The proceedings with the homicide detectives lasted for hours just as Erin predicted.

As soon as they entered the police station they were separated and escorted to different rooms to give their statements. Detective Hutchins explained that such a thing was standard procedure and no reflection on their veracity. It was simply that by interviewing each woman alone they couldn’t be influenced by the other and were likely to give a more detailed statement.

Once the statements were given Carson and Erin were taken to another room and asked to look at mug shots. When that yielded no results a police sketch artist was brought in. They spent another hour and a half trying to describe the brutal killer in as much detail as possible.

Finally satisfied with the end result the women both nodded and agreed that the sketch was indeed the man they had encountered.

"How big did you say this guy was?" Hutchins asked, clearly affected by the artist’s rendering.

"About six and a half feet, perhaps a little taller."

Carson nodded in agreement with Erin’s statement then added, "He was also very big though, stocky. One of his arms was easily the size of my waist."

Erin raised an eyebrow at the comment, and got a funny look on her face like she wanted to add something. She refrained and Carson wondered what that was all about. Although most people considered her painfully thin she still thought the comparison relevant.

The detective coughed and said, "Yes, well. That’s not really very big, is it?

Carson was about to make an indignant reply when Erin interjected. "The point is he was a very large man. His hands were the size of platters, and he had very little neck to speak of."

"Would you say he was muscular or overweight?"

"A little of both," Carson answered after a moment. "His midsection was not protruding, but he was obviously carrying a lot of body fat."

Hutchins nodded. "Alright, I think we’ve got enough for now. We’ll get this description out over the wires and see what we get."

"Have you found …anything else at the office building?"

From the hesitant way in which she asked the question it was apparent that Erin was worried if anyone else had been killed. Carson noticed the stormy gray eyes and reached out a hand for support. The lawyer knew these people, and worked with them everyday. Of course she would be more affected by their ordeal than Carson exactly for that reason.

Carson had been able to distance herself from the events to a certain degree because she wasn’t personally acquainted with any of them except Erin. If things had been different and Erin one of the victims she wasn’t sure how she would have reacted.

Just the thought of the diminutive attorney’s life being extinguished caused Carson’s heart to twist painfully in her chest and her grip tightened on Erin’s hand.

Detective Hutchins’ voice was gentle when he answered. "We didn’t find anyone else in the building. As for anything that would lead us to the killer, we just don’t know yet. The sheer volume of people that move through that place on a daily basis preclude lifting all available fingerprints so we’re concentrating on the individual crime scenes. We’re checking the elevator where Mr. Cupper died and the security office. That also includes the firebox where the glass was shattered and the handle of the axe. Hopefully we’ll get something from that, but it’ll take a while."

"So he’s just running around free," Carson said acidly, "and we have no idea who he is."

"And he’s seen our faces. He knows that we can identify him."

A shudder ran up Carson’s spine when Erin added that, but the detective tried to reassure them.

"From your statements he wasn’t wearing gloves. If he’s got a record, or been fingerprinted anywhere we’ll find him."

Hutchins sounded so confident, but Carson didn’t miss how he worded his statement.

"And if he doesn’t have a file?"

"Then it will be harder."

His words hung in the air for a moment, but one look at Erin Donovan and Carson decided they had experienced enough for one day. The other woman had dark circles under her eyes and there was an unhealthy pallor to her normally vibrant features.

"If we are finished here, Detective, I believe we have had enough."

"Of course. We’ve got your contact information and we’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything, or if we have anymore questions."

Carson nodded and released Erin’s hand. She stood up and said, "Thank you, Detective."

She didn’t mean to sound so cold when she said the pleasantry, but at the moment she didn’t care. She was tired, hungry, and concerned that Erin wasn’t doing as well as she pretended. Quietly, she led the way to the front door of the police station.

A small hand on her arm prevented her from surging out the doors and into the parking lot.

She looked down at the other woman curiously and noticed the hardness of her expression. It appeared that Erin had slammed down her corporate attorney façade over her emotions and Carson thought it was in an effort not to feel too much pain over what she had been through.

"Yes?"

"I know we talked about breakfast, but I really don’t feel like it right now. All I want is a shower and my bed so I think I’ll just call a cab."

Carson wasn’t sure Erin could stand on her feet long enough to wait for a cab. "Why don’t you let me drive you? It beats waiting twenty minutes for a cab. I assure you, it’s no trouble," she added when she saw the other woman hesitate.

"All right. Thank you."

The Lexus was parked right outside the police station and they trudged through a foot of fresh snow to the passenger side of the vehicle. Dawn was just starting to break, but it leant no warmth to the air even though the blizzard had blown itself out. The sky was overcast and the sun invisible through the cloud cover.

Carson used the keyless entry to unlock the vehicle and pulled Erin’s door open for her. She insisted on waiting until the other woman was inside before she went around to the driver’s side. As soon as the doors were closed Carson started the Lexus and turned on the heated seats. Erin still hadn’t said anything and Carson kept looking worriedly over at her.

Small hands were clasped so hard in her lap that her knuckles were white, and Erin stared straight ahead rarely blinking. Carson was concerned that she was going into some kind of shock, but didn’t know what she could do to help.

"Where to?" she asked and shifted the Lexus into reverse.

"747 North Wabash."

Carson wondered why the address sounded familiar, but obediently backed out of the parking space before she shifted into gear. She listened to the studded tires thump over the snow as she expertly pulled into traffic and headed to the downtown Chicago area.

Erin’s tight voice concerned Carson more than ever, so she decided to try and get her thoughts off the events of the previous night.

"Is that in the Gold Coast area?"

Erin nodded, "Yes, I live in The Bernardin."

Carson’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. She never realized that corporate law paid so well. The Bernardin was for very ritzy clientele, and the building was located just one city block from Chicago’s premiere shopping district known as ‘The Magnificent Mile’. It also wasn’t very far from the Holcomb Building, perhaps a fifteen-minute walk.

Rumor had it that a resident had everything they could ever want at their beck and call, including a dry cleaner’s service on the sixth floor, and never needed to leave the building.

Soon they reached the corner of North Wabash and Chicago Avenue. Erin directed Carson to drive around to the side of the building to an attached parking garage with controlled apartment access for the residents.

