A/N This story is rated M for a reason, this chapter being one of them.
This chapter contains depictions of consenting adults doing what consenting adults do when they feel like it, so if sexual content isn't your thing, please skip the chapter and move on.
A/N Also I'd like to thank everyone for their very welcome expressions of concern, Australia is a spectacular country, full of landscapes both awe-inspiring and beautiful, but that same environment can be capricious, and the ongoing drought, seven long years of it on the East Coast, has left the country tinder dry, awaiting a spark.
That spark, combined with the heat wave conditions, has led to a catastrophe, one that dwarfs us small humans. All we can do is try and save what we can, ride out the conditions and then rebuild lives and livelihoods. Thank you for the kind words, but I am okay, much better than many others.
I'd like to share a poem by Dorothea Mackeller, one of our greatest poets, that sums up our complex love for this tempestuous, striking, dangerous and beautiful country…
'My Country'
The love of field and coppice
Of green and shaded lanes,
Of ordered woods and gardens
Is running in your veins.
Strong love of grey-blue distance,
Brown streams and soft, dim skies
I know, but cannot share it,
My love is otherwise.
I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!The stark white ring-barked forests,
All tragic to the moon,
The sapphire-misted mountains,
The hot gold hush of noon,
Green tangle of the brushes
Where lithe lianas coil,
And orchids deck the tree-tops,
And ferns the warm dark soil.Core of my heart, my country!
Her pitiless blue sky,
When, sick at heart, around us
We see the cattle die
But then the grey clouds gather,
And we can bless again
The drumming of an army,
The steady soaking rain.Core of my heart, my country!
Land of the rainbow gold,
For flood and fire and famine
She pays us back threefold.
Over the thirsty paddocks,
Watch, after many days,
The filmy veil of greenness
That thickens as we gaze ...An opal-hearted country,
A wilful, lavish land
All you who have not loved her,
You will not understand
though Earth holds many splendours,
Wherever I may die,
I know to what brown country
My homing thoughts will fly.
Thank you everyone
Mike
Intersecting Lines Book 3
97 Hello's and Goodbyes
Wyoming Cheyenne the Dearing Family Farm
Jane's viewpoint
Peter and Christie's return home had not been as fraught as Nat and Ana had feared but was still pretty damned emotional for everyone. They'd been collected upon their arrival at Denver airport by the Judge who I guess took the opportunity to tell them at least some of what had happened. I know Ana had gone into town one morning last week to meet with him in his office in the Supreme Court Building and given him a broad account of what had happened, not all of it of course, but enough for him to understand what had been done to Natalie and the others before they'd been rescued.
So when they'd arrived at the farm Christie had simply got out of the car and marched straight over to her daughters, reaching out and pulling them into a fierce hug that went on for a long time, both of them looking small as she kissed them and held them close, whispering to them both, there were some tears involved as well. I caught some snatches of what she was saying and felt a lump rise in my throat at the love there. Finally she stepped back and reluctantly released them, her place taken by Peter; before I knew it both Olivia and I had been pulled into her same loving embrace.
"Oh my beautiful girls, I'm so glad you're safe" Before I knew it I'd been kissed on the cheek and I saw Liv getting the same thing on the forehead, normally no one gets to do that other than my mom and even then I'd kinda squirm, but this, this was an expression of something raw and primal, Christie's mothering instinct had kicked into overdrive and she wasn't to be denied, pulling us both in tight and wrapping her arms around us both as she held us tight, rocking us gently, whispering her love for us as she just held us, making me feel a bit embarrassed and really cared for all at the same time. Finally she reluctantly let us go, stepping back, looking both of us up and down as she nodded once, swallowing once before continuing, her voice firming.
"As long as you're both okay, that's the only thing that matters to me"
I glanced at Liv and saw her there, looking kinda shocked, before realising that she'd not really been exposed to a normal loving mom, her mother had been an alcoholic and borderline abusive, blaming Olivia for the unwanted pregnancy that had resulted in her having to raise a child she'd never wanted. Christie had just scooped her up as it was the most natural thing in the world to mother us, which to her it was, and professing her unqualified love for us both, so taking the heat off her, I nodded and replied.
