Mckee the return, p.1
McKee: The Return, page 1
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
McKEE
Book Two
BY
AC HENLEY
Ebook by
PDAFiction.com
Disclaimers:
The characters of this fiction are the sole property of A.C. Henley. There is drama, violence, sex between women, and bad language. There is a mention of rape, but nothing graphic. If any of these things upset you, move along. This is a sequel to McKee, you might want to read that first as some of the story line carries through.
If you have good or bad things to say feel free to email me at
henleyac@yahoo.com
Special thanks to Eddiey, Sal, Brenda, Liz, Kathy, Chris, Christine, Teryl and Laura. I don’t know how I would have gotten through these last few months without you.
Dedicated With All
My Love To Sherry
McKEE
Book Two
CHAPTER ONE
VIVIAN WAS SERIOUSLY pissed. The blonde twitched the tight satin costume for the umpteenth time so it at least covered her ass. Not that it mattered, since she would soon be taking the skimpy outfit off, stripping to be more precise, in front of a room full of strangers. She blew out a breath of air, her bottom lip directing it up to ruffle the wisps of hair hanging loose about her face. She rolled her neck trying to release some tension. It was a futile maneuver, though, and she sighed at the persistent ache. She watched from behind the stage curtain as the act ahead of her finished up. This is the craziest fucking thing I have ever done, she thought, once again nervously running her fingers along the edges of her outfit, trying to pull nonexistent material over her rear.
The woman on stage, a one Ms Bambi Boom-Boom, finished her act and was collecting her tips as the music faded into another song. The dancer walked up to Vivian, pausing behind the thick blue drape separating the backstage area from the stage and patted her on the stomach. Vivian could smell the combination of sweat, baby oil and cheap perfume roll off the overheated dancer as Bambi leaned into her, whispering, “Good luck, I think I saw her off to the right side. Just take a deep breath and dance for her.”
Nodding briskly., Vivian closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The announcer called her to the stage using the fake name the girls had concocted earlier. Determined, she opened her eyes and squared her shoulders. Quinlan McKee was in so much trouble.
TEN DAYS EARLIER
Sally Usher leaned against the shiny black Cadillac, watching the sleek jet roll across the tarmac. Her boss, Quin McKee, had called her five hours prior informing her she would be coming to town for her regular meeting. She also informed her that she was bringing one Vivian Walsh with her. Quin had called several times in the last month, and every call wound up on the same subject. The fact that Quin McKee had even looked at another woman, let alone discussed another woman, was quite a surprise. What was even more astonishing was that Quin McKee was bringing that woman with her to Chicago to meet her family. Sally pulled her coat tighter as the wind tried to blow it open. She brushed away an unruly curl from her eyes as the plane came to a stop about thirty feet from the car. She could hardly wait to meet this woman who had won Quin’s heart.
"I have a little business to take care of before we go to the house," Quin informed Vivian as they descended from the jet. It was already dark, yet Vivian could make out the cloudy sky easily. She was relieved to be on the ground again, as flying wasn’t one of her favorite things. Quin had made it easy, plying her with champagne and good conversation, thus allowing the trip to pass quickly and smoothly. She was pleasantly surprised by the warm clothes presented to her by Quin, having to suffice with her pajamas for the bulk of the flight. The sleek black pantsuit and vibrant blue silk shirt were very classy, and… by the look of the labels… very expensive. More than she could have ever afforded on a cop's salary. Vivian was reminded that she had underestimated the brunette before in the arena of fashion. She wouldn’t do it again. Now if only Quin had remembered some shoes she wouldn’t be sporting a pair of pink fuzzy slippers that was crying 'fashion don't' against the midnight black cashmere coat the brunette had wrapped around her shoulders. It was the first real coat she had ever owned and what a beauty it was. In Southern California there was hardly a need for anything heavier than a windbreaker unless you were inclined to ‘visit’ the snow in the local mountains. Is there anything that this damned woman isn’t good at? Vivian’s mind snapped while Chicago’s frozen winter air nipped at her face as they hurried to a waiting car. This time around nothing as fancy as the Bentley that had picked her up in L.A., this one was a simple black Cadillac sedan.
Waiting by the car was a slightly plump woman of average height with curly brown hair. The woman received a kiss on the cheek from Quin., and she reciprocated by planting one on the PI’s lips. Vivian felt jealousy well up as the two women shared a long hug, during which they seemed to hold an entire whispered conversation. Quin must have noticed her green-eyed demeanor because she extended a hand toward Vivian, her eyes wordlessly willing the blonde to grasp it. Vivian didn’t hesitate to take the brunette’s hand, and let herself be led into the warm shelter of the idling car and the beckoning warmth of Quin.
Sliding in, Quin pulled her hand into her lap, leaned over and whispered, “Freezing?”
Vivian shook her head, “I’m okay.” The front car doors opened and closed., with the woman taking the passenger seat and an older gentleman sitting behind the wheel.
“Sally.” Quin said. The woman in the front seat turned around to face them. "Sally Usher, this is Vivian Walsh.” The woman extended a hand over the leather seat toward Vivian, who was wearing her best ‘I’m not jealous’ smile.
