The Deadliest Secret (The Deadliest Series) (7 page)

              The hour seemed to drag on, really the clock could not have gone slower for Gwen while Kody talked, she knew how they knew each other, their shared past. He kept making comments about the one who got away; the one he still loved and Gwen knew it was about her. The prisoner Kody McQueen was her ex lover, the only male she let herself get close enough to get hurt. Gwen asked herself one very important question, would it be safe for her to be the one administering his therapy? Was the weekly option best for them both if they shared history? Gwen’s chime went off signaling the end of their time together and she could not have been happier to hit the buzzer, Torrian seemed glad to take the prisoner away as if he felt the unease Gwen now had near Kody.

             
Gwen only needed to last another hour before she could leave; Warden Scott Wickam wanted to have another safety meeting. Whenever Gwen was attacked or threatened he felt the need to call for another tightening of security concerning the psychology appointments. It was never guaranteed to be safe for her alone with the inmates but they certainly would not open up if there were a guard in the room and she would not budge on this fact. 

              Scott entered the room, his sticky note attached to his finger of finer points he wanted to portray to the others that worked with the island. He wanted to tell Gwen’s shift first since that would be whom it affected the most.

             
“Evening Gwen, Torrian, Ricky, Shannen I wanted to just have a quick word about the threats against Gwen, we have put Moreau on ice till he learns to shut his ass up but if he tells one of the patients that Gwen still sees he wants her dead or hurt I am worried about her safety.”

             
Gwen groaned at this. “Warden I am not having a guard sit in on therapy sessions, having someone outside the door is enough, and the panic button is good enough. No one has hurt me yet and Lord knows there has been plenty of threats.”

             
Torrian nodded as the Warden took over the conversation again, “Gwen, I know you’re a tough shit but can the macho woman and let me just offer one suggestion, an on person panic button that sounds an alarm that way if you are taken away from your desk you can still press it. We can make it as a bracelet or necklace or something. That ok?”

             
Gwen thought about Kody and what she already knew he was capable of, even though it was crazy to think he actually knew that she was the same girl from college, he hadn’t outright said her name or given direct clues, he had insinuated but it was conceited to think she was memorable for him, especially after how they ended their relationship.

              Scott almost choked on his spit. He expected Gwen to fight a lot more, she hated when he invaded her sessions, had she finally grasped the situation and how seriously demented some of these men are? One could hope right? He changes his train of thought.

             
“Okay then Gwen, I expected that to be a lot longer of a conversation, I guess I have to go to my office and see what the state has for us as far as a panic button.”

             
“See you later then Warden, I have to head home, plants are begging me not to murder them.” Gwen tried to joke even if she didn’t feel like the happiness or hilarity reached her eyes.

             
Torrian watched the banter in silence, waited for the dismissal, and then followed Gwen to her office.

             
“Hey Doc, want some help with your files today?” He asked her.

             
“Actually I am just taking a couple home tonight, nothing too heavy.” She smiled at the offer alone he was a gentleman.

             
He couldn’t help the fact his face fell a little, “Oh, sure there is nothing I can help with?” He asked one more time.

             
She watched his face fall, and realized he must need to talk about something serious, he did ask to talk to her earlier in the day. “Actually you could carry my case file holder and walk me to the boat, if you want of course. We could talk about what you wanted to tell me earlier? Before McQueen’s appointment, remember?”

             
“Oh yeah Doc, after we get out of here? Don’t need a certain someone setting the rumor mill on fire before we leave.” Torrian laughed his hearty laugh and the two walked in silence to the elevator.

             
Torrian was trying to organize his thoughts; Gwen noticed his eyes seemed far away as if constructing an outcome from their conversation. She had to laugh, even though they were good friends he sometimes made it seem like she was always on the clock and analyzing him. They got on the old ferry to head back towards the mainland.

             
“So Gwen,” Torrian was nervous, this was kind of cute Gwen kept thinking as she smiled. “Gwen are you seeing anyone right now?”

             
She was a little taken aback, this was not how their conversations usually started or even where they went to, she gathered her thoughts before replying. “No Torrian, I’m not been too busy sorting out the prisoners to even think about it.”

             
“Good that’s good…. I was wondering… if you weren’t busy would you want to go get something to eat with me? You know like go on a date?” Torrian’s words started spilling faster, he had been thinking of this for a while apparently. “I would pay for everything, and hell I mean shit if you don’t want to you don’t have to, I’ve always liked you Gwen. You are the one I always compare the others to and none of them can talk to me like you do or make me feel like you do, so do me the honor of going out with me? Whenever you’re free?”

