Chapter 10

Bette sat at home waiting for the phone call she knew would come. When the phone rang she leapt from her seat and grabbed it before the first ring could end. “Hello.”

“Good night Miss, is this the residence of a Miss Kennard?”

“Yes it is. Who may I ask is calling?”

“Is this Miss Porter?”

“Yes this is she. You didn’t say who you were.”

“This is Officer Gibbs ma’am. I am calling about Miss Kennard.”

“Is she all right?”

“Yes ma’am, but she is at Mercy Hospital.”

“What? I though you said she was ok.”

“She is ma’am. I’m sorry I cant get into the details over the phone but she asked for you so I am carrying out her wishes.”

“Thank you Officer. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome ma’am. You have a good night.”

Bette made it to the hospital in record time. She got Tina’s room information from the receptionist desk. She approached the room. There was an officer there at the door. “Excuse ma’am only family allowed in the room.”

“I’m her partner, Bette Porter.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Ms Porter she’s expecting you. Go on in.”

“Thank you.”

As Bette walked in she was greeted with a warm smile from Tina and an even warmer and tight hug from Christian. She bent over and kissed Tina gently on the lips. “You ok babe?”

“Yeah I’m doing great now that you’re here.”

“Where’s Eric?”

“They took him down to the station.”

“Was he awake when they took him?”

“He was awake but groggy. He was saying stuff Bette.”

“Did he say anything about what happened?”

Tina shook her head yes. “But I don’t think they believed him.”

“Ok, ok. Good. I’ll go check with the doctor, see if you can go home.”

“Bette,” Tina held out her hand to stop Bette. She turned and smiled at Tina. ‘When we go home would you tell me about tonight?”

“I will, I promise.”

The drive home was quiet. Christian had fallen asleep within seconds after he sat down in the back seat.  Tina placed her hand on Bette’s thigh in an attempt to clam her nerves which was evident on her face. Bette was thinking of the best way to tell Tina about her job without scaring her. They pulled into the driveway in the same silence as the drive home. Bette offered a half smile before exiting the car and taking Christian out. Tina got out of the car and opened the door for Bette to go in. Bette headed for Christian’s room. She placed him on the bed. She pulled his pants, socks and shoes off then pulled the blanket up to hi neck. She placed a soft kiss on his forehead and whispered “Goodnight.” Before taking off the light and half way closing the door.

Tina was in the kitchen making coffee for both her and Bette. She was at the sink washing up when she felt Bette’s arms around her waist. Bette kissed her softly on her neck lingering as her lips touched her skin taking in the scent of Tina. She turned in Bette’s arms to face her. “You ok?” Tina asked still concerned about Bette’s mood change.

“I’m a bit scared.”

“Scared? Why baby.”

“That you won’t want to be with me after we talk.”

“Baby I love you, you have to trust me.”

“I trust. And I love you more than I thought I could love anyone. But,”

“But nothing.” Tina interrupted.

“Tina I kill people for a living. Had tonight been about someone else other than your ex husband I would have used real bullets and not just the bean bags.”

Tina pulled away. “What? I don’t believe you.”

“Its true T. When I told you I work for the government I wasn’t lying to you.”

“But you said you…”

“I know what I said and I’m sorry I about lying about what I really do.” Bette explained. “When I joined the Marines I started out as a demolition expert. I did that for five years before I was asked to head a special team of four. Sometimes criminals get away even with substantial evidence they are set free for what ever reason. So when that happens they ask us to help put them away for good.”

“Like assassins.”

“Yes. Shane, Dana, Helena and I.” Bette watched Tina carefully as she tried to comprehend all what she was trying to tell her. The moments of silence began to worry Bette. “Say something. Please?”

“I don’t know what to say. I mean I just found out the woman I love is a hired assassin.” Tina felt faint. “I need to sit.”