by Jillian

Chapter Sixty-one

Tanya had barely stepped into the room when Cynthia practically shouted, “Hey bitch!”

“I take it you're feeling a little better?” Tanya asked as she approached her friend's bedside.

“What makes you think that?”

Smiling, Tanya answered, “The return of your sparkling personality.”

“Maybe I just like you,” Cynthia countered. “Or maybe I'm just a wonderful, loving person.”

“Yeah, right,” Tanya smirked.

“Anyway, what prompted this? I mean, two visits in one day and all.” Grinning, Cynthia then continued, “They said I might get out of here in the next couple of days.”

“That is good news,” Tanya commented. Sitting down on the edge of the bed she continued, “Do you want to come stay with me for a couple of days after they send you home? I mean, chances are they aren't going to want you staying alone for the first few days.”

Looking uncharacteristically meek she answered, “They did say something about that.”

“I figured as much,” Tanya giggled. “So what do you think?”

“I'd hate to be a bother,” she responded.

“Nonsense!”

“Well,” Cynthia smirked, “If you insist.”

Tanya could only hold in the laughter for a few seconds before it erupted from her, joined immediately by her friend. It took a few minutes, but eventually they began to calm down.

Once they had more or less returned to normal, Cynthia adopted a more serious look and said, “Thanks.”

Smiling, Tanya responded, “What are friends for?”

“Now,” Cynthia then changed the subject, “What the Hell are you thinking offering to be bait for the police?”

“I'm thinking somebody has to do it, so why not me?”

“It sounds way too dangerous,” Cynthia countered.

“I'll have Bobby watching my back the whole time,” Tanya responded. “This is my chance to 'save the world'.”

“I still don't like it.”

“Listen,” Tanya countered, “This guy hurt you and is still out there hurting others. He's targeting our...family...and somebody has to do something.”

“But why you?”

“Because it's important that this guy is stopped and I'm in a position to be able to do something about that.”

Tears began to form in Cynthia's eyes as she started, “No!”

Interrupting her friend Tanya countered, “He hurt you! He's killed too many of our sisters and if he's not stopped he'll keep killing us. I don't want that blood on my hands.”

“But Tanya!”

“Listen, all this concern for my well being is touching, but it's a bit out of character for you, don't you think?”

Cynthia attempted to give her friend an angry look, but after only a second or two found she couldn't hold it and could only smirk.

Chapter Sixty-two

Bob sat listening to his cell phone as the other end of the connection rang and rang, then just as he was about to break the connection the ringing was interrupted by a female voice asking, “Bobby?”

“Hey Connie. I was wondering if you'd be interested in having an early dinner before you have to go to work?”

“Interested yes,” she replied. “Unfortunately I have to be at work early tonight, as in like about an hour.”

“Oh,” he said dejectedly. “Would it be all right if I came by tonight and hung out? Maybe keep you company when you're on breaks?”

“That is without a doubt the best offer I've had in hours,” she said with a grin so big Bob could hear it in her voice.

“Do you need a lift?”

“I don't need one, but I'd like one,” she replied, still audibly grinning.

“I'll see ya in a bit,” Bob said just before they broke the connection.

Ten minutes later he pulled up in front of Connie's place where he parked and jumped out of the car, making his way to her door. He rang the doorbell, but barely had to wait five seconds before she answered it, coming out and kissing Bob on the cheek before continuing toward his car, quietly giggling all along the way.

Running up behind her, Bob caught up just as she came to a stop by the passenger door which he opened. “Allow me,” he said in what he hoped was his most charming voice.

“Of course, kind sir,” she replied. He held the door open for Connie as she got in, closing it once she was settled in her seat.

Once he'd circled around the car and had climbed into the driver's seat he said, “Thanks.”

“What for?” she countered. “You're the one doing me the favor.”

“Not the way I see it,” he replied. “Any time you're willing to spend with me is...”

She cut him off saying, “Oh, come on!”

He grinned at her and said, “Seriously.”

Despite her attempts not to do so, she broke out in a huge grin.

Chapter Sixty-three

Charlie wandered into 'Slippers' having parked his car far enough away from the club that he felt there was little likelihood of being seen by the police, who no doubt were closely watching the club. Inside the door, he made his way toward the dance floor so he could get a look at the early evening crowd before finding his way to the seating area.

Once he'd found an unoccupied table he was quickly approached by a member of the wait staff who asked, “Can I get you anything?”

“Your name, for starters?”