"There’s valet service if you pull up to the front, but I’d rather avoid anyone seeing me like this."

Erin glanced down and Carson followed her gaze. The other woman’s hose were stuck against her knees from the dried blood, and stains covered the lower half of her skirt.

"I understand." And she did.

Erin Donovan was sophisticated and conservative while accustomed to presenting a certain image. She would probably die of embarrassment if anyone saw her looking less than stellar or completely in control. It was at times like this that Carson wondered if the woman had a husband or boyfriend hidden in the wings. She had gotten a few vibes from the attorney that she might not be completely straight, but there was nothing definitive. Then Erin would withdraw into herself and leave Carson convinced that she couldn’t even spell the word gay.

Carson pulled into a parking space and shut off the engine. She removed the key and disconnected her seatbelt to get out, but Erin stopped her.

"You don’t have to follow me in. I’m fine," Erin said softly.

Erin got out and slammed the door. She had already turned to walk away when Carson spotted something she left on the floor. She grabbed the item and then got out of the Lexus.

"Sure, you’re doing great. I guess that’s why you forgot your shoes."

The sarcasm stopped Erin in her tracks and she turned around to look at Carson. The stricken look made Carson sorry she was being so harsh.

"I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you."

Carson walked over to Erin and handed her the pumps. "Please, humor me. Let me walk you up. Besides, I’ve never been in The Bernardin, and you can’t let me come here and not satisfy my curiosity."

The lightly spoken words seemed to penetrate where sarcasm or even seriousness did not. Erin actually smiled a little and nodded. Then she led them to an elevator and pushed the button for the twenty-sixth floor and the penthouse apartment.

Erin cleared her throat a little and said, "If you’ve never been here before I should give you the tour. The place really is amazing. It has pet sitting, on-sight dry cleaning and even a yoga studio and a library."

Even in her own private hell Erin was trying to reach out and Carson was touched by the gesture.

"Some other time, perhaps. I think right now you could use a shower and something to eat."

"I’ll take you up on the shower, but I’m not much of a cook. I usually just go down to the RL Restaurant or have something delivered."

"Well, I’m a pretty good cook," Carson offered with a shrug. "Why don’t you let me make you something light while you’re in the shower?"

She didn’t want to appear too forward or have Erin think she was inviting herself in, but Carson was still very worried. She wanted to make sure Erin ate something, even if it was only a bite or two and she was sure that any minute now the other woman was going to break down. Honestly, how thick was the armor she wore on a daily basis? No one could witness what she had with people she knew and not let it affect them emotionally.

After a minute Erin finally answered. "I’m not sure what you’ll find that’s edible in my kitchen."

It was not a refusal. Carson felt a smile tug gently at the corner of her full lips.

"I’ll find something."

The elevator stopped on several floors as people got on and off the conveyance while they traveled to the top floor, some cast curious glances at the disheveled women but no one spoke.

Each time the doors opened Carson was amazed at the opulence that surrounded her. Heavy fixtures and chandeliers hung from the ceilings, and fireplaces seemed to adorn every floor. Thick berber style carpet was everywhere including the elevator. Everyone that stepped off and on the elevator was extremely well clothed.

Carson felt like she had missed something, and she frowned slightly in confusion. Erin was a very impressive woman, but she didn’t strike Carson as the rich, snobby type.

"Erin, this place is amazing! How did you manage to get in here?" She was well aware that such a place would have an enormous waiting list. And while the luxury apartment building was impressive, she could never imagine living here. Carson preferred the freedom and seclusion offered by her comparatively modest home on the private grounds.

The attorney smiled and glanced over at her. "I’m fortunate in that my father was one of the first people in here."

Carson couldn’t think of a reply so she merely raised an eyebrow.

Erin chuckled. "He was one of the original investors when The Bernardin was built. Since he was in on the ground floor, so to speak, he was given his choice of the units being designed. A few years ago he decided that the smog was too much for him, and the penthouse too large. He wanted to move to Arizona for his asthma, but didn’t want to give up the unit so I took it over."

Carson sensed there was more to the story, but let it go. Her curiosity was satisfied enough and they had reached the twenty-sixth floor, but she did have to swallow the twinge of jealousy she felt from the casually uttered words.

It wasn’t Erin’s fault that she enjoyed an amicable relationship with her father; something Carson had only ever dreamed of. She blinked back the slight sting of tears and concentrated on the fancy ‘B’ carved into the elevator doors.

The doors opened and they stepped off. There was only one unit entrance on the floor and Carson looked around in confusion.

Erin noticed the look and said, "Yes, the unit takes the whole floor. There are three other penthouses, but they’re located in the other towers."

"Oh."

The heavy entry door was made of solid mahogany that was polished to an impressive shine. She watched Erin produce a key card from her purse and pass it through the sensor just outside the door. Then Erin opened the door and stepped casually inside.

Carson followed feeling a little uncomfortable. When she got up yesterday morning she certainly hadn’t expected to be accompanying the woman of her fantasies home, but here she was.

She entered a large, granite tiled foyer and looked around at the tastefully furnished room before she followed Erin into the living area. A fireplace took up one wall and a glass door led out the other side onto a private balcony. She could just see a landscaped terrace and the glint of water from a lap pool. No doubt it would be heated in winter, but Carson shuddered at the thought of having to emerge from the heated water into the frigid chill of a Chicago winter.

More berber style carpet covered the floors and she tried not to look too curious as she glanced around.

"Would you like the tour?"

Erin sounded polite, but Carson could hear the strain underneath. It was probably better if she let the other woman try to pull herself together in private, and she was certain that a guided tour was the last thing Erin needed. Watery light from the overcast day shown through the balcony doors and highlighted the lines in Erin’s otherwise smooth features.

She looked tense, tired, and so fragile that she might shatter into a million pieces if anyone touched her.

"No," Carson answered gently. "I just wanted to make sure you made it home alright. I should probably go."

Erin surprised her by reaching out to touch her lightly on the forearm, but she suddenly seemed to have difficulty meeting her gaze.

"Do you think…I mean would you mind…?"

Erin looked away self-consciously and dropped her hand, then looked back at Carson. "I know it’s irrational, but I can’t get that guy out of my mind. Do you think you could stay for a few minutes, just until after I get out of the shower? I really don’t want to be alone right now."

