herself that they were just having dinner, not getting engaged. When Reese returned a few moments later, she was strangely quiet.

  "Are you all right?" Tory asked at length.

  Reese looked up in surprise. "Yes, of course."

  "Do you know them well? Jean and Kate?" Tory asked, indicating the couple across the room.

  "No, not really," Reese responded quietly. "Kate is my mother."

  Tory was momentarily at a loss. God, this woman was full of surprises! She remembered how vague Reese had been about her past, and knew it was a painful subject. "Did you know that she was here in Provincetown?" she asked carefully.

  "I knew," Reese said, as she slowly stirred her coffee.

  "And - ?"

  "AndIm not sure what, really," Reese continued. "I know she was part of the reason I came here, but Im not sure what I hope to accomplish. I havent told my father shes here, and that must mean something."

  "Will he be angry?"

  "Im not sure. I think so. He still hasnt accepted my leaving the Marine Corp, and Im certain he would think she was part of the reason."

  "Was she?"

  Reese was silent for a moment, staring across the moon lit harbor, trying to find the words to explain what she felt six months ago when her life changed so drastically. She had given herself many reasons why the Marine Corp, the only family she had ever known, no longer suited her. She had given herself just as many reasons why Provincetown was the place she should be, but she had never admitted what part her mothers presence played in these decisions. She turned her gaze to Tory, hoping the uncertainly she felt didnt show in her face. Tory regarded her calmly, waiting without judgement. Reese felt her acceptance and the tension ebbed from her body. She stretched her long frame and gave Tory a wan smile.

  "Yes, I suppose she was," Reese began slowly. "Ive known for awhile she was here, but its been years since we had contact. I grew up trying not to think about her. Most of the time I succeeded. My father made it impossible for us to see one another when I was young, and we never spoke of her." She looked at Tory quickly. "Dont misunderstand. I love my father, even though he was wrong. He probably acted out of wounded pride, but I never doubted that he loved me. For most of my life, I loved the Marines, too."

  Tory laughed. "Oh, I dont doubt that. In uniform or out, you will always be a Marine!" Suddenly serious, wanting very much to know, she asked, "So why did you leave?"

  It finally felt like time, Reese thought to herself.

  Reese gazed past Tory to the moonlit water as she chose her words carefully. It seemed important for Tory to understand. "I was born and raised a Marine. I had never left home. It was time to leave - time to build my own life. I think I wanted my mother to be part of it."

  "I hope it works out," Tory said softly.

  Reese nodded, pushing her empty cup to the side. "Thanks." She glanced at her watch and said apologetically, "Im afraid I have to go. I have to get back to work - "

  Tory was becoming accustomed to Reeses devotion to her job, recognizing that working was what made her comfortable. She wished their evening wasnt at an end, and wished even more that she hadnt enjoyed it quite so much.

  Chapter Twelve

  At six-twenty the next morning, Tory passed Brianna Parker in the driveway of Reeses house. The split-level cedar shingled dwelling stood on a hill overlooking the wetlands at the end of Bradford Street. Tory turned to greet the teenager as she took a moment to appreciate the view. Brianna followed her gaze out over the marshes and dunes. They were alive with the flutter of gulls and other birds searching for breakfast.

  "Hey, Brianna," Tory said, "pretty spectacular morning!"

  "Yeah, I guess," the teen responded unenthusiastically.

  "Tough class?"

  Briannas face brightened. "No, it was great. Senseis teaching me to breakfall!"

  "All ready! Hey, thats terrific!"

  Brianna looked away, her smile fading. "Yeah."

  Tory had the feeling the youth was about to say more when she abruptly mumbled a goodbye and retreated hastily. Tory wished she knew how to make a connection with her. Each time Tory saw Brianna, she seemed a little more withdrawn, and a little more unhappy.

  Tory hastened up the drive, wanting to be on time. The side door to the attached garage was open, and she stepped over the sill into a large square space that was almost completely covered with tatami mats, a traditional shock absorbent material found on the floors of most dojos in Japan. Along the near wall were a bench and a rack for shoes. On the wall opposite the bench was a small hand-carved shelf with a vase of flowers, several ornamental statues, and a picture of a formidable appearing Japanese man. Tory bowed in the direction of the kamiza, or traditional altar, to show her respect for the training hall and Reeses teacher, then slipped her shoes onto the rack provided. Reese had been kneeling on the mat with her eyes closed when Tory entered, and she looked up now with a smile.

