It's been a long time since I have last update and I still hope those who had read my story will enjoy this chapter even though I am not entirely happy with it. Helen and Nikki finally get their day and yes, there are still plenty of unanswered questions, but the next few updates will be all about revelations and surprises. I have already started writing chapter 26 so dear readers you won't have to wait a long time for the next update. It's rather hard writing three stories and of course their is that thing called life that gets in the way. I still love writing this story as it is the first story I have written and yes, I plan to finish it one day. But there is still a lot more to tell. So enjoy and drop me a line or two. Cheers mate.

Chapter 25

Helen shifted back to the pleasant thought of Nikki's gentle hand on her face, and the warm feeling that she had inside knowing that what they were about to share she wanted it to last forever. Her eyes followed as she watched Nikki take her hand and lead her towards the large door that led out to the balcony. A breeze pushed at her hair as she walked out into the night. Nikki then turned around, for a moment fearing that Helen might take flight without allowing her the opportunity to apologise for the troubles that she seemed to cause with Sean. And it was if Helen sensed Nikki's apprehension she turned to her, she could see the dark sky before them. Every star glittered, each seemingly competing with each other to be the brightest. Silence filled the air, but neither of them attempted to speak as the passion burning within was like a growing beast. Maybe there were no perfect words to say. Maybe it was enough to know that they were together and that everything they felt, all the struggles was forth the wait. They shared a bond so special that not even time could dampen their love story. Helen faced Nikki, then she looked towards the full moon and smiled. Life might be taxing and it took every effort to keep herself from feeling the exhausting effects that came with it, but at this moment her personal strife, work and the trappings of everyday dwelling did not matter. How she longed to hold Nikki without the feelings of guilt, the constraints and the notion that she needed to put her feelings aside for the greater good. She would deal with the outside forces later, but tonight here with Nikki, all she wanted, needed was to feel her touch, her warm, her love, her soul.

Getting closer to Helen, Nikki put her arms around her waist as they both gazed at the moon. Tonight the moon was a comfort, not a reminder of that darken prison that they seemed to be living in. Helen longed for the solace of words to caress her heart, but she knew the words would fall short to reality. She also knew that Nikki could not take away all her pain by mere words, but their closeness made her feel secure and loved. They both wished for this moment to never end. Then Nikki led Helen towards the bed. She let the weight of Nikki's body press against her as she leaned back with the secure knowledge that Nikki was there for her mentally, spiritually, and physically. A wonderful feeling of tranquillity swept over her entire body, and she smiled as she remembered her first encounter with Nikki and how she felt that spark, that something she never imagined would change her life.

Helen looked up to face Nikki while still in her strong embrace. Nikki gently wrapped her fingers around the back of Helen's neck. Her other thumb rested on her cheek as she pulled Helen's face towards hers. Nikki's lips slightly parted as she pressed her lips to Helen. Her breath felt warm against her lips as she eagerly kissed Helen in return. Her arm slipped behind Helen, and she pulled her closer. Savoring the scent of Helen, Nikki could almost taste her already. The anticipation of her awakening the fire inside. Nikki longed to taste Helen's sweetness. A taste that could only improve through the years like a fine vintage of wine.

Nikki voice caressed Helen's ear, "I want to taste you, like we are eternal lovers under the moonlit sky."

Helen's voice became breathless as Nikki kissed her neck, teasing and thrilling her. "We will always share this passion?"

Nikki's breaths were also becoming more rapid as she kissed Helen again and again only releasing the kiss to find a new position in which to kiss her more deeply. Her hands began to explore Helen, to caress her, to draw her even closer. With her passion for her rekindled, each kiss's intensity grew. Their love transcended time and mortality. They became immersed in each other as Nikki knelt down and pulled Helen down on top of her. Helen gasped in pleasure as Nikki pulled back her blouse, and tenderly licked her neck. She hungrily kissed Nikki in return, as she rolled her onto her back and positioned herself above Helen. Nikki could feel the urgency in Helen as she ravishingly plunged her fingers into her sex. The rapture was overwhelming as if she was drinking the whole of Helen as she bit her neck like a beast in heat, longing to engulf the flame of desire. Helen could not remember a greater satisfaction as she revelled in her pleasure and rapture. No one had ever allowed for such ecstasy, such bliss. Their love for each other intertwined in their eternal dance. Nikki held Helen near, savoring her closeness as she had just savored her body. Saturated by her essence, she felt complete, and in the hush of the room they both drifted off to sleep embraced in each other's arms.

