Chapter 6: True Religion.

 

"Shane, baby, whatever you did, whoever you were, you are not that person anymore, and I will not allow you to go back to being him. Your Bible says in Christ you are a new person the old is past and the new has come. Maybe your past has not forgotten you, but you don't live there anymore."

Lissa stretched and rolled onto her side sleepily. She opened her eyes but was disappointed to see that Shane was not laying beside her. She yawned and turned her head to look for him in the room but he wasn't there. 

She sat up, stretched and looked for her phone. Shane had placed it somewhere in the room for her. She looked around and found it on the top of the cream colored chest of drawers. She got up, retrieved the phone, lay back and dialed his number.

The phone rang three times then she heard his warm, welcoming voice on the line. "Hey beautiful, good morning," he answered. Lissa smiled. She reached for his pillow and squeezed it to her. "Hey handsome, good morning," she replied. She heard her own voice have a light airy quality as she spoke to him. He was bringing out her girlish nature. "Where are you?" she asked. 

"I'm actually at the gym. What? You miss me already?" he asked teasing her.  

"Mhm," she said in a soft baby voice. "Wish you were here beside me. I want to feel your arms around me. It feels cold here without you."

"I actually have another set to do. Just one more, then I'll come home. It's 6 o'clock now so you'll see me in half an hour, okay?"

"Okay," she said.

He blew kisses to her and said, "I love you baby."

"I love you," she replied. 

Shane ended the call.

When Shane arrived half an hour later like he said, Lissa was frying ripe plantains and making oats porridge for both of them. He walked quietly into the kitchen and watched her preparing breakfast. Her back was turned to him so she didn't know he was watching her. 

Suddenly, Lissa felt warm, calming sensations rush through her body. Somehow she felt safe and desired. She found herself thinking about Shane and experienced this overwhelming feeling of love.  She paused from what she was doing, thinking that was strange. She turned around to see him looking at her. 

When he realised she knew he was there, he came to her and put his arms around her shoulders and hugged her. She hugged him back then tended to her plantains on the stove, turning her back to him. "It's strange, but I think I could feel you nearby," she told him.

"Oh?" he asked his eyebrows raised. 

"Yeah, just awhile ago I felt this warm, cosy feeling. I can't describe it. Like I was being enveloped in love," she said chuckling. "I'm sorry. I know it sounds silly." Shane wrapped his arms around her waist while she flipped the plantains over. "I understand, more than you think."

"Oh? Why do you say that?" she asked.

I'm actually a twin. I can sense my brother nearby before I see him face to face. It's something we both share. When my mom was pregnant with us she said she could tell when my dad was about to enter the hou ..." Shane paused.

He turned her around to face him, then stared at her tummy. He reached his hand down and touched her abdomen. His eyes widened. It dawned on him that though he had bought the Plan B pills he hadn't remembered to give them to her.

Lissa saw his shocked expression and was puzzled. "What? What is it?"

He touched her face, then bent his forehead to touch hers. "Lissa, how do you feel about kids?"

Feeling a little confused, she said, "Kids? I love kids. I wouldn't mind having maybe two or three one day."

Shane was nervous. He didn't know how to tell her. He sighed. "Baby, I need to tell you something." He reached behind her and turned off the stove before the plantains burned. He covered the frying pan with a glass cover. He took her hand and led her to the living room area's large couch. He sat down and made her sit close beside him.

Lissa was feeling a little concerned now. Shane sighed deeply. "Baby, please hear me out. I want you to know that it was never intentional or deliberate. I love you and I would never do anything to hurt you."

Lissa was getting frustrated now. "What is it?"

"I think you may be pregnant," he told her.

"What?" Lissa replied shocked. She stood up and looked down at him. Then she remembered that though she asked for the morning after pills, she never received them. Her eyes widened. "Did you buy the pills?"

Shane nodded. "I did. Lissa, I'm sorry. I did buy them but the day you had lunch with Derrick, and you called Sudie to come for you, it slipped my mind. Just the thought that you may be in some kind of distress, I lost it. It totally slipped my mind to give them to you." Shane said. He stood up. 