“Nice to meet you, Vivian. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s wonderful to have a face to go with the name.” Sally smiled warmly at the blonde.
Vivian blushed but hoped her wind burned cheeks covered it. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Vivian looked over at Quin, who was shuffling through papers Sally had handed across the seat. The car moved forward smoothly and soon they were speeding toward the famous city skyline. Vivian remained quiet, not wanting to interrupt the animated conversation between Quin and Sally. There seemed to be quite a lot to catch up on. The word ‘Sentinel’ kept popping up, and Vivian realized they were talking about a corporate security company which handled a number of well known clients. Vivian had read an article about the firm some time ago in Newsweek. The security giant was painted as a private army of sleuths and professional bodyguards, literally a ‘Pinkerton on steroids, times ten.’ The list of their clients was a Who’s Who of the Fortune 500. Now Vivian’s silent question was who was Quin McKee to the Sentinel Corporation? Vivian’s attention snapped back as the two women turned their focus to her.
“We have this drink thing then it’s off to the house.” Quin informed her.
“Drink thing...” Vivian pondered out loud.
Quin shifted a little and smoothed her slacks. “Some people I know.”
“Could you be any more vague?” Vivian asked as she pulled her coat closer around her. Her thin California blood was taking its own sweet time to warm up.
“Don’t challenge her like that, Vivian, because she’ll try.” Sally quipped from the front seat of the car.
Vivian smiled, knowing it was true. Her lover was quite incapable of passing up a challenge. The smug look on Quin’s face echoed her own acknowledgment of the fact.
The car came to a stop after an hour’s drive through the city. Vivian cringed at the thought of being out in the freezing Chicago air as Sally hurriedly left the car and rushed to an entrance across a wide expanse of sidewalk. She held the door as Vivian made a her own mad dash from the car to the promised shelter beyond the door.
It was much warmer inside... and much darker. It took several seconds for Vivian’s eyes to adjust. The door whooshed open again and Quin stepped through.
“Chilly out.” Quin commented as she took off her coat. She reached out to take Vivian’s coat, but the blonde seemed reluctant to surrender her cozy warm wrapper. With a sigh, the Californian finally shrugged off the thick cashmere coat.
“I’m going to freeze to death.” Vivian whined.
“Come on, I’ll buy you a drink,” Sally offered. “That’ll warm you up.” She took the opportunity to look Vivian Walsh up and down., doing a double take at the tall blonde’s feet housed in a rather loud pair of pink slippers. Sally barely contained a laugh as she looked back up to meet embarrassed blue eyes. “She forgot to bring shoes, didn’t she?” The woman clicked her tongue in disgust. Vivian nodded and tucked one foot under the other.
Sally swatted Quin on the shoulder, “You hijacked her and didn’t buy her any shoes?”
Quin rolled her eyes. “So I am not perfect.”
“No shit.” Sally commented as she once again swatted the PI lightly on the shoulder. Sally looked back at Vivian, “What size do you wear?” She retrieved her cell phone and dialed a number.
“Eight and a half… wide.”
Sally nodded and relayed the info over her phone. There was a brief exchange of words before she nodded again to no one in particular and ended the call. “I’ll have something f
Quin cocked her head to the side. “We’re just going to the house after this. The slippers would have done fine.”
Vivian scowled. “I’m meeting your family, for the love of Pete, and you think I should do this in pink friggin’ fuzzy damned slippers?”
Quin shrugged, “Believe me, they’re going to be focused on other things.”
Sally shook her head, “You’ve told her haven’t you?” she asked Quin, as the brunette led them through another door where the noise level increased by ten fold.
Quin looked around the pub as she spoke. “Some. The rest needs to be experienced.”
Vivian frowned. “She told me she had an unusual relationship with her parents.”
“That’s an understatement.” Sally pointed to a table across the darkened room.
Quin took Vivian’s hand and led her in the direction Sally had indicated.
The pub was small, dark, and noisy. It was exactly the kind of place Vivian would imagine Quin to frequent. The Quin she knew in Los Angeles anyway. Upon entering a chorus of welcome’s nearly deafened her. She was quickly introduced around, but only remembered a few names as she sat down between Quin and Sally. A dark glass of mulled wine was placed in front of her.
“So you’re a California native, Vivian?” Sally asked, leaning into the blonde so she could be heard.
“Yes. San Diego .”
“Did you go to school there, too?”
Vivian shook her head, “No. I went to Loyola Marymount, in LA.” Vivian tried to speak clearly above the pub’s noisy din.
“Oh… a Catholic girl.” A smiling dark headed man commented across from her. His blue eyes sparkled in the dim pub light.
Vivian shook her head again and fingered the side of the glass in front of her. “No, sorry, not Catholic. I don’t prescribe to any faith.”
Quin rested her cheek on her open hand as she propped her elbow up on the table. “Why Loyola?”
Vivian turned toward Quin, “I went on scholarship.” I can do vague also Quin McKee, she thought as she decided to be brave and try the spicy hot burgundy. A sip of the warm brew was to her liking so she took another.
Quin narrowed her eyes. “Scholarship for what?”