This wasn't her room or bed. Tears welled and trickled slowly from her eyes. Then the pain started. But, still she couldn't move. She could only endure whatever was happening to her body. Terror clawed at her soul while dying nerves screamed. Her body jerked as the slaughter continued. Nikki found herself screaming, but the cracked, broken voice was not hers. It was like she was a visitor in someone else's nightmare. Locked inside a horrifying energy warp, watching life drip from reality. Her agonized screams echoed on forever in her mind. She cringed. Nikki's horrified gaze locked on a bloody knife held high by a man dressed in black. She shuddered. She struggled to imprint the image before the opportunity was lost. Her eyes drifted closed. In the darkness of her mind, the wait was endless. Her tortured spirit stirred deep within the rolling waves of blackness, struggling for freedom from this nightmare. A few minutes later, she bolted upright in her own bed. Survival instincts screamed at her to run. White agony dropped her in place.

"Nikki, Nikki, you're safe here." Helen looked at Nikki who had a blank expression on her face. It almost looked ghostly. "It's just a bad nightmare baby," Helen rubbed Nikki's shoulders, trying to bring comfort to Nikki who looked aimlessly into nothing.

Nikki put her hands over her face, coming out of her haze. Hot tears poured on her face. Breathing heavy Nikki stared at Helen with confusion around her, fear, panic, and finally, recognition seeped into her dazed mind. The early morning rays highlighted the walls, as shadows appeared. Then the memory of her dreams flooded her mind. She broke down in Helen's arms, trying to curl into Helen's warm embrace. "Shite," she swore under her breath realising the outcome of her nightmare. She finally realised she wasn't alone and the realisation made her cringe for a moment. She did not want Helen to see her so weak, so vulnerable. However she tried, she could not stop herself from the constant nightmares that plagued her sleep. And as the case became more troubling and the killing became more frequent, so did her nightmares.

"It's alright baby," Helen replied in a warm, soft voice. "You don't have to be embarrassed. I want to be here for you."

Nervously, Nikki wondered how she appeared to Helen. It was a silly thought but no one has ever seen her in this state. "I'm sorry Helen."

"For what my dear?" Helen asked, looking at Nikki oddly, but realising that Nikki was trying to be strong. It was sweet in a way, but she really just wanted to be here for Nikki and help her. "Please don't refrain from me Nikki."

"It's just," Nikki continued before Helen put her fingers over her mouth.

"Let me take care of you, okay?" Helen said, smiling and giving Nikki a soft kiss on the lips. "After the night we just had, you do not need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. I want you completely in every sense."

"Do you realise how much I am in love with you," Nikki began to say as the warmth in her body felt as if she was burning slowing like hot magma.

"You're so beautiful," Helen caressed Nikki's face. "You have me in every sense. I want nothing more than to grow old with you. I would like to have babies with you."

Nikki's cheeks began to blush. She couldn't believe she finally had Helen and they had a passionate evening making love in every sense. It was nice waking up to Helen. "I can't believe you're really here."

"Why it took this long," Helen laughed, making Nikki smiled. "So am I." Helen lowered her head and captured Nikki mouth as she felt the need to feel Nikki again. It was at that moment her mobile went off. "Shite," she cursed.

"No doubt work," Nikki replied, smiling over at Helen who was looking for her phone.

"Hello," Helen said, sounding irritated. "Shite, no, right, I'll be there soon." Then Helen hung up her mobile and turned to Nikki with a look of dreadfulness in her eyes.

"I'm guessing that wasn't the tooth fairy and she come to tell you, you won a million pounds." Nikki said, trying to defuse the heavy tension building in Helen's eyes.

When will this end Helen thought to herself. She saw plenty of violence and killing, but not only saw it, but experienced it too. "We need to go, Nikki."

