It was just another Monday morning. The Special Agents of the West Hollywood Police Force gathered in the meeting room for their briefing. The previous week they had tied up a drawn out case involving corruption in one of the cities largest business, but the agents knew that there was no time for rest. There were plenty more bad guys out there to catch, and this team was one of the best.
"Ladies" Peggy Peabody, top dog of the force asserted her authority. She chose to work with an all-female force, believing them to work more as a tight unit. These were her girls, and she trusted them implicitly.
Senior Agent Bette Porter was her deputy. Experienced, confident, and well respected by those above and below her, Bette was renowned for letting nothing come between her and her work.
Below Bette were Agents Alice Piezecki, Dana Fairbanks and Shane McCutcheon. At first glance they seemed like a bunch of misfits who couldn't take anything seriously, but in truth that was one of their strengths. In undercover work noone ever suspected that they weren't just your average girls. And their close friendship meant that they trusted each other with their lives, which had come into play on more than one occasion.
The newest recruit to the team was Junior Agent Jenny Schecter. She had recently transferred from the regular force, and was eager to learn. The other women didn't really know what to make of her, but welcomed her to the team all the same.
"Well Ladies, I hope we're not feeling too cocky after last weeks success"
Peggy's words hit the agents hard. They had all been quite proud of themselves, and hadn't expected to be cut down so harshly.
"That's not to say I'm not proud of you ladies" Peggy continued "But I need you all to focus. We have a new case to deal with. There has been a threat to Government Agent Tina Kennard's life"
Peggy switched on the projector and brought up a photo of an attractive blonde woman, which caught the attention of several of the women.
"Nice" Alice raised an eyebrow.
Shane wolf whistled and leant back in her chair with an approving look on her face.
Peggy glared at them and continued with her speech.
But there was one agent not fully concentrating. Bette was still lost, staring into the eyes of the woman in the photograph. There was something special about her. Something breathtaking that was a rarity in Bette's world. A workaholic, Bette didn't have time for much of a social life outside the job. She was never short of women offering themselves to her, but they never meant anything more than a quick fuck and then more loneliness. The women were usually very attractive, but none of them had an ounce on this Tina Kennard.
"…and so, in short, until we have any further information, everybody in her life is to be viewed as a suspect. Now for your individual duties. I will be co-ordinating the operation from headquarters. Alice and Dana, you will be on surveillance. This means constant vigilance" she warned the girls with a stern look "whether it be outside her house, her office, or any damn place she chooses to hang out. If at all possible, I want her boyfriend observed as well" Bette felt a jolt at the mention of a boyfriend "we never know whether he may be a target as well. But if they seperate, stick with Miss Kennard. Shane, you will be going undercover. As you know, my daughter Helena works within the government, and just so happens to be based in the same office as Tina. I've pulled a few strings, and managed to get you an administrative position. For security reasons, even Helena doesn't know who is coming in, what position they have or the reasons for the operation. Now Jenny, you will be operating from headquarters, trying to track down any information in our databases or online that is available about the people that come into play in this case" Jenny groaned quietly, disappointed at her basic desk job "And finally, Bette. Now you know I would never put any of my agents in unneccessary danger, particularly my deputy, but I feel that this job is entirely necessary. I need you to be Miss Kennard's personal guard. Night and day, I need you with her. Anything suspicious, I want you to think on your feet. You'll be living in her house, joining her at work, and maintaining regular contact with me directly. I trust you will rise to the challenge?"
"Absolutely" Bette smiled confidently, secretly looking forward to getting to know Tina Kennard.
"In that case, here are your files" Peggy handed the women a copy of the file on Tina Kennard "Ladies, don't forget the importance of regular communication, and remember that nothing is insignificant. And lastly" the agents all turned to look at her "good luck"
It was with a slight air of anticipation that Bette approached the address in the file that she'd been given earlier that morning, which surprised her, as normally she was the epitome of calm. She chastised herself for the shakes in her hand as she rang the doorbell.
"Hi" Tina half smiled, but the fear in her eyes was evident.
"Hi, I'm Bette Porter, or Bette Tyler as I guess you'd better call me" Bette extended her hand.
"Tina. Tina Kennard" she shook Bette's hand warmly "Come in, I don't want to leave you on the doorstep" Tina smiled again.
"Thanks" Bette followed Tina into the house, and was suitably impressed "You have a nice place here. The artworks really something"
"Thank you" there was that smile again, sending Bette weak at the knees "I'm no expert, I just like the way they look"
"Well you obviously have great taste" Bette flashed Tina a million-dollar smile.
"Let me show you to your room"
Bette followed Tina up the stairs, and unsuccessfully tried to avoid staring at Tina's arse. She felt herself getting flustered, and had to shake herself out of it. Behave, Porter, she thought to herself, your on a job, and besides, this girls straight. And you're here to protect her. Don't take advantage of that situation.
"This is it. I'm sorry it's not much…"
"It's perfect" Bette gave Tina a grateful smile, and put her bag down in the homely room.
"The bathrooms down the hall. I'll be downstairs" Tina left the room, and already Bette wished she was was with her. There was just something about her that made Bette want to get to know her better. The attraction was instant. She went to the bathroom and splashed her face with cold water, before heading downstairs.
"If you're ready, we should go over what we know so far" Bette approached Tina.
"Sure" God, that smile just sent Bette's head spinning every time.
"Right" Bette laid her papers down on the table and tried to pull herself together "So other than you and my team, noone else can now who I am or why am I here. Not even your boyfriend" Bette looked up at Tina.
"So what do I tell people?" Tina's eyes were focused on Bette.
"Ok, well the story has to be different depending on the person. For your boyfriend…Eric is it? We don't want him to know that I'm anything to do with your job, so we have to tell him that I'm an old friend who's had a messy break up with an ex, and doesn't want anyone to know I'm here"
"I guess that's ok. I mean, I don't like lying to him…"
"Your security is my top priority here. I'm afraid the less people that know about the operation, the better"
"I understand"
"Now, at work, I'm your colleague from Washington. I'm considering a move to work for the government up here, but want some…hands on experience…" Bette bit her lip and hoped that Tina wouldn't back away at her choice of words.
"Wow, you guys really thought this all out didn't you?!" Tina just looked impressed.
"That's our job"
Tina let out a small laugh "Well, I do feel safer already with you around"
"You're in good hands" Bette smiled and patted Tina on the arm.
"The best, so I hear" the two women maintained eye contact for a few seconds.
"On that note, shall we head to your office? I'm sure we've kept you away from there for long enough already. We can discuss the finer details of the stories on the way" Bette took control of the situation.
"Sounds like a good plan"
The two women walked to Tina's car. Bette smiled. She loved her work, there was never any doubt of that, but she felt that this job she was going to enjoy more than most.