Radclyffe - Safe Harbor

"Im not interested," Reese stated again. "Theres too much paperwork and too much politics. I like patrol, I like being out on the streets, I like community interaction. I plan on teaching more martial arts classes in the fall. Im too busy."

When she had stopped to check on Brianna the previous night, she had found her polishing the new dirtbike Nelson had gotten her to replace the one destroyed in the accident. Caroline, who had barely left Bri's side since her release from the hospital, was there with several of their friends. Bri was chaffing at the bit to resume her martial arts classes, but her doctors had declared no contact sports for six weeks due to her concussion. Two other young women and a boy had expressed interest in taking self-defense classes. She knew it was a reaction to Bris assault, and after talking with them, she had agreed to teach several evening classes a week. Tory endorsed the idea, and planned to teach as well. This was the kind of cop Reese wanted to be - one who was part of the community, responding to the needs of the community in a personal way.

"You didnt fail Bri either," Reese continued. "Sure, she was afraid to talk to you, but some of that fear came from what others had done to her or her friends. As it turns out, her fear was unwarranted. Jesus, Caroline is practically living at your place since her father threatened her."

Nelson looked pained as he remembered Caroline calling Bri in tears when her father swore he would beat this queer bullshit' out of her. "Yeah, well that might have been me saying something as stupid as that if Bri hadnt almost been killed. It took almost losing her to put things into perspective. Im dont know that Id be trying as hard as I am to understand it. Still, I look at those two girls and all I see is a hard road ahead."

Reese nodded. "That may be, but having you on their side will go a long way toward making their life easier. And believe me, Nelson, you couldnt keep them apart without hurting them more than any prejudice ever could."

He grinned self-consciously. "The reason Caroline spends most of her time with us is because that hard-headed kid of mine tried to get up out of her sickbed to go after Carolines old man. Jesus, shes tough to handle. Kinda reminds me of you."

"Thank you. Ill take that as a compliment," Reese grinned back.

"You and Tory give them something to look up to," he said to Reeses surprise.

"We both care about them, Nelson, but its you they need."

"I dont know how to ask you to forgive me for that night. What I said about it being your fault, that was bad enough. But what I did, theres no way to make that right," he said quietly.

"Theres nothing to forgive, Chief. If anything ever happened to Tory, Id" her voice cracked and she looked away for a second. "Id be no different than you. Forget it."

He shook his head, disbelieving. "I appreciate your saying that, but I know better. I know Tory King wont forget it."

"She was worried about Bri, and scared for me-"

"She was protecting you, Conlon. I can see what you mean to her. Youre a lucky woman to have that."

"Yes, I know."

"Well, I guess Ill just have to prove to her that I know what youre worth, too." He cleared his throat, busying himself with the papers on his desk. "So why dont you get out of here. Tonights Carnival night, so expect it to be crazy."

Reese sighed with relief, more than ready to get back out on the streets. "Yes, sir! You want anything while Im out?"

"Donuts."

Reese smiled happily. "Roger that."

**********

An hour later she pulled into the crowded parking lot of the East End Health Clinic. Randy as usual looked on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

"Please, please dont tell me you want to see her!!" he exclaimed.

Reese smiled. "No good, huh?"

"If she agrees to see one more walk-in without an appointment, Ill have to cancel the hottest date of my life," he wailed.

"Tell her I stopped by," Reese laughed. Then, she lowered her voice, "and Randy - try to get her to take a break once in a while."

Randys face softened for an instant, then he said in a martyred tone, "Like she wouldnt kill me if I sent you away! Go on back!!"

As Reese passed he inquired seriously, "Are you all mended?"

"Good as new," Reese responded.

"Thats good, Captain Marvel - a lot of people around here need you." He touched her shoulder lightly, then fixed her with a frown. "If it takes more than five minutes I cant guarantee your safety."

Reese waited as she always did, studying the pictures of Torys Olympic days, warmed by the images. Tory stood in the doorway, chart in hand, watching Reese. The very sight of her stirred her, causing her breath to catch for an instant.

"Hello, darling," Tory said, her voice husky, as she pulled her office door closed behind her.

Reese turned with a smile, "Hi, love." She went to her, sweeping off her cap as she leaned to pull Tory close. "I just stopped for a second. I missed you. Randy says its a rough day."

Tory slipped her arms around Reeses waist, loving her solid strength. "Not any more," she sighed. "Youre just the kind of interruption I needed." Tory indulged herself with the feel of her for an instant longer, then stepped back to straighten Reeses tie and brush a stray lock of dark hair from her forehead. "Happy to be back at work?"

"Just happy," Reese said softly, smiling tenderly. She settled her hat low over her brows, kissed her swiftly on the lips, and stepped toward the door. "See you at home, Doctor King."

Tory called after her, the kiss still tingling on her lips. "You can count on it, Sheriff!"

The End

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