"Yeah, we're all good now" I said. "Not a scratch" Christie ran her eyes over me once again as if she was looking for any injuries before nodding, her voice taking on that 'mom knows best' tone, the one I remembered all too well from Ma while I was growing up.
"Good, I expect to see you walk down that aisle with Maura, safe and sound, sometime soon I hope" I nodded again as she looked to Liv, eyes running over her the same way they had for me. "As for you Olivia, Alex needs you, safe and well, for the same reason" Liv got a stern look from her. "So look after yourself; you have too many people who would be devastated if anything happened to you" Liv looked down at the floor and nodded, blushing and embarrassed as Christie turned to new targets.
"Maura, Alex, come here dear ones" In seconds they'd been hauled into Christie's arms and were being hugged and kissed and told how much she loved them as Liv and I exchanged a sheepish look, well we did before I got pulled into Peter's arms, giving me a long hard hug as he spoke.
"I'm so glad you're well" He paused. "You are okay, aren't you?" I nodded as I pulled back slightly to look him in the eyes.
"Yeah, I'm good, we're all better now" He nodded, letting me reluctantly go then looked to Liv and pulled her into a hug, holding her for a few seconds and saying something that had her nodding before they stepped back.
"And you Olivia, are you okay, you weren't hurt?" he asked. Liv was looking a little sheepish at all the attention
"No, not a scratch, all good" Peter nodded, a little sceptically, and turned to our visitors who'd been standing there taking it all in.
"Hi, I'm Peter, this is Christie, we're Natalie's parents" Rick nodded.
"Pleased to meet you sir, this is Kate and I'm Rick" Peter held out his hand and they shook before he turned to look at Kate, his head tipping to one side.
Don't call me sir, please, it's just Peter. Kate? Would that be Kate Beckett, from New York?" She nodded.
"That's me" He reached out and they shook hands as Peter explained.
"Then I've heard all about you from these chatterboxes…" He tipped his head to take in Nat and Ana standing there watching, all smiles, then looked to Rick. "That would make you Rick Castle then?" He got a nod.
"That's us" Peter smiled at them both and then held his hand out, shaking Rick's as he spoke.
"Then you're both very, very welcome here" Still holding Rick's hand he glanced at where Natalie was standing, smiling at her mom's antics, then back to Rick and nodded. "Thank you for looking after them son…just…well, thank you" Rick tried to play it off.
"They kind of looked after me actually" I watched as they exchanged a long and meaning-filled look before Peter nodded slowly and released his hand.
"I'd expect nothing less" Christie, having finally disentangled herself from Maura and Alex, walked up beside Peter and smiled at them both.
"Hello, I'm Christie" She looked to Peter. "Who is this lovely couple?"
"This is Rick and Kate, from New York, the one's we've heard so much of" She nodded before reaching out and pulling Kate into her arms, a mothering hug, even as Peter turned to pull first Alex and then Maura into his embrace.
"I'm so very glad to meet you Kate" Christie was saying. "It's wonderful to finally have you here, and thank you for looking after them, just…well thank you" She held her for a long moment, whispering something in her ear and getting a nod from Kate before letting her go, taking a step back and looking up at her, hands on Kate's shoulders. "Have my girls been looking after you both?" Kate nodded again; I could tell she was a little overwhelmed; another little girl who'd lost her mother who'd just been hit by the force of nature that was Christie in full-on 'mom' mode, I could imagine it would have been exactly the same if Angela had been here instead of Christie, except there would have been loud cries that none of us were eating right and that we were all too skinny, shortly to be followed by a huge meal of lasagne and Spaghetti Bolognese appearing in front of us. Finally Kate managed to speak.
"Yeah, they've been great, no complaints, at all" Christie nodded, unconsciously mimicking her husband's comment earlier.
"I'd expect nothing less of them; I've heard so many wonderful things about you both…" She trailed off as she turned to Rick. "And you would be Rick Castle?" Rick nodded before being pulled into a hug as Peter looked on indulgently, smiling slightly as Christie held him, finally, reluctantly letting him go and giving Rick a chance to reply.