  "Welcome. Im glad you could make it."

  "Thanks. Ive been looking forward to it." As she spoke, Tory sat down, leaning over to remove the metal brace from her right leg. She replaced it with a much lighter short plastic air cast that prevented her ankle from dropping into its paralyzed position.

  "Tell me about that," Reese said, indicating the support.

  Torys hands tightened and her shoulders grew tense with the automatic resistance to any inquiry about her condition. Invariably it was accompanied by thinly disguised pity, discomfort, or misconception of her abilities. It didnt matter that Reese had never seemed the least bit judgmental or dismissive. Torys response was fostered by years of anger and disappointment. She couldnt find the words to answer.

  After a moment, Reese asked, "How long has it been since youve trained with anyone?"

  Tory met her eyes defiantly. "Since before my accident."

  "Well, then, I guess well just have to find out together what you can handle. Can you stand with that?"

  Reese was so direct, and so matter of fact, that Tory began to relax.

  "Yes, but I cant really walk well with it. My balance is affected."

  "So we start from stationary positions. Can you take a fall?"

  "No problem."

  "Leg sweep? Shoulder throw?"

  "Either," Tory stated with assurance. She decided not to add that no one had thrown her since her injury, but she had practiced her drills and cane defenses diligently since her rehab was finished. She would be fine. She hoped.

  "I thought we might alternate," Reese continued. "We can work on grappling one day, and you can teach me the cane the next. Sound okay?"

  "Yes - fine."

  They bowed to one another, and for the next hour Reese reviewed with Tory the fundamentals of jujitsu grappling techniques. Since Tory already held an advanced belt in a style that employed joint locks and takedowns, much of what they practiced was familiar to her with only slight variations. They were evenly matched in terms of stamina thanks to Torys rigorous conditioning from kayaking. Her mobility was hindered, but most of the techniques were designed to be performed in very close quarters, and she was able to adjust.

  When they bowed to one another at the end of their session, she felt invigorated in a way she hadnt for years. She felt strong and capable. She didnt want to stop, even though she knew she would be sore the next day.

  "Thanks. That was excellent," she exclaimed.

  "So - same time tomorrow?" Reese responded.

  Tory was momentarily caught off guard. It hadnt occurred to her that Reese would want to train quite so seriously. Once again she was aware of the other womans persuasiveness and com
pelling intensity. She felt herself pleasantly challenged by the offer, and nodded her assent. Reese rewarded her with that dazzling smile which burst from nowhere and seemed to flicker away all too quickly.

  "If I have an emergency, Ill call -" Tory began.

  "No need," Reese interrupted. "If you arent here, Ill know it is for some very good reason. I know youll be here when you can."

  "Are you always so immune to uncertainty?" Tory asked unexpectedly.

  Reese regarded her seriously. "Is that what you think? Im uncertain sometimes- just not about what I believe-" She looked at Tory pointedly, "or about those I trust."

  Tory blushed, pleased. Reese had a way of making things seem simple, and she knew she never wanted to disappoint her. That thought was enough to disturb her for the rest of the day.

  **********

  As June unfolded and summer approached, they managed to get together five or six mornings a week. Tory found that she had to rise an hour earlier so she could row and still reach the dojo by six-thirty. Usually she saw Brianna leaving as she arrived, and she knew with certainty that Reese had been up for several hours. She was impressed with Briannas determination and Reeses tirelessness. She found her own endurance increasing, and noted with cautious optimism that her ankle and leg seemed a little stronger, and that she was moving better with the lighter air cast. She wasnt deluding herself with the hope that her leg would ever be normal, but each small improvement cheered her.

  In addition to the physical benefits of her new training regimen, she had to admit she was enjoying Reeses company. Reese was single-minded in her pursuit of any endeavor, whether it was training, policing, or simply talking. When she was with you, she was intensely present. Tory tried not to think about just how much she looked forward to her time with Reese, or how much she liked Reese's slow, easy smile and her deep, resonant voice.

  On the last Saturday in June, Tory found Reese in her customary position, kneeling in the dojo with her eyes closed, meditating while she waited. When she smiled a greeting, Tory remarked, "Was that Briannas girlfriend with her this morning? I saw them out front as I was leaving."