“Sports.” Vivian licked her upper lip to taste the sweet remnants that had gathered there.
Sally giggled next to her and gave her a little shove with her elbow. “I like you. I like you a lot.”
Vivian smiled back at Sally and nudged her back with her shoulder. “Thanks, I like you a lot too.”
Quin frowned. Then suddenly she understood. “Oh. I get it.” Sally and Vivian laughed. She tried to pout but couldn’t keep it up. She smiled at her lover and her friend, “I’m not sure it’s a good thing that the two of you get along so well.” Vivian leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek, eliciting a round of hoots from the gathered group. Quin shyly grinned and waved off the table's occupants with her hand. “Ingrates.”
When the conversation noise rose to its former level Vivian leaned back toward Sally, “Why are we here again?”
“See Liam across from you?” Vivian nodded. He was the man who had questioned her about being Catholic. “He is Quin’s information pipeline here in Chicago . He’s also one-tenth owner of Sentinel. The woman who is flirting with your girlfriend at the end of the table is Shea Collins, she also owns a tenth, and her expertise is security systems. She breaks into them.”
Vivian craned her neck and frowned at the obviously flirtatious slim redhead at the end of the table making a move on Quin. Vivian growled just loud enough to be heard by Quin who immediately turned innocent eyes toward her for just a moment before turning back to the conversation on that end of the table. Sally tugged her shirtsleeve gaining her attention once again. “Don’t worry, they’ve been at it for years. Quin is most definitely with you.” Vivian let out a sigh and nodded looking once again at the woman. Sally continued, “Travis and William down there with Shea are brothers. They each hold ten percent also. They make sure everything is legal. They’re the corporate attorneys.”
“Wait.” Vivian held up her hand to stop Sally’s commentary, “We’re at a board meeting?”
Sally laughed, “Yes.”
Vivian turned and looked around the table. There were four men and the one women besides herself Quin and Sally at the table. Quin was animatedly talking with several people at once. Vivian watched as her lover told a joke, holding the group in her hand as they responded enthusiastically. Vivian simply smiled. It was strange to see Quin so relaxed around these people. Gone was the stiff back and stoic façade, leaving in its place a warming glow. The brunette’s gray eyes shined with a brightness she hadn’t witnessed until now.
Quin had just given her some very basic information on the plane. Basic and vague seemed to be standard operating procedure for the brunette. So the basics were that Quin was rather wealthy… old money rich, which she inherited from her grandfather, who seemed to have snubbed his own daughter and several other grandchildren by leaving the money to Quin exclusively. This was a constant sore point with the family, as was the fact that she was a Lesbian. Vivian didn’t know quite who had the problem, but she knew she would find out soon enough. However the fact that Quin was rich bothered her. Should their relationship become something more permanent, what could she give to it if Quin had it all? She wondered how Grace had dealt with such a one-sided money relationship.
Sally watched the blonde woman’s profile as she took in the people that surrounded the table. Vivian was a tall, curvaceous woman. Her hair shone in the low lighting, almost glowing amber when the blonde would tilt her head just so. Sally smiled to her self. Vivian Walsh was a very beautiful woman… a very smart, very beautiful woman.
Sally glanced at her boss. Quin wouldn’t be happy with her if she knew about the background check she had done on Vivian. She shrugged her shoulders, what’s done is done. No sense in dwelling on it. A loud roar of laughter erupted from the far end of the table. Sally leaned past Vivian to see what was happening. Quin and one of the brothers were playing rock paper scissors. Sally shook her head, “Children.” She pronounced.
“What are they doing?” Vivian asked leaning close again to Sally to be heard above the noise.
“They do that when they disagree on something. Best two out of three wins.”
Vivian gaped, “That’s insane.”
“You’re telling me? I’ve been witnessing this behavior for over twelve years. It’s a miracle that anyone is willing to do business with them at all.”
A compromise was reached and the friends all shook hands. Quin looked at Vivian who had an odd perplexed expression on her face. “Are you okay?” She questioned.
Vivian cocked her head to one side. “I’m fine. I just think this is crazy.” She waved her hand to indicate the people sitting around the table. “I don’t get it.”
“It’s just how we work. It’s a job, not a prison sentence. So we decided a long time ago to have as much fun as possible.” Quin sipped her drink thinking of how to explain better.
“So this is Sentinel? The six of you?”
“Seven.” Sally interjected. “I own twenty percent.”
“Okay, seven of you. Do you have an office?” Vivian waved off the waitress who had approached the table, indicating she was fine with her half glass of wine. She watched as Quin also waved off the offer of a second glass.
“Yes. The office is on the eighty-fourth floor of the Sears Tower,” Quin replied as she shuffled through a thick sheaf of paper handed to her by Liam. “We’ll go there later if you like.”
“Eighty-fourth floor?” Vivian paled.
Quin heard the slight quiver in Vivian’s question and looked up at her lover. “Problem with heights?”
Vivian drank the rest of her wine placing the glass firmly on the table as she nodded. “That’s about eighty floors higher than I’m willing to go.” She licked her lips and brushed her hair back from her face. She laughed tiredly, “The flight was enough for me for a while.”