"Yeah, that's me Mrs Dearing"
"It's Christie Rick, we're a long way from the big city and we don't stand on ceremony out here. He's Peter, I'm Christie and this is your home for as long as you want"
The Judge took that moment to speak up from where he'd been leaning against one of the porch's support poles, quietly watching everything, I hadn't noticed him there to be honest; we'd all been left a little stunned by the arrival of Hurricane Christie.
"If someone would be so kind as to introduce me to your guests, I'd appreciate it" I turned to see him there in his jeans, denim shirt, boots and Stetson, looking not at all like the Wyoming Supreme Court Justice he was, Nat and Ana both coloured before Nat stepped forward.
"Sorry Uncle Caleb" She waved him over. "Rick, Kate, this is our uncle, Caleb Dunn, he's a judge here" She looked to the Judge. "These are our wonderful friends from New York, Kate Beckett, with the NYPD, and Rick Castle, he's a writer and Kate's partner, in the NYPD and at home" Caleb tipped his hat to them both.
"I've heard a lot about you both from Nat and Ana here, so it's both an honour and a pleasure to finally meet you both" Kate smiled and duck-nodded her head as he walked over and held out his hand.
"It's an honour to meet you too Judge Dunn" As they shook hands Rick smiled.
"I understand that you're the one who married them, here on the farm?" He made an offhand gesture. "It came up in conversation recently" The Judge nodded and they shook hands as he replied
"Indeed I was; one of the rights of the position, one of the less-exercised ones to be sure, unfortunately, but one I was very happy to perform for these two" He smiled indulgently at Nat and Ana as Christie spoke up.
"A duty I hope he gets to perform a little more often, for Lauren when she finally settles down" She shrugged. "And maybe for some of you too" The Judge waved that away with a wry smile and a comment.
"Let's not rush things sis, all things happen in their own good time" Christie shrugged dismissively.
"Sometimes their own good time takes way too damned long" She shook her head then reached out and wrapped an arm around Kate's waist; they were close to the same height, and turned her towards the door. "Now come with me dear one, I need to see what sort of mess they've made of my kitchen" Kate let herself be manoeuvred towards the door as she replied.
"Oh no, it's clean, very clean, they were very insistent about that, given you were coming home" Christie nodded.
"Good, hopefully they made sure I have enough to make a decent meal, if not they'll be doing a run to town" They passed through the door as Christie spoke. "So tell me all about yourself dear one, I've been looking forward to meeting you since they first told me about you…" I looked round and saw Ana catch my eye, smirking at me before slowly shaking her head, even as Peter spoke up.
"Let me grab our bags and we can all head inside" He looked round. "Caleb, you staying for lunch?" He nodded slowly.
"Fancy I might, get to know all these good folk a bit better" With that we turned too and got the SUV unloaded before we headed inside our now-busy home.
Los Angeles LAPD Major Crimes
Brenda's viewpoint
I read the text message and smiled to myself happily, Jane had texted me to let me know she and Liv would be returning to the squad next Monday, they'd all be back. That was excellent news, not just because the squad was down to bare bones with Mendoza away; with Natalie back Sharon could go back to doing her job, not rolling out at all hours to front the media to try and protect Pope's precious reputation. She'd done a good job but she was the first to admit that she couldn't wait to hand it back to Natalie at the first available opportunity. I was just happy to have the chance to share a bed with Sharon all night with no more than the usual chance for being called away at all hours, currently Sharon's double duty saw her called out more often than not, something I'd be happy to put behind us.
I hadn't planned to be down to just three detectives in the squad, but Mikki had put in a request to take today and Friday off, I'd been inclined to say no given we were short-handed, right up until I'd had a friendly 'visit' from Andrea, that woman had amassed all her formidable skills at argument to convincing me to say yes, quite shamelessly playing on the fact that they'd almost been killed during the Cabal case. In the end I'd capitulated as graciously as I could, honestly, it was as bad as arguing with Alex, something I'd naturally pointed out, getting a happily unrepentant grin in return.