"Another body?" Nikki inquired.

"I hate feeling like a failure," Helen spat as she got up and headed towards the bathroom. "Do you mind if I go first?"

Nikki got up and nodded her head. She walked towards Helen and put her arms on her shoulder. "We will capture them. I promise you this." Nikki said confidently. She didn't know why, but she felt they could catch the killers. They just needed to be patient.

"Thanks, beautiful," Helen said, smiling. She knew all the reason why she fell in love with Nikki, but she found herself asking, could she possibly keep falling in love with the dark beauty. She knew she could as her feeling continued to grow.

As they drove Helen figured that this was Nikki way of telling her not to become like a raging tide, complaining and ending up with less. "Why do you always look like you know something I don't? I hate that being of being probed."

"Nonsense babe," Nikki smiled. "I'm not probing you, simply admiring your beauty. And is it so bad holing up with me, looking up to the night sky and enjoying the endless stars?" Nikki grinned, giving Helen a quick poke on her arm.

"Oh no, very bad," Helen licked her lips. "Can't allow you under my skin. What deep secrets will be revealed if we spend every night looking at each other? Nope, bad for my health."

"So, you won't mind if I don't touch you here," Nikki smiled and moved her hand between Helen's thighs which made her heart race with desire.

"You wicked enchantress," Helen said, her breathing laboured. "If I wasn't driving I'd have you in the backseat and picking your lock." She continued. "God Nikki," she slightly moaned. "The things you do to me, I cannot lie, make me turn into pudding."

"Too bad you can't turn the car around and head back," Nikki winked.

"Yes, indeed," Helen commented before focusing on her driving.

Helen pulled her car into the into the lot which was already filled with police cars parked in every direction. The coloured flashing lights were reflecting off every surface that was still wet from the steady rain. Dominic turned and noticed Helen parking her car. He was a bit surprised to find Nikki emerge from her car. It was still early dawn and he was confused why Nikki would be with Helen when he knew that she had her own car, but shrugged his shoulders.

Helen looked at Nikki who appeared very professional, and it was difficult to believe that she was in her arms only an hour ago. Now they were at a crime scene. She waited for the day to end so she could be alone again with Nikki.

Helen and Nikki began to make their way through the maze of cars, just as Zandra arrived. Helen was use to the confusion of the crime scenes, and it did not take her long to add her car to the chaos. Helen watched as Zandra turned off her headlights, and got out of her car with her medical bag.

The static from a call from one of the police radios brought Helen back to the present. She decided to let Zandra do her job, and turned to continue through the haphazard collection of parked cars. A crowd had gathered around the tape that marked off the crime scene, making it difficult for her to get through. Jim Fenner was talking to a couple of uniformed officers, and she had to push his way past the spectators to climb over the temporary yellow taped fence. Jim looked up and lifted his arm to give Helen a short gesturing wave to come over to him. Acknowledging Jim's signal with a nod, she and Nikki approached the three men. Helen noticed that one officer was visibly shaken, and he looked quite pale.

Getting close to Jim, she said, "It looks like the whole damn department is here. What do we got Jim?" Jim turned away from the two other officers, and shook his head in disbelief.

"Not much yet. Haven't been here long Helen. What I do know is the victim is young, not much older than my own girl." Helen could see the pain in Jim's eyes. The pain of knowing that the victim could just as easily been his own daughter. She knew Jim could be a prick and a sore loser for most of the time, but he had a soft spot for his kid. Jim pulled out a tissue to wipe some of the sweat from his face, and deeply sighed.

"The homeless man found her as he was sorting through the garbage. He's over there giving Dominic giving his statement. Of course he smelled of booze and a year of not showering. He did mention something about a broken doll but heck if I know what he's rambling about. I found nothing of the sort. We're still looking for clues though."

Helen closed her eyes, and tried to calm the anger she felt building. When she felt the beast ease up on her, she opened her eyes and looked towards Jim again. "Did he see anything else? Are there any witnesses?" Helen asked.

Jim shook his head. "He doesn't seem to know anything else, but I told Dominic to take him back to the precinct when he's done and get his statement in writing."