He said, "Give me a minute." He went out to the car, opened the glove compartment and took out the packet. He came back into the house and showed it to her. "I bought it but I forgot to give them to you. I am so sorry," he said. 

Lissa took the packet from him and looked at it. She sighed and sat down. "It's okay," Lissa replied. What should I do now? She looked up at him. He sat beside her. "How do you know that I may be pregnant?" she asked. 

"It's a hunch," he told her. "You said you could feel me near you or ..." his voice trailed off. He reached out and touched her hands, clasping them in his. "As I said, my mom used to have this really strong bond with my dad when she was carrying my brother and I," he replied. "I think it may be happening to you now."

Lissa was curious. "Does she still have that strong bond with your dad?" 

Shane shook his head. "No, not like that. It only happened when she was pregnant with us, but of course they are very close." 

Lissa sighed. "I guess I need a pregnancy test?" 

Shane nodded. "You may." He watched her body language. "I ... I'm really sorry," he said. Lissa nodded. "I may not be pregnant, but if I am, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it." 

Pregnant for Shane? she thought.  Lissa felt a rush of dopamine pleasure thinking about being pregnant for him. She leaned over and kissed his lips softly. Shane smiled at her and pulled her onto his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. He gently rubbed her back. "If you are, you know, pregnant, I will be here to rub your feet, and take care of you and the babies."

"Babies?" Lissa asked surprised. 

"Our family lineage mainly produces twins," he told her, stroking her hair. "We do have instances of family members having one child per pregnancy, but in the case of the twins in the family, they usually produce twin offspring."

Lissa looked at him, eyes wide. She never thought of being the mother of twins. She felt a little nervous. "You'll help if I am? I don't know if I can do this."

"What do you mean?" Shane felt his heart drop. "Lissa, you don't want children?"

"Yeah I do, but I wasn't thinking now," she said feeling scared. 

Shane cupped her face. "Lissa, baby, listen to me. I love you. You mean so much to me. This is not what I would plan for us right now, because we're just establishing an intimate relationship, but hear me, I will make sure I do everything in my power to care for you and the baby or babies. I will do whatever it takes to make sure you are provided for and protected. I love you. Please trust me."

Lissa looked into his eyes. She felt his sincerity. She touched his face. She leaned forward and kissed him. Shane opened his mouth and kissed her tenderly savoring the taste of her soft lips. 

Gently, he suckled on her bottom lip and heard her moan. "Mmhh, Lissa baby, you taste so good." He kissed her deeper. His hands moved down to her thighs and squeezed. "I want you, my sweet honey." He lifted her in his arms, carried her to his bed and gently laid her down. 

He lifted her night gown over her shoulders and head. His gaze went straight to her abdomen. It still looked flat. He cupped her breasts, they were perky and beautiful. He massaged them gently. Lissa moaned and closed her eyes. 

"Oh Shane, I love how you touch me," she told him. "But are you sure?" She opened her eyes, lifted herself on her elbows and looked at him. Shane bent his head and gently suckled each nipple. He couldn't explain it but he felt a strong 'pull' between them. Lissa leaned her head back and moaned softly. His lips on her sensitive nipples felt so good. 

Shane sensed a deeper need to be with her. "I don't think I can help myself, Lissa. It's like you're pulling me in." He gently touched her tummy, spreading his fingers. "I feel drawn to you in a strong way." He captured her lips and kissed her deeply. After a minute of kissing, and they were both swooning with desire, Shane came over her and gently pressed her body down on the bed. 

"Baby, I want you to know that whatever happens I am going to be here with you, to protect you, love you, satisfy you in every way I can." He bent his head and kissed her neck gently. 

Lissa touched his head, stroking it slowly. "I love you, Shane," she whispered almost in awe. She could feel what he was talking about, this strange need to be close to him. She circled her arms around his neck and kissed him more fervently. 

Shane groaned and kissed her, knowing that he was about to make love to her. He daintily flicked his tongue on her parted lips. Lissa opened her mouth wider for him and moaned. As he slipped his tongue inside, he lovingly caressed her breasts. "Mmhh," he moaned. Lissa arched her body up to receive his caresses. His touch and body odour were doing things to her she couldn't explain. 