Apparently Andrea had taken both Mikki and Amy Sykes off to Hawaii for four days, I have to say that sounded like a wonderful idea, though I'm sure Andrea had more in mind than just lounging round watching Amy and Mikki sunning themselves in skimpy bikinis, even if there was nothing wrong with that, in fact I wouldn't mind doing something similar with Sharon, though her tastes tended more to skiing, though the idea of a little après ski and cuddling on a rug in front of a warm fire had its own appeal too.
It wasn't going to happen just yet though, not with the backlog of work that had built up while we tore down the Cabal. Fortunately Mikki would be back on Monday and so would Jane and Liv, bringing the team back up to full strength and not before time.
It wasn't the first contact I'd had with them; I'd had a call the week they'd left from Liv, asking what was happening with the investigation and most importantly, whether we'd caught Simmonds. I could hear the relief as I'd happily explained that Simmonds was now in San Quentin, awaiting approval of the extradition paperwork to Iraq, something I was expecting in the next week or so. He'd been remarkably uncooperative, something that tallied with the profile the Bureau's specialists had put together. He'd refused to talk to me, to the Bureau, to the NCIS team, he'd refused to say anything, frustrating but not completely unexpected. I guess he'd take his secrets to the grave with him in the not too distant future.
In return I'd asked how they were all doing, to be told by Liv that they were getting better and hopefully would reach the point where they'd be back to work soon, something Jane's text had just confirmed. All in all it brought the week to a satisfactory close, given I could look forward to an almost normal weekend and a full team on deck by Monday.
That thought made me smile.
Wyoming Cheyenne the Dearing Family Farm
Rick's viewpoint
It turned out that we were short a few ingredients for the cake Christie was determined to make and Natalie was being despatched to the shops to collect them, I got the impression that cooking was one of the ways Christie expressed her love for her family so standing in the way of that was like Canute trying to stop the tide. Nat was going to head into town to shop and naturally someone was going with her; As Ana was helping her dad get the roasting pit cleaned out and ready Kate would be accompanying her and they'd gone to get ready. In turn I'd gone looking for them, only to hear their voices coming from up the hall. I walked around the corner and stopped dead, seeing Natalie and Kate standing there, facing away from me.
I went to say something, only to stop as it hit me, both were wearing boots, jeans and brown leather jackets, from behind I had the most sensational view of them both, they looked amazing and almost identical, slender and tall on endless legs, tight asses and tumbling manes of blonde hair; double trouble I thought to myself.
There'd been a pair of beautiful blonde porn stars who performed under the name 'Blondage' at strip clubs years ago, with the tag line 'Double Trouble'. I'd seen them perform once live when I was much younger and to be honest while they had been extremely arousing, they were not, in my extremely biased opinion, a patch on the women I was seeing here, a devastating combination of beauty, brains and big, loving hearts. They must have heard me, as they both turned inwards to look at me, two stunning women smiling happily at me; life doesn't get much better than this…that thought behind my next comment.
"Wow" I smiled at their suddenly confused looks, driving me to explain. "Sorry, it's just dressed like that, you look really similar, from behind you could have been sisters" Natalie glanced at Kate and nodded.
"I have to say, having Kate as a sister's a pretty nice idea" She smiled happily as she regarded Kate. "I have one sister, my younger sister Lauren; she's the pretty one" I saw Kate nodding as I raised an eyebrow at that, I couldn't help it, Natalie was gorgeous, a prettier sister must be something else, then I remembered one of the portrait pictures in the hall, amongst the ones of Natalie and Ana there was another of a beautiful blonde wearing a doctor's coat, she was just as pretty as her older sister. "I also have two honorary sisters, Maura and Alex, so Kate would make a nice addition"
"The more the merrier eh?" Kate teased her gently. Now that was something to conjure with, the old me, the shameless playboy me, would have immediately gone straight to the idea of seeing several stunning blonde sisters decorating my bed, the new me instead went to the idea of Kate having more people in her life who loved her. She had her dad, her partners at the precinct, Ryan and Esposito, Liv of course plus me and my family but the idea of her expanding that support network to include people like Maura and Alex and Natalie was an attractive one I could happily get behind. "You just want me as a cuddle toy when Ana's not around" Kate said.