Erin Donovan was normally so in control and Carson knew that admission cost her. She got the impression that the other woman didn’t do vulnerable very well, and had no desire to make her ask again. It was still early in the day and it wouldn’t hurt to stay for a while if Erin needed her.

"Sure. How about I give myself that tour while you take your shower? I’ll be right here if you need anything."

She meant to be reassuring, but given her hidden feelings for the attorney Carson hoped what she said didn’t sound like a come on. To her imagination it sounded like she just offered to scrub Erin’s back, and she tried hard not to blush under the other woman’s sudden scrutiny.

Finally Erin must have decided to take what she said at face value. She smiled tremulously and said, "Thank you," before she turned and walked down a hall where Carson guessed the bedrooms and bathrooms must be.

She waited until she heard the shower start and slowly began to look around. She was curious about the layout, but didn’t intend to start opening doors or cupboards since she thought that would be too nosey.

They had entered through a tiled foyer and walked through a formal dining room before they emerged in the living room. A hallway led past the entrance for a short distance and it was that direction Carson followed now. A small coat closet on the right was the first thing she came to, but she passed it and soon reached the end of the corridor at the doorway to a half bath.

The hall turned to the left and Carson saw a utility room on her right and a doorway on her left as well as one straight ahead. She walked to the end of the short corridor and saw that the doorway led into Erin’s office. She only took a quick glance around and noticed how tidy, but well used the room seemed to be. A computer took up one side of the desk, and shelves full of hardback books lined the walls. Most of the books appeared to deal with corporate law, but she noticed one row of fiction on the bottom shelf.

Carson didn’t feel it would be appropriate to go through Erin’s books to find out what she liked to read so she turned and left the room.

The only other door down here that she hadn’t explored caught her interest. She walked in to find what must be a guestroom. A white chenille spread covered the queen-sized bed and another set of doors led onto another balcony. It was a smaller one than the balcony off the living room, but still offered a tremendous view.

She saw another door at the corner of the room and surmised that it was a bathroom.

Carson felt a little funny about wandering around in Erin’s home, but she couldn’t stifle the curiosity. Erin seemed not to mind, but Carson walked back to the living room anyway.

Erin had gone the opposite direction from the living room and Carson guessed that the direction led the way to the master bedroom and bathroom. There was really no need to explore that end of the apartment, and she decided to check out the kitchen. She mentioned to Erin in the elevator that she would make something for her to eat.

Granite islands in the kitchen matched the tile of the floor, and the appliances were stainless steel. Overall Carson found the place to be refined, and distinctive yet elegantly conservative, not unlike the attorney herself.

A coffee maker took up residence on one corner of the counter and Carson checked the cabinets above for coffee and mugs. She found eggs, bread, and jam in the refrigerator but little else. A quick look through the other cupboards and Carson knew Erin was telling the truth. Cooking was definitely not her strong suit.

She doubted the other woman could handle much right now and decided to make coffee, omelets and some toast. Perhaps that would be enough.

Erin was running on remote. Her eyes felt grainy with exhaustion and nothing around her felt real. Since she stepped onto the elevator with Carson her mind began to grow numb to the things going on around her. Maybe it was normal. Her body had been running on adrenaline since the whole nightmare started last night, and now she just didn’t have anything left to give.

In the elevator Carson asked how she came to live in such a wondrous apartment building and Erin had been barely able to mutter something about her father wanting her to have it. She hadn’t been able to say that she missed her father, and the easy relationship they shared since he moved away. Not that she would tell that to just anyone anyway, and it was a struggle to share as much as she had.

Erin couldn’t even think how out of character it was for the head of Delphi Technologies to be making such a concentrated effort to ensure her well being regardless of what they experienced in the Holcomb Building. Most people would have cut and run as soon as the trauma was over and she didn’t understand why Carson was still there. All she did know was that when faced with the prospect of the other woman leaving her alone in the massive apartment, she couldn’t bear it. Erin had swam up from her fog long enough to ask Carson to stay even if only until Erin finished her shower.

Images of Ed and the dead guards still played in her mind. Erin was irrationally afraid that without someone in the other room watching out for her the killer would miraculously show up in her apartment and murder her while she was in the shower.

She could speculate what Carson’s motives were for agreeing to stay, but she was simply too tired to care right now.

Erin walked numbly into the bathroom and quickly stripped her bloodied clothing from her body. The skirt and hose went directly into the trash before she stepped past the whirlpool tub and into the separate shower stall. The water was still too hot when Erin stepped into it and she gasped at the heat. She braced her hands against the wall and lowered her forehead onto the cool tile. Water beat hard against her skull and flowed over her body, but she ignored it as the tremors finally started.

Tears streamed from her closed eyes to mingle unnoticed with the water before they flowed uncaringly down the drain. Sobs tore from her chest as Erin grieved for the people who had died. She knew this was a reaction from the ordeal she had gone through, but simply couldn’t rein it in. The pain was too much and she gave into it until the sobs finally ceased and she couldn’t shed any more tears.

The water was lukewarm by the time Erin pushed away from the wall and grabbed the bar of soap. Then she scrubbed until her skin was almost raw convinced she would never get all of the blood off her hands and knees. Only after the water was completely cold did Erin finally relent and step shivering out of the shower.

She grabbed a huge towel from the warming rack and gratefully covered her shivering body. Erin dried quickly before she wrapped the towel around herself and walked back into the bedroom. She dressed in sweats and heavy socks before she put on a heavy terry cloth robe.

Erin knew that she was being silly, but she felt the need to cover herself from head to toe. In some primal way she felt like she had been ravaged by the violence she witnessed and wanted nothing more than to hide from the rest of the world, even if only in this minute way.

The smell of fresh coffee and eggs filled the apartment and reminded Erin that she still had a guest. Erin combed her hair briefly and then took a deep breath like she was preparing to go into battle instead of face a virtual stranger that had made herself at home in her kitchen.

Erin walked into the kitchen and noticed how natural Carson looked while she expertly slid an omelet from a fry pan onto a plate. A plate of toast sat on the counter, and a full pot of coffee sat next to it.

Carson turned around when she heard Erin and smiled softly. If she noticed Erin’s red and puffy eyes she made no mention of it.

"Feeling better?"

