<br><br><center>*Unruly women are always witches
 no matter what century we’re in.*
―Roxane Gay
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![Sarah edited.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaSS7aXytRHK6H5KQC13cJrKgiYjEmeD91jgTzhzP7YAG/Sarah%20edited.jpg)
*Unruly Sarah*<br><br></center>


<br><br>I suppose being shot at has its perks―Ella stayed late and was reluctant to leave, but it was already past midnight and I finally assured her I was okay.

Ever since dad passed, three years ago, I had been mostly on my own, not used to anyone looking in on me. It felt good. I almost wanted to be owned by someone, someone who actually cared about me.

The lone wolf has no hinderances or ties, but travels alone and that can be brutal on these dark nights of the soul. I'm thankful for Ella and Neil―glad they're both in my life.

<br><br>The fire had burned down and I was about to turn off the lights when there was a soft knock on the door.

I saw a woman's profile in the frosted glass. *Ella returned perhaps―maybe a problem with her car?*

I hurried and opened and ended staring into a stranger's face―a beautiful blonde woman about Ella's age. I was so taken aback I stared, entranced by her beauty. 

<br><br>"Not a good move, Scotty," she mocked in a sing-song voice, "you'd think someone with all your training would have more sense."

"I'm sorry," I stammered, "Do I know you?"

"No, but I know all about you. Staying inside with your girlfriend is cool, but I'd think twice about even ordering a pizza if I were you."

"Who are you" I demanded.

"Sarah Morris," she smiled, flashing her detective badge. "I'm one part of your security detail―the other part is Ross Parrish out there in the unmarked car. You need to be more careful."

I let out a sigh of relief. "I'll take that under advisement."

<br><br>"We should talk. Aren't you going to invite me in?"

"Oh, of course―sorry, I wasn't thinking. You're right. What I did was dumb."

"No worries, I'll teach you," she smiled mischievously, as she walked past me, her perfume soft and powdery, smelling vaguely of lilac.

"Can I get you anything?" I asked .

"I could use a coffee and maybe you could make one for Ross in the car―these all-nighters can be pretty grim."

<br><br>I felt instantly guilty. "Jeez, I'm sorry you guys have to sit me―it was Neil's idea to call for backup but I didn't think I'd have my own security team."

"I happens," she shrugged, "The alternative is letting you go loose and taking a slug. Not too pretty, believe me and daddy wouldn't be happy explaining that to Ella."

I put down the carafe. "Is there anything about me you don't know?" I asked.

"Yeah," she smirked, "what do you prefer, blondes or brunettes?"

<br><br>I began to think inviting her in was not a good idea, considering  she was incredibly beautiful and realizing I was feeling particularly needy.

The comparison between her and Ella underlined it―she was testing me and I wasn't faring all that well. She had taken the lead and was fully in control. 

"Okay, Sarah," I sighed, "You've had your fun, so tell me what's your plan?"

"Well, I think you need cameras and alarms and maybe a course in risk reduction."

"I am a cop," I frowned.

"A criminal analyst," she corrected, "and a guy who's put a target on his back."

<br><br>I handed her a mug of coffee. There's sugar, milk and sweetener if you like."

"I prefer mine straight―nothing complicated. You didn't ask, but it's also my taste in men."

"Okay, okay, I get it. *Sheesh!* Look, here's the thing―I still have to conduct an investigation, preferably without you following me every step of the way."

She literally got right in my face. "I don't back off when I've got an assignment. You won't even know I'm there."

She was so close I could inhale the berry scent of her lipstick. It made me dizzy... and guilty because I liked it.

<br><br>I handed her a travel mug. "This is for Ross, your partner. Tell him to keep it for refills for as long as you're here."

"Well, that all depends on you, Scotty―play by our rules and it'll be all good. Go ahead with your investigation but no more inviting pot shots at your head. Is that clear?"

"Yeah," I grinned ruefully, "I'm still picking shards of limestone from my flesh."

She shook her head in disbelief. "That close, huh?  Guess your instincts clicked in and saved you. I'm impressed. You might make a good cop yet."

<br><br>I coloured at the unexpected compliment and she smirked, proud of producing the effect.

"By the way," she drawled in a soft sing-song voice I found very seductive, "in the interest of full disclosure I just want you to know I'm married."

"Good to know," I said.

"Thanks for the coffee and don't forget what I said."

"About being careful or about being married?" I called after her.

She just smiled as she left.

This case was getting interesting―but truth be told, considering Sarah, it had the potential to get out of hand.





<br><br> <center>To be continued…</center>

<br><center>© 2021, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>

<br><center>[Photo](https://mocah.org/4535301-stephanie-leblanc-blonde-blue-eyes-long-hair-women-model-looking-at-viewer-bare-shoulders-people-tattoo-wall-makeup.html)</center>

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