It was true, Nat was very affectionate and physical with the people she cared about, which meant everyone in this house, she'd ended up a couple of times sitting in my lap over the last two weeks, same as everyone else's, but she claimed that she liked snuggling with Kate because she didn't move around much when she was sleeping, making her perfect for a cuddle. Ana had just rolled her eyes at that before sharing a grin with them both.
"Yeah, I can see why Rick likes you, you're good in bed" Nat stated smugly, leaving Kate to shake her head slowly at Nat's teasing but I took it as a sign that they were both feeling more themselves, I have to say the house had a new, happier energy with Christie and Peter home, Christie in particular seemed to be overjoyed at having so many people here at one time to look after, the place was bustling and had an underlying happy vibe that hadn't really been there before, helping to lift everyone's mood.
I got an affectionate hug and kiss from Nat and a deeper kiss from Kate before they headed off, watching from the porch as their SUV headed off down the drive, seeing them turn onto the road and vanish off into the distance. I slowly turned, only to find Peter standing in the doorway, leaning against the doorjamb, watching me quietly.
"Kate and Nat just left" I explained, getting a slow nod before he levered himself upright and waved towards a bench seat next to the door.
"So I saw" He smiled a little. "Y'know; I don't think I've ever seen the place as busy as it is right now" I wandered over as Peter sat, taking the spot next to him.
"Yes, it's pretty full; fortunately you have enough bedrooms for everyone"
"Yeah, rearranged the house to clear up some rooms as bedrooms for all our guests for Nat and Ana's wedding and left them that way, a good thing too" he stated, then shook his head. "Not enough bathrooms though, thank god our bedroom has its own bathroom or I'd never get a look in" He looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "A house with eight women in it and not enough bathrooms" I shook my head slowly then looked over at him, taking in his happy little smile.
"And you wouldn't have it any other way, right?" I got a slow nod as his smile transformed into a slow grin.
"Dead right I wouldn't" I nodded and let my own smile out.
"Me neither"
It was companionably quiet out there for a good long while.
Hawaii Oahu the Sunseeker Beach Resort
Andrea's viewpoint
I don't know what woke me, something, but I scanned the dark room with darkness-adjusted eyes before I heard a couple of people bidding each other good night a couple of bungalows away. I relaxed slightly and let myself settle back between my companions, I was comfortably sandwiched between Amy and Mikki, feeling the warmth rising off their bare skins. It'd actually be hot if it wasn't for the fact we'd long ago kicked off all the covers to clear the bed for more pleasurable pursuits than sleeping, plus the ceiling fan above the bed swept silently, circulating cool air around the room, making it pleasantly comfortable, a sensation I was definitely feeling.
I snuggled up against Amy's back again, feeling her move slightly as I did, to soothe her I laid a soft kiss against her shoulder, getting a low hum of pleasure from her.
"You ready for another go Andie?" I heard from over her shoulder before she carefully shifted round to face me, her smile easily seen.
"I'm still getting over the last time" I said softly. It was true, they'd effectively double-teamed me once again, driving me to yet another shattering orgasm, the latest in a string across most of the day, plus I hadn't missed the smug smiles they'd shared afterwards. Mind you, their smugness had been well earned; I think I'd had more orgasms in the time since Amy had joined us than I'd had in my entire lifetime prior. There was much to be said for having two seriously gorgeous, seriously fit girlfriends, especially two competitive girlfriends who made it a contest to drag the most climaxes out of me each night; really my only valid complaint was I didn't get to deliver nearly as many to them.
"Oh good" Amy said, the humour easily heard there. "I'd hate to think we weren't delivering the results you deserve" I shook my head gently.
"It's me who doesn't deserve you, both of you" I said, meaning every word, I was so lucky to have them, in my bed, in my life and in my heart. Amy though quickly shook her head.