She smirked at him and said, “Linda. Now, would you care to order?”

Looking at the 'lady', he smiled and responded, “A beer would be great, Linda.” Then after the briefest of pauses he continued, “And maybe your phone number.”

Laughing, she said, “I'll be right back with that beer.”

He leered at her retreating form as she made her way to the bar to fill his order, mumbling to himself, “This could be a fun night.”

While she was at the bar, he strained to listen in on the conversation she was having with one of the other waitresses. As far as he could make out it seemed she was without transportation home thanks to her old car's water pump. With that in mind he began to formulate an approach he hoped would work.

By the time she returned with his drink, he'd managed to put together in his mind how he was going to approach hooking up with her, so going for broke he asked as she set down his drink in front of him, “So what would it take to convince you to spend some time with me after your shift tonight?”

She looked at him and laughed, “I suppose that depends on what you have in mind.”

Smiling he responded, “Just getting to know one another in a quieter setting.”

Unsure why exactly she was considering his offer, she conceded, “Let me think about it. I've still got a couple of hours before I can get out of here, and by then I'm probably going to be ready to fall into bed for a good night's sleep.”

His smile widened as he said, “I couldn't ask for much more than that, could I? I'll stick around until you make up your mind. Hopefully, you'd decide to take me up on my offer.”

Chapter Sixty-four

Tanya had the look of someone overwhelmed by frustration as she stared at her open bedroom closet. She was trying to decide what to wear the next day for her return home, but was having a great deal of difficulty picking something.

Holding up two skirts, she lifted the one in her left hand as she said to no one in particular, “This one's really cute, but my father would kill me if I walked into his house in it.” She then lowered that one and raised the one in her right as she commented, “Maybe a skirt isn't the best idea after all. Jeans. That's what I'll wear, jeans.”

A look of concern descended across her face as she next began, “But...” She looked at both skirts again before taking them back to the closet and roughly hanging them up before stalking over to her bed and flopping down on it.

As she stared at the ceiling, she mused, “I suppose I could just go as Tommy. Dad would like that.” After a moment of silence, she then let out her frustration shouting, “Aaargh!”

After a moment or two, she sat back up and again stared into her closet as a somewhat glassy-eyed expression overtook her face.

Chapter Sixty-five

Bob looked up to see Connie setting two drinks down, “Break time?”

She grinned as she sat down opposite him and said, “Finally.”

“Rough night?”

Connie took a sip of her drink and responded, “Just busy.” Concentration flashed across her face as she then asked, “Are you too bored? I could find a ride home if you wanted to...”

Interrupting her he said, “Nonsense!”

“I know you're not a heavy drinker or anything. And this guy playing tonight isn't nearly as good as your sister,” she said with a smirk on her face.

“I'll grant you that,” he replied. “No, I'm just kind of relaxing here. It's actually been kinda nice having a little time to just shut down.” He then picked up his bottle of beer and took a long swig.

“Well,” she laughed, “I'm glad you've been able to make good use of your time.”

He started laughing and couldn't help but snort beer out of his nose. That only made it worse as they both found themselves laughing uncontrollably.

Chapter Sixty-six

“Last call!” came the voice of the bartender over the house PA system. Charlie looked toward his waitress and raised his hand in a sort of wave which carried the message, “I'd like another” while also saying, “I'm waiting for you.” She acknowledged him and headed for the bar to get his last drink.

When she returned he asked as she set down his drink, “So where would you like to go after you get off?”

Laughing she replied, “I don't even recall agreeing to go with you.”

“You hadn't yet,” he quipped, “But you were just about to.”

“Pretty sure of yourself, aren't ya?” she responded.

Smiling he offered, “I get that it's late and you're probably exhausted. I also happened to overhear when you were telling someone that your car is broken down. How about if I just offer to drive you home?”

“How did you...?” she began before pausing and breaking out in a smile. “Oh, never mind. Thank you for the offer, but really...”

Cutting her off he said, “I know you have to stick around to close. Believe me, I don't mind waiting.”

“You're sweet,” she responded.

“Not at all,” he said. After a brief pause he continued, “Go. Get your work done.”

As he watched his latest conquest's retreating form he grinned and said to himself, “This will be fun.” With each passing moment the things he'd like to do with her played through his head like scenes from a movie as his grin slowly grew larger.