             
Gwen felt her jaw fall slack as his words tumbled from her friend. Torrian was the only person she really talked to more than casual, superficial conversation. She had always felt a tug towards Torrian but never thought about this, her mind churned fast trying to find the right answer.

             
“Well if you don’t want to Gwen its fine.” Torrian said and his cheeks reddened as embarrassment took him.

             
“No, it’s not that. I want to. I just never thought you’d ask.” Gwen smiled up at the tall male who seemed to swell with pride that she said yes.

             
“Wherever you want, that new steakhouse looks good, the one on Sixth Ave?”

             
“That’s a little pricey for a first date don’t you think?”

             
“No it isn’t and you’re worth it. Plus I don’t consider it a first date.” Torrian bumped Gwen’s shoulder in a sweet gesture, he was trying to make her forget the price and just be happy “Just let me take care of you Gwen, maybe a movie after or dancing?”

             
“Whatever you want, I’m game for either, we might be lethargic after a steak dinner though.”

             
“True, so when do you want to go?” He sounded eager now.

             
“Well tonight is Friday, want to go tonight?” She tried to sound as nonchalant as she could despite the fact she was nervous.

             
“You read my mind doll.” Torrian chuckled and his smile made his eyes twinkle and Gwen’s heart skipped a beat, damn he could use that smile as a weapon.

             
“I don’t like to be called doll, anything but that.”

             
Torrian’s look went from jubilant to serious in the matter of a half-second and he nodded solemnly. “Okay Gwen, no doll, what time do you want me to pick you up?” Torrian was already back to his normal happy self by the end of the sentence.

             
Gwen looked at her wristwatch, she estimated the time it would take her to shower, dress, do her hair, and makeup. “I can be ready in two hours if you want?”

             
“Great I can be ready in one and buy the movie tickets and make reservations for dinner.”

             
The old tug, as Gwen called it in her mind signaled they were docking at the shore on the main land, Steilacoom was just as beautiful as always. The two walked off the dock to Gwen’s car; Torrian kept even closer than he usually did his hand accidentally brushing hers as they walked towards her car, his happy mood contagious. Gwen felt the stress of the day, the stress of Kody melt away from her. The back of his hand kept caressing hers, it was warm to the touch and very comforting. Torrian helped Gwen load her case files and as a gentleman he opened her car door for her as well

His arms to stop her, she slammed on the breaks and he walked forward to her.

              “I need your address.”.

             
“I’ll see you in two hours then.” The smile was surely a weapon now.

             
“Yes Torrian,” Gwen looked at her watch. “Eight P.M. sharp.”

             
“Strict on the time, I like that.” He grinned more.

             
Gwen closed her car door with a soft laugh and waved to Torrian and started driving before Torrian waved.

             
“Oh…” Gwen jotted down her address for him on a page from her legal pad in the front seat and handed it to him.

             
“Not too far from me, I’ll see you,” he tapped the side of her car and walked to his own, heading out in the opposite direction.

CHAPTER seven

Gwen was driving home when she remembered it was Friday, spaghetti dinner with her parents night. She sent her mom a text even more thankful that she picked up the habit from being around the younger generation. She picked her words carefully.

Hey Mom, I have to cancel my seat at dinner.

I know short notice, very rude. I have a date.

Xoxo Gwen

             
Gwen plugged in her phone and went to shower and get ready for her date. By the time she got out of the shower her phone was chirping with reply from her mother. Gwen smiled and looked at it.

OH MY STARS CHILD TELL ME

ABOUT THIS MAN IS HE HOT?

WHERE DID YOU MEET HIM?

DON’T WORRY ABOUT DINNER

USE A CONDOM!!

HAVE FUN- MOM

             
She turned from her phone to let it sit and her mom wonder about the man that was taking her daughter out to dinner. Gwen’s blonde locks tried to rebel, but thanks to some well place products and persistence her hair behaved and laid correctly, loose waves of blonde curls cascaded down her back, her makeup was soft and subtle. She wondered if this was correct for a date. She really hadn’t been on a date for quite some time. She decided on some liquid eyeliner for a more dramatic look. Last came the hard part, choosing an outfit.

             
“Why must it be so hard to be a woman?” Gwen grumbled loudly, Mr. Whiskers the cat sprung onto the bed just at that time with a mew, his own two cents on his friend talking to herself.

             
Gwen eventually decided on a blue dress, it came down to the spot just above her knee, black heels, black pearls, and accessories. She looked at herself in the mirror, it was almost time for Torrian to arrive, she peeked out of her bedroom window and didn’t see his car yet, she walked down to her kitchen and grabbed herself a bottle of water, out of habit she checked her breath and then her purse to make sure she had everything she needed for the evening.

