Soft Touch
The mission had gone off without a hitch.
Security breached without any trouble.
Safe opened in an instant, as always.
Camera gear worked like a charm.
No one the wiser when they confidently drove away from the compound..., for a change.
The weather even cooperated on the way back for once. They had clear skies when they needed them. They got a fog bank just at the right time. And the sea was so smooth no one ended up seasick; not even Goniff.
The trouble came when they were in port at the dock trying to get off the boat. Just as he stepped on the gangplank their boat got rammed by another one. The jolt sent him tumbling over the rail and his one-handed clutch at the pipe only caused his shoulder to be wrenched before he plunged feet first into the water.
When they helped him up on the dock he was 'Fine'; he was too embarrassed to be anything else. It wasn't until they got back to the mansion after the debriefing that the muscles started to knot up. Now, at the end of the day, he had to admit it, at least to himself, he was uncomfortable.
He ended up in the library downstairs. Even though the wing back chair was more comfortable than the wooden chair he'd started out on the padded surface still hurt when he leaned back. It pushed at the sore arm and caused it to roll forward. After a few moments of shifting around in an unsuccessful bid to get comfortable he shifted over to the sofa.
He propped his reading material on his lap and, again, sought a position that offered him a little comfort. He couldn't find on. The rolled padding of the backrest was still too thick. Letting out a silent sigh he finally leaned forward, resting his elbow on his thigh, and started to read. For a few moments concentrating on the words in front of him took his mind off his sore muscles, but it didn't last. Just before he gave up he felt a soft touch on the back of his shoulder.
He stiffened but the contact persisted. After a moment a gentle kneading started around the knotted muscles. When he didn't object or move out of reach the speed and intensity of the action increased. Soon he'd forgotten the material resting on his knees, closed his eyes and surrendered to the ministrations.
"There y'are? What cha doin'?"
The soothing massage stopped and he heard the soft crush of carpet as his masseuse moved away.
"Deserter," he called out.
The subject of his comment stopped and turned to look back over a shoulder at him. After a few seconds of silent consideration the little cat turned and leapt up on to the back of the sofa again. She settled behind him and rested a delicate paw on his sore shoulder. Leaning forward she gave a little purr that had a bit of a lilt to the end, like a question.
"If you wouldn't mind," he answered.
She made a pleased sound in return and talented toes picked up where they'd left off.
"Aw, c'mon Diana. I brung a nice bit a string for us t' play with…."
"Go away, Goniff." Chief said quietly as he closed his eyes.