Chapter 8

"Oh, how I missed you," gushed Cassi, hugging Linda as she entered the concourse after deplaning. They would have kissed but discretion dictated a somewhat less overt display of affection. Not that either would have minded except that while word of such an affair would have had little or no impact on Linda's career, it would have ended Cassi's. The police department was still quite homophobic, especially her Captain who while he could not fire her directly would have made life miserable enough that Cassi would have eventually had to resign. So the hug would have to be enough for the moment. They collected Linda's bags and made their way to the car. Pulling out into traffic, Cassi looked over to her companion.

"How was the showing?"

"Fantastic! I got a lot of ideas and more than that I made a couple of contacts which should prove invaluable. And, saving the best for last, I got the contract with Moliere and Sons."

"Wonderful! I can' tell you how proud I am of you!"

"And how about your weekend?" asked Linda.

There was but a moment's hesitation. Cassi could, of course, reveal nothing of what had really happened. She felt guilty in lying to her companion but what else could she do?

"Oh, we continued to work on the Fleming case, but so far nothing. We're really stymied."

"You mean you didn't have anyone over to the apartment while I was gone?" asked the redhead playfully. They often kidded each other about other women. "Let's see, I got so lonesome that I invited two blondes and a brunette to my room where we engaged in all sorts of debauchery." She laughed, expecting Cassi to top her story with one of Cassi's own. When Cassi was strangely silent, Linda looked over to the smaller woman. "Well, how many women and don't spare the details," she giggled. Again, Cassi was silent until, knowing that Linda was expecting some kind of response blurted out.