             
Just as Gwen’s nerves started to subside she heard a beast like engine roar in her driveway then silence when it was turned off. She knew exactly who it was and smiled while her stomach formed knots. Moments later the doorbell rang. She waited a few moments, checked her reflection one last time, then opened the door to see Torrian, he was wearing a gunmetal gray button up top, tight in all the right places jeans, and a suit jacket. He seemed just as awestruck as she was.

             
“Wow” they said in unison.

             
“You look good enough to eat.” Torrian said in appreciation.

             
“Thanks you too.” Gwen said grabbing a light black jacket that matched the dress.

             
“Ready to go?” Torrian asked with a cocked brow.

             
“Yes I am.” Gwen stepped outside, locked her door, and then turned to face her date for the evening with a huge grin.

              Damn, Torrian thought to himself, she was the total package, when she turned around in the royal blue dress, he could see the curve of her backside and if that wasn’t enough to get a warm blooded man going, he didn’t know what was. Her dainty wrists moved and he heard the tumblers fall into place with the lock. He was going out with Gwen, she had said yes to him.

             
Torrian took Gwen’s arm in his and walked her to his car, the 1967 Mustang was the only thing him and his father ever agreed on and the only thing left of their relationship now he was glad he didn’t sell it because it almost matched her eyes. Blue seemed to be the theme for the evening.  He opened the door and closed it for her after she was situated inside. He was nervous, Torrian just hoped Gwen didn’t see it but part of him knew that effort was futile, that was what she did for a living she read people.

             
Gwen and Torrian talked through the entire car ride to the 6
th
avenue restaurant, they laughed, and it was truly a jubilant time for the pair. The ride in total took about half an hour thanks to taking surface streets through Tacoma, Torrian wanted to savor his time with Gwen. She was full of life outside of the island; he really could appreciate a woman like her.

             
“Torrian, this car is beautiful how long have you had it?” Gwen asked still admiring the leather seats she was sitting in, she knew it was old, but cars weren’t exactly her niche, so better to ask than to assume.

             
“I’ve had it since I was sixteen. Dad and I got the shell and rebuilt it from the engine on up.”

             
“Oh that is awesome, good for you and your dad.” She said running her hand over the leather carefully.

             
The man nodded before he spoke, “it was the only thing we ever could agree on, it was quite entertaining for my mom to watch us argue.”

             
Gwen laughed hard, which made Torrian’s heart lift, his father and his relationship wasn’t his favorite subject, but the fact it brought Gwen some joy made it easier. Torrian joined Gwen in her laughter as they parked in one of the few lots.

             
“Stay in the car.” Torrian said his voice was serious as he exited the mustang then walked around the car, and he opened the door for Gwen, he was a gentleman.

             
Gwen looked at his hand extended towards hers; she smiled up at him and slipped her hand into his. He helped her out of the car and kept her close as they walked into the restaurant. Torrian’s massive body drew attention from all the patrons, male or female. Gwen suddenly felt even smaller than she already did around him. He pulled their hands up to his mouth with a sly grin and kissed the back of Gwen’s hand, which of course caused her blush.  Torrian pulled out Gwen’s chair before she sat down and he sat across from her.

             
The dinner passed quickly, Gwen ordered her favorite peppercorn crusted steak with sautéed mushrooms, Torrian ordered a large porterhouse steak that came with enough meat to clog a lesser man’s arteries. They even ordered desert, even though Gwen was taking half of her meal home already, the split a piece of New York style cheesecake. Torrian watched Gwen eat, and he continued to do so while she ate desert as well.

             
“Gwen you know you make a little noise when you eat right?” He wanted to tell her.

             
“What?” She looked self-conscious now.

             
“It’s like a little rumble of approval, it’s a-dork-able” Torrian laughed with his made up term.

             
Gwen stuttered not completely understanding. “What?”

             
“Every time you take a bite you make a little mmm noise, I find it alluring, very cute. I know you liked your meal. The noise came out and your face looked like you were in Heaven.” Torrian had other things on his mind, about other pleasures Gwen may have had and what her face would look like if he were giving her pleasure, he had to stop himself before he went too far.

             
“I do? Or…. I did?”

             
“Yes, I like it.” Torrian picked up his fork and impaled a piece of the cheesecake bringing it to Gwen’s lips as an offering to her. She took it slowly from the fork, now conscious of her noise making she didn’t make it; instead she looked at him under her lashes. Torrian paid their bill and helped Gwen from her chair.