Erin considered the question and dipped her head briefly. She was surprised that she did feel a little better after completely losing it in her shower. She thought it also might have to do with the fact that another human being, one she was coming to trust completely, was in the apartment with her. She had never worried about being alone before, and actually preferred her own company most of the time, but having Carson here made her feel safe.

"Yes, I do, and thank you for staying for a while. I know how busy you must be."

Erin filled a cup of coffee and raised the hot beverage to her lips, blowing briefly to cool it before she took a sip.

"It was no trouble. I wanted to make sure you had something to eat."

Carson picked up two plates and indicated that Erin should grab the toast. They took the food to the dining room and Erin saw that Carson had already set the table and carried her own coffee into the room.

"You didn’t have any milk," Carson said conversationally and sat down, "but I did find some sugar in the cupboard. I wasn’t sure what you take in your coffee."

Erin grimaced slightly and then smiled. "I don’t buy milk. It just spoils before I can use it."

"So what do you take in your coffee?"

"Nothing. Why spoil a perfectly good cup of black coffee?"

Carson wrinkled her nose and reached for the sugar container. She added two teaspoons to her coffee and stirred, not seeing the disdainful look on her companion’s face.

They ate slowly, and avoided the topic of what had brought them together.

Carson seemed to be deliberately trying to keep the conversation light and bought up topics from weather, to current events, to the logistics of how she planned to move her company into the tenth floor.

Erin was delighted to discover that the other woman possessed a great sense of humor, it was an immensely dry one but undeniable. By the time the meal was over Erin smiled more than she could remember in a long time and actually laughed out loud once. Carson’s eyes were the lightest blue and although her own smile wasn’t huge it warmed Erin through.

So much for first impressions, she thought.

Just spending time together made Erin feel a little more human and slowly the fog lifted from her brain. They finished their meal and Erin helped carry the dishes back to the kitchen and put them into the dishwasher.

Finally there were no more excuses to keep Carson around, and the first awkward moment came when it was time for her to leave.

"Thank you, again," Erin said nervously. "I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t…"

"It’s alright," Carson ignored her stammering and graciously reassured her. "I wanted to."

Carson started slightly and said, "Oh, I wanted to give you my number in case you need anything."

Erin was surprised but turned to the table next to the entryway. She retrieved a pen and pad and watched Carson write down her home as well as her cell phone numbers.

"Give me a call if you need anything."

Carson gave her another smile and then she was gone.

The door closed and quiet descended all around her. Erin felt like all of the life had left the room along with Carson and sighed heavily. A quick look at the clock told her it was almost six, and even though it was early in the day she knew she needed some sleep. She would feel better after she got a little rest.

Chapter 6

At eleven o’clock Carson finally rolled out of bed. She had tossed and turned most of the time, and when she finally fell into an exhausted sleep it was to dream of dark, sinister figures bent on her destruction. In the dream she ran through a maze with no way out. She could feel the killer’s breath on her neck and her feet felt like they were caught in quicksand, pulling her down relentlessly while she struggled to escape.

Carson jerked awake with a bitten off scream, and then lay panting for a few minutes as her heartbeat reluctantly slowed. Sweat dried on her skin and cooled her flushed face. She stared at the ceiling, as her thoughts swirled with questions about the killer.

Why was he in the Holcomb Building, and so bent on mercilessly killing all those people? How had he managed to get the drop on not one, but three security guards that were within ten feet of each other?

They were questions Carson might never know the answer to, and she decided to be happy that she and Erin escaped relatively unharmed.

Philosophical was something Carson didn’t do very well in the morning, especially after an almost sleepless night. She stumbled out of bed half dragging the covers with her and walked in the general direction of the shower. Her long blonde hair was mussed from sleep and hung down in front of her face to obscure her vision. With only one eye half cracked open it hardly made a difference, and she stepped onto the cool tiles.

She only wore a long sleep shirt that came to just above her knees and stripped it off, carelessly dropping it to the floor before she fumbled with the shower controls. When the water was comfortably hot Carson stepped under the spray and let it wash away the rest of her nightmares.

More awake when she emerged, her thoughts turned to Erin and she wondered how the attorney had fared the night. Did she get any sleep at all? There was no doubt she was tough, but even she wasn’t indestructible.

Carson had done her best to make the other woman laugh when they shared breakfast together, and even though she was somewhat successful she still remembered the haunted look in the stormy eyes that never completely went away. She doubted that it would for a very long time.

Carson spent some time getting dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved flannel shirt, and making coffee. Then she took the brew out on the back porch where she could sit and look down toward the duck pond. The air was frigid and the pond frozen over, but even the desolate landscape was a reprieve from the dead eyes of the security guards.

She heaved a frustrated sigh. If it was this hard for her, how much harder was it for Erin?

Overcome with sudden worry Carson walked back into the house and to the overcoat she had discarded the day before. Erin’s business card was in her pocket. She had slipped it there when the attorney handed it to her on the elevator and forgotten about it until now.

Torn between the desire to check on the other woman or give her some space Carson tapped the card against her lips for a few moments. Keep things light, she thought. It’s just a friendly call to check on her, and then I’ll leave her alone.

Carson picked up the cordless phone and dialed the number before she could talk herself out of it. The call was answered on the second ring and she shuddered when she heard the other woman’s husky tones.

"Hello?"

"Erin? It’s Carson. I hope I didn’t wake you."

To her relief the other woman chuckled slightly. "Not even. I’ve been up for hours."

"Couldn’t sleep, huh?" Carson smiled in understanding suddenly glad she had taken the chance and called.

"Not very well. I…I just kept seeing Manny and the others. Every time I got to sleep the nightmare would start all over again. But I imagine that’s normal all things considered. I’m fine, really."

Carson thought of the injured security guard she mentioned and tried to focus on something positive. "At least we know he’ll recover. That’s something."

"True. He was very lucky that he only suffered a concussion."

The conversation began to grow awkward and neither seemed to know what to say after that. Carson finally stammered, "Yes, well…I just wanted to see how you were doing?"

Erin hesitated on the other end and then suddenly blurted out, "Did you have any plans for the day?"

Carson never expected that and quickly considered her answer.

"There’s a new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum that I wanted to see." She had a feeling how much it had cost the other woman to subtly imply that she didn’t want to be alone and didn’t want to make her beg. "I would prefer not to go alone."

