Hidden Peril: Warfield's Landing, #2

1

October, Arlington, VA

It was pitch black. A hoarse voice shouted. Orson couldn't figure out where it came from.

Officer down. Officer down. Officer down.

Something cold and wet touched his cheek delicately and startled him out of the dream. Warm breath tickled his ear and he heard a very soft Rrrraughrrrrrrr.

Orson opened his eyes and stared into Madeleine's eyes. The cat chirped at him and rubbed against his chin. Putting a hand up, he gently scratched her in the special place behind her ears. She was almost hot to the touch. A Sphinx cat and pretty much hairless, she radiated heat without the insulating factor of fur. Her favorite place to sleep was curled up on the pillow, nestled into the convenient corner where his neck and shoulder met. In the winter, he pulled the covers over her, keeping her warm and safe.

She'd slept against his neck since their first night together and, to his intense relief, she always woke him when the nightmares came. By now, it was a comforting ritual.

French toast or pancakes? Madeleine gave his question the careful consideration it deserved. A sharp chirp reminded him. Ahhhh, you're right. I used the last of the bread yesterday, so I guess it's pancakes.

Madeleine stepped off the pillow and daintily made her way down to the foot of the bed. She stretched luxuriously and hopped off, on her way to the kitchen, confident Orson would follow. He flipped the sheet back and grabbed his jeans from the floor beside the bed. Pulling them on, he buttoned the fly, and followed Madeleine to the kitchen.

She was sitting on the breakfast bar, politely waiting for him to start the pancakes.

With the ease of long practice, he pulled out his well-seasoned cast iron griddle, turned on the burner, grabbed the large vintage Pyrex bowl, and started the batter.

While he worked, he talked to Madeleine. He didn't know which was the better therapy -- comfort food or talking to his cat. The combination had dramatically reduced his ongoing stress. His psychologist had suggested he not worry about the why, just enjoy the effectiveness of the two.

I'm looking forward to starting at Mallory and Turner, he looked at the clock and laughed, in about six hours. I'm going to spend this week following various people, learning the scope of their work, and visiting the different job sites. I don't know when I'll be getting my first project, though.

Madeleine encouraged him. Rrrraughrrrrrrr.

As he and the cat conversed, Orson felt himself relax. The pancakes would serve as breakfast... eaten early. He should be able to get another two or three hours sleep before starting his day.

He no longer needed to use a sleeping aid. If he had a nightmare, Madeleine woke him. They'd get up, he'd fix a middle of the night breakfast, and then they'd go back to bed. Now, instead of lying there dreading an instant replay of the bad dream, he'd fall right back to sleep.

Thank you, Madeleine.

He gave the cat a rub behind the ear.

2

Arlington, VA

Orson stood in a corner, drink in hand, at the Annual Holiday Party for Mallory and Turner - Design and Construction. It was his first company party since coming onboard two months ago, and it was turning out to be surprisingly enjoyable.

He was standing with his back to the door when she arrived. He actually felt her energy as she entered the room. He'd frozen, noting the unexpected prickle at the back of his neck. It had taken him a moment to recognize what it was...

Turning slowly, he'd seen her... and her date. She was a redhead... of course. Her hair glowed like a flame. About 5'7" and slim, he could almost see the crackle of energy spinning off her.

He could tell from her broad grin and exuberant manner that she was a people person, but after a close look at her green eyes, he knew that there was depth. She wasn't just a party mad airhead.

Well, well, well. The Maguire Mojo strikes again. I figured the only time I'd get to see it in action was when you got Mojo, your cat. Judy was standing close behind him, speaking into his ear.

He'd thought long and hard before deciding whether to bring a date to this shindig, since he wasn't currently in a relationship. Finally, he'd compromised and brought a cousin from his huge extended Baltimore Catholic family.

He'd had two options, Cousin Judy or Cousin Wilhelmina. Billie had a commitment for tonight. Now, he was thanking his lucky stars Judy was the one beside him. She knew how to keep her mouth shut... and he had more dirt on her anyway, mostly involving a certain late night adventure in their teens.

Without turning his head, Orson said, First, my cat's name is Madeleine, not Mojo and second, you breathe a single word of this to anyone and I'll tell Uncle Brian about a certain July night in high school.

Amused, Judy conceded. Threat acknowledged. I'll keep my mouth shut... until you get her to the alter... then all bets are off!

Come on. With the familiarity of family, Orson grabbed her hand and pulled her along with him. I need to get an introduction to my potential bride.

Orson lucked out. Karyn -- the Turner in Mallory and Turner, made the introduction.

Stevie. Mark. Have you met our newest project manager yet? This is Orson Maguire, and...

With a grin, Judy stepped forward, offering her hand. Hi Stevie, I'm Judy Pulaski. Nice to meet you.

Hello, Orson. Judy. Nice to meet you. Orson felt the flash of electricity as he took Stevie's hand. He was pleased but not surprised when she noticed something as well.

Next, shaking Mark's hand, he watched the other man ogling Judy. With the familiarity of cousins, Judy turned her head so only he could see and rolled her eyes at him. He smothered a grin.

