Guarding Light by Cate Mckoy Page A

He whispered. She gave him an angelic smile. Jack smiled back.
       His world exploded in pain. Her forehead rammed into his nose. Bright light flashed behind his eyelids. Releasing her wrists he grabbed his nose. Before he could even register that pain fully, she followed with a well-placed knee to his balls, aimed for maximum effect. The dual pain sent him reeling. She shoved him off her. Hard! He rolled to the floor and automatically went into a fetal position.
       Catlyn jumped off the table, snatched his hand from the protective cup he had formed around his sac. She bent his wrist back, twisting his arm until he went on his stomach. Keeping his arm hyper-extended, she planted her foot in the small of his back and then spoke in a furious voice. "If you ever pull that macho b.s. on me again, I will do more than bust your balls." She twisted his arm harder. He gave a shout of pain. "And, if you ever touch me in that manner again when I am not willing, I will take your badge and throw your ass in prison. Got it, chief?" When he didn't answer right away she twisted his arm again.
       Through clenched teeth he said, "Got it, agent."
       From his position on the floor Jack heard Catlyn slam out of the conference room. As he slowly stood and the hot pain ebbed, one thought went through his head: would there ever be a time when Catlyn was willing?
     
     
     
     

 
     
    Chapter 4
     
       Catlyn rushed into the ladies' room. She was shaking so fiercely she could barely fix her clothes. She looked at herself in the tri-mirror above the row of sinks. God, she looked like someone who had been ravaged, well loved. It took two tries to re-snap her bra. Her fingers felt like clumsy shaking sticks. She re-buttoned her blouse, tucking it neatly in her dress pants.
       She fixed her weapon holster clip, straightened her badge and phone that had gone askew. With trembling hands she brushed the front of her shirt, trying to rid the worst of the wrinkles. Then she put her attention to her hair. It flew in all directions, her part no longer distinguishable, bangs standing on end.
       The door opened and Tasha walked in. Silently she handed Catlyn a brush, comb, hair sheen spray and lip gloss. "The gloss is new. You can keep it." She remembered Catlyn hated lipstick.
       Hesitatingly Catlyn took the items, lining them up on the counter. She washed and rinsed her hands. Cupped her hands and splashed water on her face. Tasha handed her some paper towels so she wouldn't drip on her blouse. Catlyn pat dried her face. Then she wet her hands again, using the excess water on her hair. Running her fingers through her hair until it was damp. Then she used first the comb, sheen and then the brush. Last but not least she opened the gloss, applying one coat. Jack had kissed off the first coat she had put on this morning.
       Tasha didn't say a single word. Catlyn checked her restored appearance. Nice and neat, very professional looking, Catlyn returned the items to Tasha. "Thank you, Ms. Williams."
       "Ahh, nah, I know you're not gonna try that official shit with me." Tasha set her items back on the counter. "I don't believe you even coming out your face like that. No wonder Jack lost it."
       Catlyn turned towards the door. "I don't know what you mean."
       "Bullshit!" Catlyn swung back around squaring off with Tasha. "You know exactly what I'm talkin' 'bout. Jack and I were your friends! Your best friends! We deserved better than you treated us. Jack went out of his mind, so nuts with worry for you he up and enlisted!"
       "I am sure Sara consoled him very nicely." Catlyn smirked.
       "Girl, that lasted about two months." Tasha waved her hand, showing its insignificance. "After graduation he just had to get away. He eventually ended up in Desert Storm. Before graduation he used to come over almost every day. We still did movie nights until he shipped out."
       "Why are you telling me this?" Catlyn wanted to