Chapter Sixty-seven

Bob watched as the staff herded the evening's patrons toward the door so they could close for the night, but soon found his mind wandering in unexpected directions. First he caught sight of Connie as she led a thoroughly intoxicated gentleman to the door and even helped him out the door. As she left his field of vision he began wondering where things were headed between the two of them.

By the time she had returned to help with closing, he'd begun to explore the idea of letting their relationship progress toward something more serious and as he did so he began to realize just how much he liked the idea. Somehow that led to him thinking about his family, and more specifically Tanya's situation.

He'd begun to accept that he now had a sister, as odd as it seemed to him, and he was wondering what he could do to help their father accept Tommy's change. Unfortunately, no matter how he looked at things he couldn't see any way they could influence their Dad's views on the subject of transgendered people. After all, he'd been a beat cop when trans people simply weren't accepted into general society and that was his point of view as well.

He was suddenly brought out of deep thought as Connie came up beside him and asked, “Are you about ready to get out of here?”

Looking up he smiled and responded, “I figured that you'd have to close up shop. You all done?”

“I finished up my stuff and don't need to help with anything else tonight, seeing as I have such a special guest with me this evening.”

“Well,” Bob said as he stood up from his seat and grabbed his jacket off of the back of his chair. “In that case, your chariot awaits.”

Connie slipped her arm through his offered elbow and replied, “Thank you, kind sir.” They both then chuckled as they headed toward the door.

A comfortable silence settled about them as they made their way to Bob's car. When they reached his vehicle Bob first went to the passenger side and without saying anything opened the door and held it for Connie, whose smile over his chivalrous action nearly overshadowed her obvious exhaustion.

After ensuring she was settled, Bob closed the car door and made his way around to the driver's side. He climbed in and started the engine, looking over at his passenger.

Before putting the car in gear he asked, “So would you prefer your place, or mine?”

Smirking, Connie replied, “Feeling rather sure of yourself tonight, aren't you?”

“Not at all,” Bob countered, “If you want to spend some time together, I thought we could go to my house. If you would rather just go home and get some sleep, then...”

Interrupting him Connie argued, “That's not what you said.”

Laughing, Bob said, “Maybe not, but it seems to have woke you up.”

Shaking her head as she tried not to laugh herself, Connie responded, “Oh, shut up and take us to your house already.”

Chapter Sixty-eight

Charlie pulled up in front of Linda's apartment building, then turning to look at her he said, “Looks like we're here.”

“Yes, it does,” she replied. “Thanks again.”

“No problem,” he started, “Now, about this getting to know one another thing...”

She smiled saying, “Care to come in? I could make us some coffee or something.”

“I'd love to,” he responded perhaps a little too quickly. If she'd remembered the pictures the police had been showing around the club earlier, or been more observant of the way he constantly looked at her as if she were the first meal he'd had in weeks, she might have been more leery of offering that invitation. Then again, she probably wouldn't have accepted the ride in the first place, had those been the case.

As Linda began to get out of the car, Charlie jumped out of the driver's seat and quickly ran around to the passenger door, grabbing hold of it as she stepped out of the way so he could close it. He then offered his elbow for her, which she accepted by slipping her hand through the opening so he could escort her to her door.

When they reached her front door, Charlie quietly stood beside her while she dug in her purse for her house key. Once she found it she looked at him and said, “Thanks so much for the ride. I'd invite you in but...”

Cutting her off he jumped in, “Sounds great. Don't mind if I do.”

“No,” she started, “I really need to get to bed.”

Charlie quickly responded, “Best offer I've had in a long time.” He then grinned at her, hoping she would give in so he wouldn't have to force his way in.

She looked at him and sighed saying, “I'm really exhausted. Is there any way I could give you a rain check?”

He forced a grin and said, “Sure. No problem.” After the shortest of pauses he then asked, “Any chance I could use your restroom before I go?”

Linda appeared to relax a little as she replied, “Certainly, come on in.” Once she had the door open she stepped inside followed by her guest, saying, “Down the hall. First door on the right.”

“Great, thanks,” he responded before heading in the specified direction.

While he was in the bathroom, Linda closed the front door before making her way into the kitchen where she reached into the cabinet for a glass, then after a moment got out a second. “What am I thinking?” she asked herself before taking the glasses to the ice maker and filling them both with cubes.

Charlie emerged from the restroom and found Linda in the kitchen rummaging through her liquor cabinet. He asked, “What's this?”

Turning to see him she replied, “Well I can't very well send you on your way without a proper thank you for the ride, can I?”