Erin’s answer was almost immediate. "The new Japanese exhibition?"

"Yes, it’s called ‘Flowing Streams’. There are paintings from all ages that portray the phases of life alongside creeks and rivers."

"I’d love to. Would you like me to pick you up?"

Carson shook her head slightly and tried to keep up with the conversation. She wouldn’t mind showing Erin her home, but there was no reason for the other woman to drive out to her house and then have to drive back into downtown Chicago. The museum was only a short distance from The Bernardin.

"It would probably be better if I picked you up. I live out near Lake Michigan past Wrigley Field."

"Oh, alright." The lawyer sounded disappointed and Carson smirked unseen over the phone connection. No doubt Erin hated to relinquish control of any kind, but she couldn’t deny the practicality.

"It’s twelve now. What time should I pick you up?"

"Is two o’clock too early?"

"Not at all," Carson returned. "I’ll meet you in the lobby at two."

After a few more pleasantries they hung up. Carson turned away from the phone with a smile, happy that she had given in to the impulse to call Erin. Then she looked down at her attire and grimaced slightly. The exhibit would be an exclusive showing not open to the general public. She could hardly rub elbows with Chicago’s elite in jeans and a flannel shirt.

Oh well, she thought. It was worth having to dress up a little to spend time with Erin.

Carson settled on a dark blue pantsuit with a crème linen shirt. Tiny satin buttons closed the shirt and only the top one was left undone. She wore low, black leather boots because she liked the supple feel of the well-worn material and how they glinted in the light.

Rather than have her hair up in its customary severe bun or pulled back into a ponytail she left it down and brushed it until it shone like spun gold. Carson disdained the use of make up but put tiny pearl earrings into her pierced ears before she was satisfied with her appearance.

Carson glanced quickly out the bedroom window to check the weather. It wasn’t raining or snowing, but the day was very overcast. Fog drifted from the ground to obscure the roads, and the tree branches looked dead and brittle. A strong winter breeze threw the limbs into chaos, a testament to how strong it was blowing. Condensation beaded in the center of the window and she shivered unconsciously from the perceived temperature.

She finally left her house to pick Erin up in the lobby of the Bernardin.

In keeping with the low temperatures, traffic on the freeway moved at a crawl. Finally Carson turned onto Erin’s street but when she did anticipation turned abruptly to a brief case of nerves.

At one fifty-five Carson pulled up in front of the luxury apartment building and double-parked. Pulling her overcoat closer she tucked her chin into the neckline and walked quickly toward the large glass doors. A doorman with a face ruddy from the cold nodded politely and opened the door for her.

He didn’t speak and Carson thought it likely that his vocal cords were frozen from the chill wind. How could he stand being in that frigid weather on a continual basis?

Because traffic had been so heavy Carson only needed to wait a couple of minutes for Erin to meet her in the lobby. Even then she couldn’t bring herself to sit and paced nervously across from the elevator banks. Each time the doors opened she looked up eagerly expecting to see Erin walk toward her. Finally the other woman was there and when she looked across the room and met Carson’s eyes Carson felt her heart take one, slow deliberate thump before it kicked back in at an accelerated pace.

Erin was absolutely breathtaking.

She wore a black turtleneck, and black slacks that tapered at her slim hips before they flared gently around her ankles. Dark hose and low-slung flats covered her feet. Diamonds shown from Erin’s small ears and a solitary diamond pendant rested gently between her breasts. The diamond sparkled in the overhead lights and rivaled the glint in her blue-gray eyes.

A blood red overcoat set off the wardrobe and highlighted the fire in Erin’s auburn hair.

For one crazy minute Carson felt like things had gone into slow motion and that it took an eternity for Erin to cross the room. But then she was beside her and Carson inhaled the perfumed scent that wafted gently from Erin’s body.

Carson felt like chivalrously offering an arm and had to remember that this wasn’t a date no matter how she might wish otherwise.

"You look…beautiful."

She thought the halting words were inane but Erin didn’t seem to notice. She smiled and her eyes crinkled a little before she laughed in pleased delight. Red lipstick glistened on the curve of her lips and Carson noticed that she even wore a little eye shadow and mascara.

"Thanks. You clean up pretty good yourself."

Carson’s mind was in a whirl. Erin looked like she had dressed to kill and Carson wondered if she had missed something. Did Erin always dress like this when she went out in public, or was this a date? She didn’t think it was, they didn’t know each other well enough for that, and Erin couldn’t know of Carson’s suppressed feelings.

She didn’t have enough information to judge what was going on and decided to take things at face value for now.

Carson led the way to the SUV and opened the door for Erin like she had the last time the other woman had been in her car. She didn’t know why she did it, but it seemed like the right thing to do. Erin acted like this was normal behavior and didn’t comment as she climbed into the Lexus.

Carson got in and pulled into traffic.

"This is a nice car," Erin commented. "I love the smell of leather."

Carson smiled. The last time Erin was in the vehicle she had been in some kind of light shock. She doubted that the other woman had noticed anything about what kind of vessel she had been in. It was nice to see that she seemed to have recovered from their shared ordeal.

"You don’t think it’s too big? My friend, Jay, always tells me it’s too much for a computer executive."

"She doesn’t think it presents the right image or something?"

"I suppose so." Carson shrugged. "She says she thinks it is too much for me, but I wanted something that presents a good image for my clients and I like the space it provides for equipment. Now that I’ve grown used to it, I can’t imagine being without it."

Erin didn’t respond right away and Carson glanced over at her. Her expression was quiet while she thought about that assessment, and her eyes were straight ahead on the traffic. Then she shook her head lightly and said, "After seeing you in action the other night, I don’t think there’s anything that could be considered too much for you. Besides, it’s a very classy vehicle."

A sharp tingle in her stomach stole Carson’s voice for a second. That sounded like a compliment, and not just a casual one. Was Erin flirting with her? If she was it was so subtle as to be almost invisible. Or maybe Carson just had a case of wishful thinking.

"Thank you," was all she could manage. "So, do you drive?"

"Oh, yes," Erin replied. "Even though I don’t live far from work I like the freedom that having a car offers me. Plus I don’t care for mass transit."

"Too many people," they both said at the same time.

Carson laughed right along with Erin pleased to see that they shared something in common.