"Not how it looks from here" she said. "You took me in, gave me a home, loved me, gave me two beautiful women to love in return and made me happier than I've ever been, I don't deserve you, well you and Mik" I leaned over and kissed her forehead gently.
"Of course you do, you deserve all the love we can give you" I saw her soft smile even before she spoke, her voice a little low with emotion.
"So do you, you took us in and made us both very happy…" She leaned forwards and laid a soft kiss to my forehead, then another, longer but still chaste one to my lips. Breaking away, she smiled; her voice soft. "Thank you"
"It was my pleasure" I stated honestly.
"I don't know what I can do to thank you" I smiled happily at the opening she'd given me.
"I don't know detective, what can you do?" I teased, knowing I'd draw an instant response.
"That depends what you're up for counsellor" Our using our titles was a sign we'd moved from talking to sex play, it was all part of our games. "I'm pretty sure there's got to be a few positions we haven't exhausted today, plus a few that deserve an encore"
"What did you have in mind then?" I asked.
"I'm thinking we should give the circle another go" She was referring to what we'd named the 'Circle of Life' after I'd used that description with Alex when she'd asked how everything went together, it was a mutual 'eating out' session that ensured no one went unsatisfied. We could go like that for twenty or thirty minutes easy, lost in a haze of giving and receiving pleasure, only stopping when our tongues and jaws got tired.
"That sounds good" said a sleepy voice from behind me, even as a hand slid around my side and came to rest cupping a breast, making my breath hitch. "I'm good for another go" I shifted around slightly, turning my head Mikki's way and craning out, getting the kiss I was after from her, making me hum happily.
We all wriggled around so that we ended up with me on my back with them snuggled up on each side, making me feel very, very lucky. We lay there for a while, trading kisses back and forward before Amy spoke, kicking us off.
"So, the circle, how we doing this?" she asked, drawing a smile from Mikki.
"I get Andie" At Mikki's statement of claim Amy frowned.
"But you had Andie last time" she said.
"Not how I remember it" Mikki retorted, making me step in.
"You can take turns" Mikki nodded agreeably as she replied.
"Good idea, I get you off the first time and Amy gets you off next"
"Works for me, save the best for last" Amy stated; smiling happily at me as Mikki scoffed gently.
"Andie gets the best, so naturally I'm first" 'Oh god' I thought before I shook my head at them both.
"While there's much to be said for having two competitively-insatiable lovers, I wonder if you aren't going to kill me from exhaustion" I said with a mock disapproving tone.
"No chance of that Andie" Amy stated, backed up by Mikki.
"Yeah, we have so many, many things we want to do to you, so you're not going anywhere anytime soon" I smiled to myself at that.
"I wouldn't have it any other way" I stated, meaning every word. The cuddle I got from both of them drew a contented hum from me, until several questing fingers drew a sharp intake of breath, followed by a low moan as first Amy's then Mikki's mouths descended on my breasts, making it hard to think, before two sets of fingers sliding inside my pussy drove any remaining coherent thoughts from my mind.
My last rational thought for a good long while was 'they may kill me but what a way to go'.
Wyoming Cheyenne the Dearing Family Farm
Jane's viewpoint
It was Burke's last visit, after spending all day with us he'd felt we'd come as far as we could at the moment, all things considered, though he'd urged us to see someone in LA while he continued to see Kate and Rick back in NYC. Before he headed back to the airport and the long trip back to New York for the last time he'd asked Ana, Kate, Liv and I to meet with him privately so we'd found ourselves standing out by the SUV as he leaned back against the car and spoke.
"I have a request of you all. I would ask you to stay close to one another, not only for your partner's sake but for your own" At his words we exchanged a glance before Liv spoke.
"We do" He gave her a tiny smile, more a lift of on side of his mouth than anything then replied.
"No one here, least of all me, believes you are healed" He gave a little self-depreciating shrug then continued. "I'm good but I don't do miracles" He shifted position a little to better face all four of us. "I will be continuing to work with and monitor Kate…" He nodded at her. "…and Rick back in New York however, given your oft-stated reluctance to engage with a professional in Los Angeles, I am asking you to look to each other's safety and well-being"
"We already do that" Ana stated, drawing nods of support from the rest of us and getting a grave nod in return.