Laughing, Charlie responded, “Who am I to argue? Got any Scotch?”

“Of course,” she said before fishing a bottle of Scotch out of the cabinet and pouring some in each glass. She then handed one glass to her guest and picked up the other for herself.

Raising her glass in toast she said, “Thank you kind sir for gallantly providing me with assistance in my time of need.”

Touching his glass to hers he countered, “It was my pleasure.” The two of them stood there drinking from their glasses for a moment, looking intently at each other as they did so.

Charlie finished his first and set his glass down on the counter before moving in close to Linda, who was clearly surprised by his forwardness. She started to protest, but before she could actually say anything he had placed one hand to her mouth to silence her objections while his other reached around and pulled her close.

“Now,” he started, “Why would you want to fight?” He then began to guide her toward the bedroom as she struggled in vain against him.

As they entered the bedroom, he said, “Stop fighting and this will go much easier for you.”

“Oh yes,” she retorted, “Not fighting will make it so much easier for you to kill me.” She then kicked at his knees several times in the hope that she might be able to get away from him.

“Ouch!” he shouted before striking her hard across the face, then throwing her onto the bed. Climbing on top of her, he commented, “This will be fun.”

Before she knew what was happening, he had slipped a portion of electric cord around her neck and was tightening it as he kneed her repeatedly in the groin, knocking what little fight she had left out of her. As her resistance faded, he continued to tighten the cord cutting off her ability to breathe.

Once the life had left her body, Charlie returned to the kitchen to grab a knife which he then brought back to the bedroom and started by cutting the clothes off of his victim. Next he proceeded to mutilate her body but cutting off her genitals. “There's a nice present for you,” he snarled as he finished his 'surgery'.

As he stepped away from the body and went to the bathroom to begin cleaning up, he couldn't help but feel somehow unsatisfied. The more he thought about it, the more he felt he needed more. He just wasn't sure what would fulfill that need.

After cleaning the blood off oh his hands and removing the outer clothes he'd worn to keep from being stained when he left, he took one last look at Linda's body. “I let it happen to fast this time,” he mumbled. “I need to make it last longer.”

On his way to the front door, he remembered the glass he'd set down on the counter in the kitchen and returned there to retrieve the glass so he wouldn't need to worry about the possibility of leaving fingerprints somewhere that might lead the police back to him. Once done he headed out the door and made his way home to plan his next conquest.

Chapter Sixty-nine

Bob woke up to find the other side of the bed empty. He smiled as he first smelled coffee brewing, then heard pans clanging together telling him that Connie was in the kitchen. That thought made his smile grow bigger as he allowed himself to consider the possibility of waking up to her every morning.

He got out of bed and pulled on a bathrobe as he wandered into the kitchen where Connie was putting the finishing touches on their breakfast. When he saw her he couldn't help but say, “I need to wake to this more often.”

Smiling Connie responded, “Play your cards right and we'll see what we can do about that.”

Bob came up beside her and reached into the pan on the stove, picking up a bit of scrambled egg which he popped into his mouth. After swallowing he told her, “Good stuff.”

“Thank you, kind sir,” she replied.

Bob got out two plates from the cabinet and handed one to Connie before dishing some of the eggs on his plate. While Connie did the same, he got forks out of the silverware drawer, then got coffee cups out and handed one of each to her before pouring a cup for himself. Once they'd finished dishing up their food and drink, the two of them carried their breakfasts with them to the small kitchen table where they each took a seat and began consuming their meals.

In between bites, Connie asked, “So, what do you have planned for today? Do you have to work?”

“Only if something happens on one of my cases. No, today is my Mom's birthday and we're supposed to be getting together at my folks' house.”

“Will Tanya be there?”

Bob took a sip of his coffee before responding, “I suppose so, although it's liable to be a bit exciting.”

“Why's that?”

“Well, my folks have yet to meet my sister as it were and I'm not exactly sure how things are going to go.” After a brief pause he continued, “If you're looking for some excitement you could come along.”

“To tell ya the truth, I wish I could,” she replied. “Unfortunately, I'm supposed to work this afternoon.”

“On a Sunday?” Bob asked.

“Yeah,” she answered. “I'm kind of managing the club today. Not that I get any extra money for it, but...”

“Well, after the excitement is over maybe I could come by and fill you in on all the gory details.”

Smiling she said, “I'd like that a lot.”