"What kind of car do you have? I didn’t notice it when I drove you home yesterday."

The morning they went to the police station to give their statements Carson had driven Erin home. She had been directed into the parking structure and into a space Erin told her was assigned to her apartment. Since there wasn’t a car in the space she assumed the other woman didn’t drive. Perhaps the apartments were allocated more than one space.

"I drive a Nissan 350Z."

Carson gasped a little. "Was that the touring car that I saw across from the space I pulled into? The black convertible?"

"That’s the one."

Erin tried to go for casual, but Carson could hear the pride in her voice and couldn’t really blame her. She had noticed the other car and remembered the black shine from the body and the highly buffed chrome front end. It was obvious that Erin took a great deal of care with the vehicle’s maintenance.

The drive wasn’t long but traffic was slow on the slippery streets. There wasn’t any snow at the moment, and with Christmas only a week away people were out looking for that last minute perfect gift. Carson thought the weather was perfect for indoor activities, and Erin’s eyes sparkled in excitement and anticipation of the exhibition. Carson was pleased to see her eyes lightened from the stormy slate they had been since the incident in the Holcomb Building.

They talked for a few more minutes, and then Carson turned onto 5^th Avenue. The Chicago Metropolitan Museum of Art wasn’t far now.

"Do you know where the exhibition is being held?" Erin asked.

"Yes, the second floor in the northeast gallery."

"Ah, The Sackler Wing."

"You have been here before?"

"Yes, the Arts of Japan is one of my favorite galleries. The museum has quite a collection of its own as well as some impressive pieces on loan from private collectors."

Carson parked in the large lot and they walked quickly up the steps and into the museum. Erin’s cheeks were slightly flushed from the cold and Carson thought she was even lovelier with her color high.

The exhibit hall opened at two for a special invitation only showing and now at two-thirty the gallery was very crowded. Carson was happy it wasn’t open to the general public or it would have been very unpleasant. As it was she hardly noticed the press of bodies that would normally leave her feeling slightly claustrophobic. With Erin beside her she felt comfortable in a crowd for the first time.

Carson enjoyed art, and Asian art in particular, but sharing it with someone made the experience all the more memorable. Jay, her best friend and her first employee, was the only one she interacted with on a regular basis so this was a new but not unwelcome experience.

She looked around the massive hall and took in the wonders of the displayed works. Since ancient times the transitory flow of Japan’s rivers and streams had been linked to the nature of life and each of the paintings on display showcased that element in their beauty and harmonious balance of color. Earth tones combined with bright reds and yellows to show the artists’ passion for life in general and nature in particular.

Several sculptures were displayed on stands throughout the hall and one caught her eye. Carson stopped in front of it and stared at the green shape in awe. She saw a small tag at the bottom and leaned over to read it.

The piece was an archetype of symmetry and balance. It radiated strength and beauty, and Carson was struck with wonder. She wanted to trail her fingers lovingly over the contours, but somehow thought security would frown on that.

"Do you know this piece?" she asked softly, remembering Erin had been to the Asian Gallery often.

"Yes. It’s part of the Museum’s permanent collection and one of my personal favorites. Would you like to know the history?"

Carson nodded mutely, struck by the idea that Erin enjoyed the artwork enough to research its history.

Erin pointed to the bottom of the sculpture where a humanoid creature squatted with its knees bent. The musculature implied the figure was male, but he had the head of a bird, large wings, and a long tail.

"This figure represents the Hindu god, Garuda. He symbolizes the power of the sun and is known for slaying evil serpents. In art he is usually seen as a vehicle for Vishnu. He’s squatted because he’s about to leap into flight."

"And the figure standing on his shoulders?"

A much smaller humanoid stood on Garuda’s shoulders with one finger held up in a warning manner. In the other hand was a round disc that appeared to be a weapon of sorts.

"That’s Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu. He’s holding a war charka. In the legends Krishna rode out on Garuda’s back to do battle many times."

"It is very beautiful."

"You have good taste."

Carson missed the odd tone in Erin’s voice and looked closer at the base of the sculpture.

"What are the loops on Vishnu’s head and the one beneath Garuda for?"

Erin was staring at her and Carson only noticed when Erin turned her attention back to the artwork. She didn’t miss the smokier tones of Erin’s voice though when she replied. "This whole thing used to be part of a hanging oil lamp. A chain suspended it to the ceiling from the top and a cup of oil hung from the bottom loop."

Carson looked at the piece for a few more moments before she looked at Erin. Blue eyes were fixed on her and the soft expression she found made her feel warm. She flushed a little and swallowed nervously.

"Thank you for explaining it to me."

"You’re welcome," Erin said quietly.

Erin’s stomach growled suddenly and broke the electric moment. She laughed and Carson smiled.

"Hungry?"

"Famished," Erin admitted. "No lunch."

Carson looked at her watch and was surprised that it was so late. Time had flown and most of the other patrons were already gone.

"It’s almost six. Would you like to join me for dinner?"

Carson felt a little out of her element inviting the sophisticated woman to share a meal with her and the words sounded more formal than she intended. She didn’t try to take it back though, reluctant for their time together to come to an end.

Erin delighted her by asking, ‘Where would you like to go?"

"I have no preference. Would you like to choose?"

"How about the RL?"

"The Ralph Lauren Restaurant? I have never been there."

"I adore it, and since it’s only a block from my apartment I go there a lot."

"Don’t you get tired of it?"

Erin shrugged and grinned. "No, not really. They have a core menu, but they also come up with new selections on a daily basis. Sometimes I just get take out and eat on the balcony."

"Considering the weather this time of year I suggest we dine in."

Erin laughed and led the way out of the Museum of Art. "I couldn’t agree more."

Feeling content and balanced and a little warm under Erin’s watchful eye Carson led the way back toward her car.

Erin walked into the RL very aware of the woman who was only a step behind. While they were in the museum she had gotten to know Carson a little more and was impressed with the person that she sensed lurked beneath the cool, collected façade. Erin had already experienced her compassion and knew Carson was frighteningly brilliant, but it was the passion she sensed that drew her unexpectedly.

The art exhibit fascinated Carson, her eyes hungrily devouring the selected works until Erin was more interested in watching her than the priceless collection.