"Did you get a chance to talk with the first officers at the scene?" Helen asked.

He turned his attention back to Helen. "I was just about to do that."

Helen nodded. "See that you do and let me know if you have anything else. And good job Jim." Helen said, realising that she needed to appease Jim even if it made her feel dirty. But she realised she needed to put aside her ill feelings towards Jim for the greater good. Her focus was on catching those killers.

Jim was surprised by Helen's response. It wasn't like Helen to speak kind words to him but he didn't say a word back, instead choosing to smile at Helen.

Helen looked over the crowd that had gathered, and wished that they would all go back to their homes and make her job a little easier. She wondered if any of them could have been responsible for the girl's death, and was hanging around to watch all the excitement that was generated. Carefully scanning every face, she hoped to find something that would give the perpetrator away. Nothing stood out. She desperately needed some answers. Helen then went over to where Nikki was standing, and with a softened voice said, "Hi, Nikki. What do you make of all this?"

Nikki looked up with bewildered eyes, and studied her for a moment. She smiled warmly, she gave her a silent nod. "We won't find much out here, but we should get more information when Zandra examines the body."

Helen thought for a moment again, "No, I don't suppose we will. But all we need is one clue to the puzzle. I'm just going to make the rounds. Let me know if you see anything interesting." But before Helen left Nikki's side she whispered into her ear. "I want to make love to you all night long. I don't know how much of this I can take."

Nikki licked her lips, giving Helen a warm smile and gently touched Helen's hand, careful not to give attention to them. "You take my breath away," she said seductively. "How about a nice champagne bubble bath with me later tonight?"

Helen had to hold her breath as she almost buckled at the knees. "Do you realise it doesn't take much to get me wet and this is definitely not the right time to get a longing for you," she said sighing.

"Sorry my sweet," Nikki grinned devilishly.

"You're enjoying aren't you?"

"My lips are sealed, or course until they fall upon your fleshy skin," Nikki teased. She could at least still have a bit of fun even in the dire situation they were under.

"You're going to give me cavities if you keep sweet talking me." Helen said under her breath.

"As you wish," Nikki bowed as if bowing to her Queen. "Shall we continue this later?"

"Definitely later," Helen said before turning away from Nikki. She couldn't believe the excitement she felt every time Nikki was near her. It was as if a veil was lifted once they consummated their relationship and now there was no turning back. She loved how it made it feel. Even though she was perplexed by the case, knowing Nikki was by her side made her life a little brighter.

XXXXX

After a while and examining the crime scene and collecting evidence Helen looked around searching for Dominic but could not see him. Now would be a good time to see if Dominic had any better luck than she had. She again had to get through the crowd and back into the taped off area. She wanted to catch these killers. Wanted to know why they did this. She took a deep breath. Her anger getting the better of her, a luxury that she could not afford. She had to remain in control, and do whatever she could to solve this crime.

Helen could now see Zandra in the distance examining the victim. As she got closer, Zandra stood up and turned to her.

"Sorry Helen, there's not much to go by. Maybe when I get her back to the lab."

Helen couldn't believe it. How could this monster not leave anything behind that would point them in the right direction? No one was perfect. There had to be something that would give them away. She hated playing this cat and mouse game and all she knew, the body count was rising in an alarming pace.

Helen sighed, "Anything Zandra? There must be something."

Zandra heard the desperation in Helen's voice. "Well, there's not that much I can tell you now except that her body has been left here for weeks. No signs of a struggle though. But I did get a positive on the phosphate. She was raped. I will not know if she was alive during the rape until I get her back for testing. She looks almost perfect, like she just fell asleep, yet she seems perfectly preserved, which suggest these killers knew what they were doing. Sorry Helen, you're just going to have to wait for more."

Zandra closed her bag and looked up just in time to see Nikki coming towards them. Helen looked at the young girl who would never experience life lying on the ground in front of her, and she softly said, "I know Zandra, it's just not much to go on and I feel like we're only scratching the surface."

Zandra turned to her and placed her hand on her arm. "It's a start. Someone must have reported her missing? Someone's waiting for her Helen. Someone's waiting for their little girl to come home."

