The L Train Chapter 2

We were half way up the stairs when I realized Trent's thumb was gently tracing the line of my spine that he could reach without moving his hand. What made it worse was my body's reaction to his touch. I felt my gut tighten as my heart skipped a beat. His fingertips joined his thumb taking a larger and circular path, grazing my skin gently. My heart leapt and my mind was flooded with memories of his hands exploring my curves while we kissed, my fingers in his silky hair, wanting to go further. Damn it, why does he have to look so good in a suit. And him touching me is not helping. The path of his fingers changed once again, tenderly sliding between the soft black fabric of my dress and skin, almost promising to do more. I fought the urge to turn to him, to see if his eyes held that same promise.

He opened the heavy door that lead into his private living area and the sound of Quen's gravelly voice flowed out. "I was just about to put the girls down. Good evening Rachel." It was just past midnight, so pixy and elf nap time.

I smiled, "Hi Quen." My smile turned into a flushed as I noticed his eyes darting between Trent and me with eyebrows high in question. I lowered my head to hide my reaction.

"Give me a moment and I will help you with the girls." Trent moved his hand along the bare skin of my back up to my shoulder. I stifled a shudder as I shifted to face him. His hand completed the move, sliding down my arm to rest just above my elbow. He was close enough that I had to tilt my head slightly to look into his eyes. "If you will wait here, Captain Edden should be in shortly." His eyes roamed my face before settling on my lips. I nodded my agreement, not trusting my voice. He brought his gaze back up to my eyes before gently squeezing my arm in farewell.

Damn it, I could swear if Quen hadn't been watching us he would have tried to kiss me . . . and I don't know that I would have stopped him. I made my way into the sunk-in sitting area while Trent and Quen collected Lucy and Ray along with the small gathering of toys. "Night-night Aun' Rach-eel," came Lucy's voice from over Trent's shoulder with a little wave.

"Night-night, sweetie," I said while a full smile erupted from me. I loved Trent's little girls. They are doubtless the sweetest kids on earth, and I took full advantage of them. Kids are not in the future for me. The reminder of what my children would be left a hole in me. Thoroughly depressed, I sank into the sofa facing the door.

Before I could make a visual circuit of the room – a habit that came from being a runner - a gentleman in all black, clearly one of Trent's security personnel, escorted Edden in. The squat man smiled at me as he walked my way. "Evening Rachel." His eyes went once over my attire. "You look stunning. Had to give up the leather for the fundraiser?" he teased.

I patted my right thigh where my splat gun was holstered. "I am prepared for anything as always." With my luck I shouldn't even get the mail without my gun.

"Well you won't be needing it tonight."

My response was cut off by Trent and Quen exiting the nursery. "Good evening Captain Edden," Trent said as he entered the larger living area. Quen looked to Trent for direction and with a simple nod was dismissed. As Trent made his way towards us, I noticed he had removed his tie at some point. The top buttons on his dress shirt were undone, which added to his sex appeal. Why does have to look so sexy? "Would you like some coffee?"

"Yes."

"Sure, thank you." I took the part of co-host and directed Edden to join me. Trent removed his suit jacket and laid it across the back of a chair on his way to the small kitchen that was visible from the sitting area. "You needed to see me?"

"Both of you actually." Edden countered as he glanced between Trent moving around in the kitchen and me.

"Of course," Trent said as he placed a small tray of sugar and cream on the table between Edden and me before retreating to get the coffee. He returned with three mugs and placed one in front of each of us. His was tea of course. Trent settled on the sofa next to me. With his cup and saucer in hand, he reclined and crossed his ankle over his knee to make him look young but in charge.

I took my mug in both hands, wrapping my fingers into the warmth. Oh God this is good. I forgot how wonderful Trent's coffee tasted. With the warm coffee easing down, I settled farther back into the cushion to prepare myself for whatever news could bring Edden out. "It's about Nick," Edden started.

"What about him?" I said not worried since the last time I saw him Newt was taking him as a familiar.

"Apparently he has been spotted a few times, most recently in Cincinnati."

"I don't see how." Trent interjected. "Last time we saw him he was trapped in the Ever After." He left out the part that he was being made into a familiar, which I found a good idea, though I am sure Edden could figure it out on his own.

"That's just it," Edden continued. "Based on what I have learned it can't be him, yet we have witnesses that swear they have seen him." Edden took a ragged breath. "I know he has it out for you," it was directed at me "well both of you and I just wanted to warn you and make sure neither of you have seen him."

"If I" I started but Trent stopped me by taking my cup and placing it next to his, probably scared I would jump out of my seat and spill it. Which was likely.

"We will let you know if we see him or he contacts one of us," Trent said in a closed manner, but I wasn't done.

"Screw that! I'll call Newt and see if he has been slipping her confines." Trent did not seem pleased with this idea.

"I'd appreciate that Rachel, but there is no need to go out hunting now. However if you get any information please let me know."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Trent getting ready to say something, probably dismissing Edden or my idea about contacting Newt, and without thinking I placed my hand on his propped up knee to halt him. "I will Edden."

Trent grabbed my hand in his and rubbed his thumb across my knuckles. "We both will as I am sure you will keep us well informed," Trent intoned with a business like smile. I noticed Edden's eyes were darting between Trent, me, and our hands – which until then I hadn't fully realized were linked.

Trying to make it look like a mutual departing, I pulled my hand from Trent's and set it in my pay. "I will call tonight and see if I can get some answers for you and let you know in the morning."

"Rachel," Trent cajoled. "We will figure this out there is no rush." No rush? Was he kidding? Had he forgotten what Nick is capable of what he did?

"Mr. Kalamack is right Rachel," Edden said all too calm for my liking. "I appreciate your enthusiasm and I will call you and allow you to bring him in, but there is no rush. He appears to have set a pattern and based on that we have 3 days before he will appear again." Edden stood up, Trent and I followed suit.

"Thank you, Captain Edden, for informing us of the situation."

"As always it has been a pleasure Mr. Kalamack," He said shaking Trent's hand. "Rachel," he turned towards me hand extended.

I pulled him into a hug briefly shocking him. "How's Glenn? Tell him I said hi?"

I heard the smile in his voice, "Of course." Then in a voice just barely a whisper, "Should I destroy that envelope?"

Crap, I forgot about that piece of blackmail on Trent. Edden had been holding onto evidence of Trent's bio-drugs for the last few years in case Trent decided to off me. Now that we had a trust in one another and I didn't have to worry about him trying to kill me – not to mention I'm was now tied to that world through the Rosewood cure – maybe I should have Edden loose that envelope of evidence. I smiled at Edden, "I'll let you know." Edden looked from me to Trent and back to me with a sheepish smile playing across his face. With a last nod in my direction, Edden joined his escort and left.