When Carson bent to examine the bronze sculpture her rapt expression made it impossible for Erin to look away. The buzz in her fingertips at that moment surprised Erin with the sheer intensity, and insight flashed in her mind with the brilliance of the sun. Somehow in the last two days Carson had managed to completely enchant her.

Carson’s surface was always controlled, but glimpses into her soul allowed Erin to see that she possessed hidden depths, currents that would sweep her away and carry her into obscurity if she was ever allowed to explore those secrets.

Standing in the museum she watched Carson study the piece and knew she wanted to explore those mysteries. That knowledge stole her voice and when Carson asked her to describe the statue she could only do so in the lowest registers. Erin fought to keep her voice steady and was grateful when her voice strengthened as she explained the sculpture.

She sensed that Carson was gay. The signs were all there even though they were subtle; the pocketknife she wielded so casually, the vehicle she chose, and a hundred other little things that Erin couldn’t hope to articulate. What she didn’t know was if Carson could ever be interested in her.

The moment faded away and her stomach saved her from making a fool of herself in front of anyone that cared to watch.

When Erin suggested the RL she deliberately didn’t mention the romantic atmosphere, and refused to dwell on it. There was nothing wrong with taking a beautiful woman to a romantic restaurant, and enjoying her company over a sensual dinner.

They waited briefly for the host to come back from seating someone else. Erin watched as Carson looked around at the warm rich interior that featured mahogany paneling and Persian rugs. Exotic plants gave the place an air of seduction and a huge fireplace roared along one wall. The façade was brick with marble floors. The lights were low and candles were lit on every table.

"Ah, Ms. Donovan. Welcome."

Erin was recognized as a regular and Morris smiled when he saw her.

"Your usual table?"

Normally she sat at a small table against the wall near the front. Erin liked to see who came in and didn’t like being caught off guard. In short she didn’t like to feel exposed. Tonight was different, and she had the sudden desire to keep Carson to herself.

"I think I’d like a booth in the back tonight."

Morris blinked and his eyes drifted briefly to Carson. He smiled and said, "I know just the place."

The booth he led them to was in the rear of the restaurant and next to another smaller fireplace. It was positioned so that they could see the fire, but no other patrons. Being against the wall no one needed to pass by them, and the only person they would see would be the waiter who would care for them while they dined.

"This is very nice," Carson said after Morris walked away.

She caressed the top of the mahogany table with the palm of her hand and Erin watched the sensual display, carefully trying to keep her expression neutral.

"I can see why you like it."

At that moment a young man stepped up to the table. He smiled and said, "Good evening, ladies. My name is Steve and I’ll be your waiter tonight. May I start you off with a beverage?"

"I’ll have a whiskey and soda," Erin blurted out and ignored Carson’s startled look.

She needed something to slow the thundering of her blood, and get her raging hormones under control. Besides, she wasn’t driving.

"Very good, ma’am. And what would you like?"

Steve looked at Carson and Erin could see the interest in his eyes. Carson was a beautiful woman and that fact didn’t appear lost on their waiter, but if Carson noticed she gave no indication.

"Water will suffice."

Steve hesitated, obviously hoping she would say something else. When it was clear that she wouldn’t he nodded and walked reluctantly away.

"Don’t you get tired of that?" Erin tried not to sound petty or possessive.

"Tired of what?" Carson realized what she was talking about and flushed slightly. "Oh, Steve. I’ve grown used to it. I know that my unusual height intimidates people. They stare at me frequently, but there’s nothing I can do about it. I get my height from my father."

"What? You think he was staring at you because you’re too tall for a woman?"

Carson looked at the tabletop uncomfortably and asked in a small voice, "What else could it be?"

Erin was astonished. Carson thought people regarded her as an oddity. Maybe that explained why she always tried to project a cold exterior, as some kind of armor plating against the world. Could it really be that she didn’t know what a vision she was?

The cleft in her proud chin and the sunshine blue of her eyes had enchanted Erin long before she realized that she was attracted to the other woman. Her body was strong, lean and feminine. Erin’s eyes rested on the full lips that begged to be kissed.

"That’s not why he was looking at you, or why anyone else stares at you," Erin said in a husky voice. She had to be very careful here and not blurt out what she was really thinking. Fortunately her conditioning as a lawyer bailed her out and she was able to truthfully say, "They stare at you because you are a beautiful woman."

Erin had barely acknowledged her attraction for the other woman, and the feelings were so intense that she couldn’t refrain from trying to ease the pain in Carson’s voice. She didn’t expect or want to jump into anything with the younger woman, she just wanted to assure Carson that she had nothing to be ashamed of.

Her tone was more casual than what she really felt, and came out sounding like a friendly compliment.

It seemed to make the other woman feel better and Carson smiled tremulously at her. "Thank you."

Steve came back with their drinks and placed them on the table with a flourish.

"Have you decided on an appetizer?"

Erin and Carson exchanged looks.

"Since you have been here before perhaps you should decide for us. I trust your judgment."

Erin smiled. "Are you allergic to shellfish?"

Carson shook her head and Erin looked up at their waiter. "We’ll start with the steamed mussels in fennel with tomato and basil chili flakes." The mussels were served in Pernod and Erin knew they were exquisite.

Steve left to place the appetizer order and the women looked over the menu. Both were quiet with swirling thoughts and used the menu to cover the sudden awkwardness.

When the waiter returned Erin ordered herb crusted lamb chops in a lamb reduction sauce. Carson stayed with the seafood theme and ordered jumbo sea scallops with cucumber and tomato salad. The scallops were served with a white balsamic cream, and balsamic reduction. Erin selected a wine that would compliment both dishes, a Riesling-Kabinett, Morel-Sarr-Ruvet ’00.

By the time they placed the order for their entrees the appetizer was ready. Steve placed the hot plate in the center of the table, and Erin watched Carson’s eyes widen slightly. The mussels were served on a large white oval platter. Bits of fennel and basil liberally dusted the surface of the Pernod and the aroma of the steamed mussels was mouth watering.

"Something wrong?" Erin smiled wanting to hear Carson’s approval.

"This looks delicious."

Each of them was handed a small fork and Steve set small plates on the table in front of them. Extra napkins and a bowl of water were placed to the side. The water was to dip their fingers in if they chose to eat the mussels with their hands.