"Yes you do, you share a close bond that is both admirable and fortunate. However the consequences of your actions will continue to haunt you for some time to come, thus having the understanding and support of each other, as well as your partners, will be critical in the days and weeks ahead" At his comment we exchanged a few 'what the hell' looks before I put it into words.
"What do you mean?" He didn't mince words.
"I have my suspicions that you were not passive spectators to the events that unfolded, nor were you uninvolved with the efforts to rescue your partners" He held up his hand to stop us saying anything. "I have my suspicions but nothing more, and they, like everything else that has transpired between us here, are covered by patient-doctor confidentiality" He shrugged. "That said I am aware that you were involved to some degree in their rescue" I regarded him through narrowed eyes, seeing the others do the same.
"What makes you say that?" It was Liv.
"Most people in your circumstances would be dealing with feelings of helplessness, rage and frustration at their inability to do something to alter the situation" He smiled thinly. "Whilst you are dealing with a number of post-incident issues those are not amongst them" He held up his hand. "Be that as it may, I have no interest in what may or may not have transpired during that aspect of this affair; instead I am speaking as your therapist" We exchanged glances and Kate was the one to speak.
"Yes?"
"None of you are sleeping well, either your partners or yourselves, you continue to wake at the slightest noise, you are all suffering nightmares and living on hair triggers" We exchanged looks again, he'd put it all out there, Burke didn't mince words. "While not as bad as it was when I first met you, frankly I am concerned for your long-term wellbeing unless you are able to let go of your stress and fears" He grimaced. "I understand that is more easily said than done"
"So what do you say we should be doing?" asked Liv.
"Support each other" he said; that seemed obvious enough to me.
"We already do" I answered for us all.
"Yes, and continue to do so, you will need to be there for your partners and each other, only you know what you have been through so only you can be there to assist each other" Ana frowned and spoke up.
"What are you getting at?"
"Be there for each other, be honest with each other if you are not coping, and help each other through this time. Lean on each other for support" He held up his hand to stop us interrupting. "I am aware that you already do, please, keep doing so, for all your sake's" There was silence for a few seconds before he continued. "In a way, while Rick and Kate here will be returning to New York in the next few days, I almost wish they, and you, were not. I believe that several more weeks here, together, helping each other, supporting each other, would be most helpful"
"We have jobs to get back to" It was Liv as I nodded, seeing Kate and Ana do the same.
"Your desire to return to your roles is admirable; your partner's share the same desire, and on one hand the return to the normal structure of your lives will be beneficial" Burke stated calmly. "On the other hand the sanctuary from the stresses inherent in your chosen careers that this place has provided has been a significant help in your recovery so far" He wasn't wrong, something I said.
"Yeah it's been real good" He glanced at me and nodded once.
"The closeness that your partners previously shared, which has now expanded to include Rick following this incident, has been a great help to them, not only in getting through their ordeal but in the aftermath. The same can be said for the bonds between you four" I nodded and I wasn't the only one, he was right there. "You trust each other, and that trust is so strong that you entrust them with the care and protection of the most important people in your lives" I hadn't thought of it like that but he was right, the others would lay down their lives if necessary to protect the people we love, the same as I would. I saw Kate and Ana nodding at that as Burke continued.
"You are extraordinarily fortunate to have that bond, so work with it, use it to lean on each other for support and assistance, keep nothing from each other, you need to build upon that trust to ensure you, and your partners, continue to heal" We exchanged looks, it was a bit hard to top that so we didn't try, instead Liv nodded.
"You can be sure of that at least" At her words we got a nod and a quiet smile.
"Good, that is all I can ask for" With that he shook hands with all of us as we said our goodbyes before placing his bag into the back of the SUV and getting in the passenger seat up front with Ana for the run to Cheyenne airport. We watched them head down between the fences before turning onto the road and driving out of sight, then we turned to each other, for a moment no one knew what to say before Kate smiled.
"Coffee?" I exchanged a glance and a nod with Liv and smiled.
"Yeah, that'd be good"