             
After their dinner they went back out towards Lakewood, the eighty-fourth street movie theater was playing the movie, it had been in the theater for a couple months so it would be semi private, Torrian thought about which of the classic moves he would employ. Would he use the yawn-and-stretch? Most likely he would just to get his arm around her again.

             
Gwen stared out the window while Torrian drove towards the theater. They still talked while he drove. He was mostly chattering away, Gwen loved the sound of his voice it was a deep rumble. Torrian sounded so happy; it was infectious and Gwen had to just smile. By the time Torrian parked the car she knew a lot more about him, he just kept getting better and better Gwen smiled to herself, she liked him as more than her coworker.

             
The movie was already starting by the time Gwen and Torrian got to their seats. They chose to sit at the top in the center of the stadium seating. It was Gwen’s favorite spot, it seemed they had that in common. Neither of the couple hesitated at the stairs, they both just walked in as if they owned the place. After the last commercial the lights dimmed and the air seemed to change, it was charged with electricity.

             
The movie was some new book turned movie from Michael Bay. Gwen wasn’t normally a fan of the action packed explosion type movies, but because she didn’t want to have an over bearing romantic tone to the date she chose this movie instead of the newest romantic comedy that seemed to ooze love just from the title.

              The movie started with the arm rest between them essentially keeping them separated, Torrian moved the arm rest and let Gwen lean against him, she looked uncomfortable to him, she had her legs pulled up underneath her bottom, and was leaning but still holding herself up, she was always so self contained. He chuckled, raised his arm, wrapped it around her shoulders and pulled her against his side before he whispered; “You need to be comfortable or else you won’t let me take you out again.”

              Gwen blushed but leaned against the strong male’s side. Torrian smelled nice, she couldn’t place the scent but she found it so comforting she leaned a bit harder, his heavy arm wrapped around her and she couldn’t help but smile more it was Torrian’s warmth. The time passed in silence, Torrian’s hand was rubbing the top of Gwen’s by the time the credits rolled Gwen’s head was laying on Torrian’s shoulder, the two were cuddled up both comfortable and warm.  They ambled to his car after they both stretched and woke up completely, yet again he opened every door for her and helped her into the car, this time however as he drove he reached for Gwen’s hand, he stroked his thumb over hers.

             
“What did you think of the movie?” Torrian inquired, his eyes took fleeting glances at Gwen but quickly returned to the road.

             
“It was good, better than I thought, what about you?” She returned the question.

             
“I liked it, when the house blew up was… just freaking epic.” Torrian was watching his cursing around Gwen. She was a lady and did not need to hear obscenities, she heard enough at work and he did not want to remind her of that.

             
Gwen’s laugh filled the air, she thought of his language, it wounded so young but he was certainly all man. He was driving a bit slower as he worked his way through the streets, through Tacoma, Lakewood, Steilacoom, and soon to DuPont. The beautiful green trees were dense around Gwen’s home; he scanned them to make sure there was no danger near her. He walked her to her door, and neither wanted to say goodbye. The scene was similar to the end of a high school age date they stood there for a while.

             
“Thank you for asking me out Torrian, I had a great time.” Gwen said while looking up at Torrian’s face.

             
“Thanks for accepting. I really enjoyed taking you out.” He replied with a grin.

             
“I guess I’ll see you Monday?” Gwen asked even though she already knew the answer and could kick her own bottom for her lack of creativity in closing conversation.

             
“You know it beautiful.” Torrian winked and started to turn before he stopped and looked at Gwen.

              His breathing was slow and deep like he wanted to savor the moment, savor her scent. They stood chest to chest before Torrian made an impulsive decision and his hand moved to the back of Gwen’s neck and pulled her body towards his, he craned his neck and pushed his lips against Gwen’s.

             
Gwen was stunned for a few seconds, Torrian’s mouth was on hers and they were kissing, his large hand was on the nape of her neck holding her close but he did not touch her roughly. His lips were burning through to her soul, her lips moved against his in unison until he pulled away, Gwen almost groaned when her lips were exposed to the cool night air once more.

             
“I’ll see you Monday doc” Torrian annunciated the word “doc” because he knew that Gwen would be agitated at that. She was so fiery; he wanted to bring that out in her even more.  He got into his car coolly and drove away, he tried his hardest not to look back but when he did glance into his rear view he saw Gwen touching her lips with the pads of her fingers, he could not wait for Monday to come now.

             
The weekends were the bane of Kody’s existence, his Gwen had the weekend off but he still wanted her daily. Russel bored him; they had many altercations through the day just to get the attention of the guards. Kody had a plan to see his female more. The sun was setting, soon would be lights out.