The waiter poured a small amount of wine for Erin’s approval before he filled their glasses.

When he finally left Erin watched Carson raise the glass and take a small sip. Her expression of pleasure made Erin happy that she had selected the expensive wine. It was light with a hint of sweet fruit, and no bitter after taste.

"If you think that’s good, try the mussels."

Erin used her fork to draw one of the crustaceans onto her tiny plate.

Carson mimicked her actions but once the appetizer was on her plate she put the fork down and picked up the morsel with her fingers. Erin watched her lift it to her mouth and suck the mussel from the shell. Firelight glistened off Carson’s lips from the Pernod, and her cheeks were slightly flushed from the wine.

Erin had never considered eating to be a sexual experience but watching Carson she felt downright scandalous. Erin ate slowly and watched Carson from beneath lowered lashes.

She had almost forgotten what it felt like to be so attracted to another woman; how every new experience was a memory to be cherished, each nuance memorized. She had especially forgotten the white-hot flash of desire that tingled in the pit of her stomach and caused the small hairs on her arms stand in reaction.

Once the appetizer was finished the waiter returned with more plates, and topped off the wine. Carson curiously looked at the jumbo scallops that were placed in front of her and inhaled the slightly pungent scent of the balsamic vinegar. She speared one of the scallops and raised it toward her mouth. Erin didn’t notice that her own lips parted in anticipation as strong white teeth bit into the morsel and their eyes met across the table.

Erin stifled a moan and swallowed hard before she looked away.

She grabbed her glass and gulped down a healthy swig of the wine. Then she picked up her own fork and sliced into the lamb, refusing to look at Carson for a few minutes until she got her impulses under control.

"How did you get into corporate law?" Carson asked conversationally. She continued eating unaware of the effect she had on Erin.

Thankful for the distraction Erin said, "Through my father, actually. He was a corporate attorney and I guess he passed the bug along to me. I’ve always loved the intricacies of corporate law and the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve protected my clients’ interests."

"You must be very good to be a senior partner at such a young age."

Erin smiled at the idea that Carson considered her young despite the fact that Erin was at least ten years older than her.

"I try. What about you? What gave you the idea to start your own software research company?"

They finished their meals and sat sipping wine while they talked.

"I have an affinity for computers and mathematics so it was natural that I would pursue a career in these fields. After I received my doctorate I decided I would rather work for myself."

Carson smiled as though she was about to share a great secret. "I started the business in a rundown warehouse in a not so great part of town. Jay and I worked almost night and day until we could afford to move to a better neighborhood."

"So, brilliant and driven," Erin commented. She tried to ignore an unpleasant stab of jealousy and asked in what she hoped was a casual tone, "Who is Jay?"

Was she a lover? Was it already too late for her with Carson? Throughout their time at the museum and over dinner Erin thought she sensed a mutual interest from Carson but she couldn’t get involved with someone who was already taken.

What was she thinking?

She couldn’t get involved at all, regardless what Carson’s situation was.

"Jay Parker is my best friend. I met her in college and when I started Delphi Technologies she agreed to become my first employee. I have never met a more talented programmer or software designer. And she makes me laugh."

Erin was relieved that Jay wasn’t a lover, and she asked softly, "Is that so hard?"

Carson flushed and glanced at the table. "I am not an easy person to get to know."

"So I remember," Erin said dryly and thought of their meeting to show Carson the tenth floor of the Holcomb Building.

The waiter interrupted and put the empty dishes on a tray before he took their dessert order. Carson asked for Crème Brule in bourbon with Madagascar vanilla. It came with sliced strawberries on top and she also requested a café latte.

Erin ordered New York cheesecake with Michigan cherries and a cup of black coffee.

He left again and Carson said, "You’ve mentioned your father before. It sounds as though you are very close."

"We are," Erin said softly. "Since he moved to Arizona I don’t get to see him very often. I miss him terribly."

"And your mother?"

"I lost her a few years ago. Cancer."

"I’m so sorry," Carson said, sympathetic to Erin’s pain.

"It’s all right," Erin said though it clearly wasn’t. "What about your family?"

"My mother died when I was very young. I hardly remember her. My father passed away six months ago."

Carson took a hasty sip from her water glass, but Erin heard the pain in her voice. It didn’t sound like the pain of loss though. There was something more there.

"I take it you two didn’t get along?"

"My father had little use for a female child. After my mother died he provided a roof over my head, but little else."

Carson tried to sound like the neglect didn’t bother her but Erin knew better. Every child needed the approval of their parents and the nurturing only they could provide. From the sound of it there was little wonder Carson built such a hard shell to penetrate.

If he weren’t already dead, Erin would cheerfully have throttled him for his selfishness.

She wanted to reach across and grasp Carson’s free hand where it rested on the tabletop, and barely refrained. What was it about this woman that threatened to crumble her carefully constructed world with ideas of passion?

As much as the idea appealed to her, Erin couldn’t let it happen. Her career was too important to jeopardize with a much younger woman. She would have to keep her surging hormones to herself until she could get control of them.

"That’s his loss."

She caught Carson’s gaze and smiled at her. Carson’s eyes were bluer than they were at the museum and the air suddenly seemed electrically charged.

The waiter returned with their dessert order and Erin turned to the sweets.

Erin was slightly tipsy from the alcohol, and sipped her coffee slowly. She was enjoying the evening and didn’t want to do anything she would have to apologize for later. The cheesecake was incredible and Carson appeared to equally enjoy her Crème Brule.

Pleasantly stuffed Erin sat back and dabbed her lips with a napkin. It had been a long time since she had shared a wonderful meal with an attractive woman.

"That was a fantastic dinner," Carson said. "Thank you."

Erin motioned for the waiter to bring the bill and reached for her purse.

Carson stopped her by saying, "Please, allow me to pay for our meal. It seems the least I can do in exchange for such a wonderful experience."

Charmed, Erin smiled and closed her purse. Normally she would have strongly protested since she didn’t like to feel as though she owed anyone. But somewhere along the way their outing had sparked a very new and possibly enduring friendship, and she had no desire to ruin the mood.

"All right."

It was difficult to pull her eyes away from Carson’s too blue gaze, but it was inevitable that the waiter return with Carson’s credit card. The slip was signed and it was time to go.

TBC           

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