Chapter Seventy

Tanya sat in her car looking down the street at the house that had been her childhood home as she tried to summon the courage to actually go inside and face her parents as her true self for the very first time. She'd been doing just that for nearly twenty minutes and knew that soon they'd be wondering where she was, possibly even going so far as to come looking for her.

She nervously took one last look at herself in the rear view mirror before finally working up the courage to face her fate. “All or nothing,” she said to herself as she opened the car door and climbed out.

After straightening her skirt, she began walking up the driveway toward her first face to face encounter with her parents as Tanya. With each step her apprehension grew at the same rate as the perceived weight of her high heeled boot encased feet until she finally found herself facing the front door to her childhood home.

She took a deep breath and muttered, “Here goes,” as she raised her hand to the doorbell and pressed the button. Fighting the urge to run, she stood anxiously waiting for a sign from inside. After a few seconds she could clearly hear someone walking across hardwood floors toward the front door, each step echoing louder than the previous in her head.

Nerves obviously had taken their toll as she held her breath while the door slowly swung open, revealing Tanya's mother looking nearly as anxious as her daughter. Neither one seemed able to make a sound as they stood there looking at each other for what seemed hours, but more likely was mere seconds.

Finding her voice first, Tanya's mother tentatively asked, “Tanya?” as she continued to stare at her new daughter.

Finally able to respond, Tanya replied, “Hi Mom. Happy Birthday.”

After the briefest of hesitations, Tanya's mother opened her arms and stepped forward toward her daughter saying, “Welcome home, sweetheart.” She enfolded her daughter in a tender embrace before leading her inside as she added, “It's so good to finally see you.”

Blushing, she smiled and said, “You too, Mom.”

As they started to release their embrace, her Mom held Tanya at arms length and added, “Now, your father has promised me he won't make a scene, but as you probably knew already he's having some issues with these changes.”

“I expected that,” Tanya responded. “Would it be better if I didn't stay?”

“No,” she replied emphatically. “My day, my rules and I want my daughter to be here.”

“Okay, but if things get too bad I'll leave.”

Cutting off her daughter she interjected, “You will not!”

At that moment their greeting was interrupted by the approach of an older man coming into the living room from the kitchen. As he drew nearer he looked at Tanya and making no effort to disguise his disappointment, said, “Ah, you're here. Wasn't sure you'd make it.”

“Yes, I'm here Dad. Thank you for allowing me to come today,” Tanya offered in her most conciliatory tone.

“Don't thank me,” he grunted before turning to leave the room.

After watching her father walk away, Tanya looked back at her mother and said, “I suppose that could've gone worse.”

“Doesn't mean I approve of his behavior,” her Mom responded. “I think I need to read him the riot act for treating our daughter this way.”

Trying to calm her mother, Tanya said, “No Mom! This is a lot for him to have to take in. It's bound to take time for him to get used to the idea.”

“Only because he never paid attention when you were growing up.”

“Mom,” she started, “Thank you so much. Let him have a little time, okay?”

“Okay,” her Mom relented.

Bob came in the front door and as soon as he saw Tanya he asked, “I take it things didn't go all that well?”

Turning her attention to her brother she replied, “Could've been worse, I suppose.”

Mom asked, “I take it you're acquainted with your sister?”

“We've talked a bit.”

“Well, I'm glad you two are working at getting along. That means a lot to me, son.”

“I know Mom and I promise you I'm trying.”

Mom gave Bob a hug and said, “I know and thank you.”

“Mom,” Tanya interjected, “Bobby's been great about things. I actually think in time we might get along better than we ever did before.”

“That's wonderful, sweetheart.” Mom then continued, “Now what are we going to do about your father?”

“I really didn't expect him to accept me,” Tanya stated.

“Well I did,” Mom countered.

“He go out there?” Bob asked as he pointed toward the back door.

Their Mom answered, “Yes and could you go talk to him?”

Tanya interjected, “Maybe I should just go.”

“No!” Mom stated vehemently. “You will not! This is my first chance to spend time with my daughter and I won't let him take that away from me.”

“I'll see what I can do,” Bob offered. He then headed out the back door to talk to their father.

Watching her son as he made his way out the door their Mom said to Tanya, “Looks like you two are getting along all right.”

“I've been very happily surprised,” Tanya commented. “When he first found out, I fully expected him to react exactly the same way Dad has. Then somehow he managed to prove me wrong. He's really trying very hard. I can honestly say I know for certain that he really does love me. Not his little brother playing dress up, but me.”