Helen thought about what Zandra was saying, and knew she was right. "Yeah, unfortunately there are so many missing. She could be anyone's child." Zandra closed her eyes briefly and nodded that she understood.

Dominic was on his way over to Helen and Nikki, and was not so sure he wanted another look at the murdered girl. "Anything new?"

Helen sighed heavily, "No, not yet. How about you?" Dominic just looked up to the sky, and folded his arms across his chest.

Zandra put a tag on the body as the morgue crew came to bring it back to the lab. She turned towards the others and said, "Well, I guess it's up to me. So I better get started."

Dominic watched as the body was being put into the Coroner's van. "Helen, these killers are pure monsters. I don't think that I'll ever understand the mind of a killer."

Helen looked down at the ground. "You don't want to, Dom. It's pure evil."

Dominic nodded his head. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Let's go Nikki, examine the scene more thoroughly." Nikki nodded, and pulled her coat tighter around her.

Dominic looked at Helen who seemed different. Her face had a glow. She seemed very relaxed and he wasn't quite sure if Nikki had to do with it. In fact, they both glowed. He shook his head thinking he was just imagining things.

Helen stood quietly, she gazed up towards the stars and wish the stars could speak. Maybe then they could finally catch these killers and stop these brutal killings of young girls.

She was so tired...

The workday had come and gone but Helen remained sequestered in the office a little longer. Hiding as she tried to avoid the press, avoiding having to go leave. She knew Nikki would still be at her office and heading back to Nikki's place later tonight was her only solace.

As Nikki sat on her chair trying and get some work done her thoughts went back to Helen and the wonderful night they shared. She smiled as she remembered how it felt holding Helen so tightly. After a while she had turned the lights off, except for the desk lamp, and sat, letting the silence envelope her. What a relief to be still, she thought, staring at the photo she had taken and developed and frame herself years ago. A winter landscape. This is why she shot landscapes rather than people. The stillness. If she could find stillness in her surroundings, she could hope to achieve it within herself...if only for a little while. If only while she was lost in the stark beauty of the picture. For those few moments, she could successfully ease the tension that quivered at the core of her. Then she thought Monica, Maxine and her parents, and it felt as if the people she cared for always seemed to end up in dire situation.

Of course the stillness didn't last long. Angry questions demands directives. She closed her eyes and conjured an image, the fleeting memory of feeling safe and cared for. She had wanted so badly to accept it. She didn't want to carry the weight anymore. She was so tired. When she opened her eyes again, he was standing there. Panic clenched like a fist in her chest as she wondered if this moment was real or surreal. The nightmares came so frequently lately, it was becoming more difficult to tell. He stood there in the shadow, expressionless, silent. A sense of dread began to build deep inside her. Why did she keep seeing a dark figure in her dreams?

Then her mobile went off as Nikki went over to reach her phone. "Hello, Nikki Wade speaking."

"Hello Nikki, its Stony Phillips," the voice on the other line said.

"Oh hello," Nikki was a little surprised. It had been less than a week since she last left his office. "I'm surprised to here from you this quickly. Is there something else you need from me?""

"No, no," he breathed into the phone. "Listen, I need to meet up with you. It's very important." He said with urgency.

Nikki sat upwards the excitement building. "Did you find something of interest?"

"Just say it's a start, but I still need to sort through things," he tried to sound upbeat. "You won't believe what I uncovered, although I must say someone went to great lengths to ensure this information remained buried."

"It sounds complicated," Nikki interested was peak. She was excited the he would finally have some answers to the questions she had been asking most of her life.

"This is not something I want to share over the phone. I will be out of town for a few days but I will call you to set up a meeting."

"Bollocks," she replied. "Sorry, I guess I'm being impatient. Do ring me when you're back in town."

"Also, it's probably best if you don't mention this to anyone. At least not until we meet up." He said.

"Sure. And thanks for your help. I really do appreciate your help and please don't hesitate to ask me for anything." Nikki put down her mobile and wondered what Stony uncovered. She became excited yet at the same time she wondered if she really wanted to know. Was she ready to open that Pandora's Box?