Not good that Stevie seemed to have a boyfriend. But, from what he could tell, there wasn't much of a future in the relationship, whether Stevie realized it or not. This was going to call for an Uncle David strategy -- watch and wait. He could do that, now that the Maguire Mojo had struck him... finally.

It turned out that Stevie -- Stephanie, if you liked more formal names, was one of Karyn Turner's best friends. The loser boyfriend was Mark Dunworth. He owned an art gallery in Washington DC. Considerably older than Stevie, he reminded Orson of a greasy, second rate movie star from the golden age of Hollywood. After watching him watch the women at the party, Orson's suspicions were confirmed. Orson would bet his new truck that Mark was a cheater. He wondered if Stevie knew. After some close observation, he had his answer. She didn't. She lacked the vigilant demeanor of a woman who knows she can't trust her man.

Leaving Mark for Judy to charm, Orson set out to make an impression on Stevie. Did I hear Karyn mention that you played Ultimate in college?

The sparkle in her eye told Orson that he'd just hit a home run... if you didn't mind mixing sports metaphors.

Ultimate Frisbee? You bet! Do you play?

The Maguires play Ultimate at every opportunity, including at all family parties, weather permitting. She laughed at that. He continued. Do you play in any of the pickup games around here?

She shook her head. No. Mark doesn't like it. She wrinkled her nose.

Orson was torn between the urge to kiss that cute nose and the desire to rip asshole Mark's head off his shoulders. He settled on a low key, Too bad.

3

June, Old Town Alexandria, VA

Stevie hopped into the front seat of the van after Nic pulled into a loading zone down the block from Stevie's apartment in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

Nic was one of her best friends... Her close cropped hair reminded Stevie of that movie star from the fifties -- Audrey Hepburn. Nic was only 5'4", but just as slender as Audrey, with the strong, finely honed body of a dancer, a legacy of being raised in her Mom and Aunt's dance studio. Now she was an up and coming artist, currently specializing in paintings of professional ballet dancers.

Stevie had been looking forward to this outing, even though it had been short notice. Nic had suggested it two days ago. It was only thanks the road trip gods that she'd been able to swap work schedules with another assistant. The trade off? She'd be working weekends at Gallery 22 until the world ended...

So where are we going? Nic had been mysterious when she arranged this outing two days ago and Stevie was dying of curiosity.

We're heading out to explore a little town on the Susquehanna River, Warfield's Landing. Nic explained.

I'm geographically challenged. Exactly where is the Susquehanna?

Nic slanted her a teasing glance. And that, my dear, is why we don't let you drive on our Girls' Day Out trips.

Hah! I happen to know you don't let me drive because Karyn's legs are too long to fit in my VW bug!

Nic pulled into the Mallory and Turner parking lot. Stevie climbed out of the front seat. Karyn always sat in front, because she got carsick.

Karyn walked out the front door, talking with one of the M and T Project Managers. Orson? Yeah. Orson. The two of them came over to the minivan.

Stevie, Nic, you remember Orson, from our Holiday party?

Tall and broad shouldered, Orson was maybe a bit over six feet, Stevie guessed. His short, red brown hair was neatly cut. The cleft in his chin made his handsome face approachable as he smiled at them. He was dressed in the professional version of construction worker clothes. The jeans were immaculate and pressed, the boots were broken in but polished, and he had on a comfortable, solid color tee shirt. He had a roll of plans in one large hand and a canvas and leather knapsack in the other. Tucking the plans under his arm, he offered his hand.

Nic. Stevie. His voice was deep and warm.

When it was Stevie's turn to shake his hand, she was surprised to get a slight shock. That was strange. Static electricity on a humid summer morning in the Washington, DC area? Stevie found herself blinking at him while he and Nic talked briefly.

Ladies. With a polite smile, he excused himself and strode toward a huge, dark green club cab pickup. Stevie stared after him until Karyn spoke.

Karyn, a statuesque brunette in her thirties, had her hair pulled back at the nape of the neck today. She was dressed in a cool top, tailored shorts, and sturdy sandals. Stevie realized why, when she saw that Karyn was holding three hard hats. Karyn's personal hard hat was bright pink. The other two were the standard safety yellow. She lifted them to shoulder height and wiggled them.

For once, I plan to be prepared. You mentioned an abandoned school? This was directed to Nic. No one will be climbing around and looking without the proper head gear.

With a straight face, Stevie responded, Yes, ma'am.

Stevie climbed into the mini van and had just grabbed a can of Diet Dr Pepper when Karyn proposed their ceremonial toast. To Girls' Day Out.

She and Nic raised their drinks, echoing Karyn... and they were off!

As Nic drove, she explained the reason for this outing. I saw the building on Wednesday. Daniel took me across the river to Port Deposit for our second date... which was wonderful. Last night, I had a chance to get online and find it. It IS for sale.

Stevie leaned forward in her seat and put her hand on Nic's seat. Inquiring minds want to know... why are you thinking about spending Secret Stash on an old school?

Stevie and Karyn were among the trusted few who knew about Nic's large inheritance. Up until now, Nic hadn't touched a penny of the money.

Nic answered. "Yeah... this is a big change for me. I haven't made any firm decisions about it, but I've had some ideas floating around in