The Unmentionable Crime

Chapter three: Search and Rescue

Part one: At the Palace

The security hub was alive with activity; officers came and went about their duties. Every thing looked normal but Scott wasn't fooled. Having the boss absent was one thing, having both Joe and the Queen missing at the same time was a different kettle of fish.

Shades paced, his boss and the Queen weren't overdue but there had been no contact for too long. That made him nervous. Coming to a decision he pulled his cell phone from his jacket, dialing Charlotte's number. He glanced at the wall clock, willing her to answer.

"Hello, Scott." So formal, not like last night when they shared a good night kiss.

"Have you heard from the Queen?"

"You know her reluctance to use any thing technical. No, I haven't."

"They're not late; guess there is nothing to worry about."

"But you are worried." Shades hoped she would not suggest they take a horseback ride. He had tried to ride once with disastrous results. How the American West had ever been settled would always be an unsolved mystery to him.

"Mr. Scott, you better hear this." Thompson, his aide, interrupted.

"Sorry, Charlotte, got to take another call. Let me know if you hear anything."

After assurance from Charlotte that she would notify him if she heard anything, Scott picked up the extension. "Security, Scott here...yes...the Queen's horse, you say...riderless?"

"Thompson! I want five volunteers that can ride! I want them ready to ride in...say thirty minutes! Stables, still with me? I want five horses saddled and ready for Search and Rescue in thirty minutes...

twenty would be appreciated."

Part two: In the Forest

Clarisse limped back down the path, waving at a reclining Joseph. Her feet hurt like hell, but no time to stop and dress, mainly because if she looked into those eyes or let her view drift down over that body of his...the mere thought made her shiver with desire. But a trip to the pool was in order first. Besides, she was coming to like running around like a nude wood nymph. Not to mention having Joseph look at her with that want in his eyes.

Returning to their makeshift camp site, she stood before him a moment before taking the flask, sipping at the burning liquid. "Like what you see, Joseph?"

"I always have, Clarisse. Whiskey? I've never seen you drink anything stronger than wine."

"You're a lousy liar, Darling, but I love you the more for it. I know what I am...a fifty something old woman trying to recapture her youth. There is a first time for everything."

"We don't have much time, Joseph. I see you've managed to put your riding dress back in order. I need to follow suit." She picked up her panties from where they had been thrown. She looked around for her bra.

Dressed, she lay back on his chest, his arm around her shoulder. She took his hand, placing it on her breast. "I don't see what people get out of this camping routine."

"This isn't your usual camping experience. I'd like to show you how to really relax sometime."

Her hand floated down to press against his thigh. "I would hope that this isn't the usual." she laughed softly. "You know, Joseph, that sounds like a marvelous idea. I've never been able to fully relax."

"Never? Tell me why?"

"I'd rather not...this had been an extraordinary time as you promised...I wouldn't want to ruin it."

"Rupert?"

"Yes, Rupert. He wasn't always the mean, stern man he became. When I was promised to him, he was as attentive, gentle as any young girl ever dreamed of in her fantasies."

"When did he change...the wedding? Is that when the beatings began?"His arm around her shoulder gave her the courage to continue.

"You knew? Yes, once we were married he became...another man...possessive, paranoid. He never hit me where the bruises would show, or when I was pregnant with the boys...at least not in the stomach."

"I wasn't Head of Security then, but I knew. I tried to protect you as much as I could but I couldn't do much without losing my job or worse." His fingers played with a button on her blouse.

"We don't have time for that, Darling, as much as I would like to make love with you again. Help will be here soon." She didn't remove his hand, instead she helped him unbutton another button.

"It was you...wasn't it?"

"What do you mean?" His fingers caressed the swells of her breasts. "I can't tell you, Clarrise. What happened was in strict confidence."

"I sent Dancer back home. I guess you could say I made a horse to horse call. Which would you prefer, Joseph? Tell me or let me guess?"

"I'd like to help, Clarisse. I your promise what I am about to tell you will never be repeated and you will never act on the information."

"You have my solemn promise. Help? With what?"

"To forget...the beatings. Clarisse, Olivia came to me because I had helped her family once. She knew I had feelings for you even then. She knew I had made a few connections; I made a few calls and got the medications and creams she needed for you."

"Joseph, you've already helped more than you can imagine." Her lips were soft, yielding to the pressure he brought against hers.

They heard Dancer's nicker as he led the team down the trail. Hurriedly they re-buttoned buttons, arranging clothing to almost normal. Clarisse had just arranged the apron across Joseph after a quick kiss when Scott followed Dancer into the small clearing.

"Ma'am, are you alright? Boss?" Both assured him they were fine if tired.

"Shades, step down, join us." Joseph smiled at his second in command's obvious discomfort.

"Not on your life, Boss. When I get off this horse, I will not be getting back on. Ever." He directed the team to assist Joseph onto his horse. "Sorry, Boss. You'll have to ride back."

"Coming ma'am? I see you haven't mounted."

"If you don't mind, Scott, I'd like a moment. I'd like to enjoy the silence a little longer."

"Of course, Ma'am. I'll wait on the trail for you."

Scott was very good at his job and would be waiting close by. Holding Dancer's reins, she knelt, feeling the ground, still warm from his body. Her fingers disturbed the leaves where they had made love, reluctant to leave, reliving the feelings he had awakened.

"I was wrong, Joseph." She whispered to herself. "This wasn't our unmentionable crime. We'll have to be discreet, but our love is no crime."

She mounted, joining Scott on the trail. This new development wasn't going to be easy but they would face it as they always did...together.

Part three: The Future

Joseph was rushed directly to the hospital, treated and released with strict orders for three days bed rest. Work was not an option; Scott would be in charge until Joseph was back on his feet. Duty called for Clarisse but she dropped by his apartment in the Palace to make sure Joseph was obeying doctor's orders.

On one such visit, Clarisse glanced quickly around the room, making sure they were alone before leaning over to place a lingering kiss on his mouth.

"You'll have to stop visiting like this, my foot has to be elevated, not my blood pressure."

"Looks to me that your blood pressure isn't the only thing that's elevated." Her hand slipped under the sheet.

"Clarisse!"

"Joseph, mind your blood pressure."

The End