He stood up from the bed and pulled off his clothes quickly, dropping them on the floor. Lissa's gaze automatically dropped to his arousal. She bit her bottom lip in anticipation. "Lissa, I'm a little sweaty. I'm gonna take a shower, okay?" Shane said. 

But Lissa was loving his sweaty smell, it wasn't offensive to her.  On the contrary, she felt very turned on by it. His body scent mingled with the cologne he was wearing was intoxicating. "No Shane, it's okay. Come make love to me. I don't mind," she said biting her lower lip. 

Shane watched as she began seductively rubbing her hands on her thighs. "Come quench this fire inside me, please. I need you," she said. She was making soft, sexy noises and biting her bottom lip. She was so seductive, so tempting. He wanted to have her but ...

"Are you sure?" he asked her. He would feel better being fresh for her.

She nodded, licking her lips. She was going crazy. She needed him to come and fill her up. "Come give it to me. Fill me up," she said softly. She groaned, closing her eyes. When she opened them, they took his breath away. In her gaze, Shane saw the confirmation he needed. He climbed on the bed and came to her. He lay on top of her as she called his name in a sensual, breathy way. Closing his eyes, he captured her lips.  

Opening his eyes, he bent his head and lovingly cupped her breasts as he suckled on them gently. He closed his eyes again, savoring the delicate, feminine scent of her skin, and the feel of her hardened nipples in his mouth. Lissa was making soft whimpering noises that were a strong turn for him. 

Raising himself up slightly, he moved one hand down to gently part her legs. He caressed her gently, realising that she was already wet for him. With the other hand he stroked her face, looking at her. The hand that stroked her intimately moved up to rest on her waist.

Lissa looked at Shane and wondered what he was thinking. He was stroking her face gently and staring at her.  "Is everything okay?" she asked him.  He kissed her tenderly. "I love you," he said. "I'm going to marry you one day."

Lissa felt her heart race. The way he was looking at her and the words he said broke the last defensive wall she had up. A tear slid down her face. Shane gently brushed his thumb against her cheek. She touched his wrist. "I love you," she whispered. 

Shane moved his hand down again, parted her moist folds and slipped his finger inside her. Slowly, he moved it in and out of her. Lissa moaned softly, biting her lower lip. "Ohh baby. Shane, I love you," she breathed. 

Shane lay beside her, kissing her slowly and tenderly not wanting to rush what they were doing. They would certainly get to work late that morning, but he really didn't care. He was caught up in these feelings Lissa was bringing out of him. 

He moistened his lips and began trailing soft kisses from her lips to her cheek, down to her neck and collar bone. He moved his lips across to her shoulder and bit gently into it. Lissa's breathing became more shallow. She closed her eyes. 

He climbed on her, stretching the full length of his body on top of her. While supporting himself on his elbows, he looked into her eyes. "Baby, look at me," Shane said. She looked up at him. He planted soft little kisses on her lips. With each feathery kiss, he groaned softly. Lissa felt like she was losing her mind. His lovemaking was beyond her expectations. 

He paused to look at her. "I love you," he said softly. Lissa could feel the sincerity behind his words. She closed her eyes savoring the beautiful emotions fluttering in her chest. He touched her face, she opened her eyes. "I want you to look at me when I'm making love to you. I want you to see how much I want you; how much I love you and how you're driving me crazy." 

He rested his hand on her hip, moved it up to her waist, then seductively up to cup the swell of her right breast. He squeezed her gently and groaned. "Mmhm, so beautiful," he said, his voice deep and raspy. Lissa moaned, biting her lip. Oh gosh he's driving me crazy! 

"Baby, promise you'll keep your eyes open for me," Shane said. "I want to look into your beautiful eyes when I'm making love to you." Lissa knew it would be difficult but she would try. "I'll try. When you touch me it's hard not to close my eyes and savor everything you do to me."

He smiled at her. "I know, but even if you can't keep it open all the time, try to as much as possible for me. I love looking into your sexy eyes." he replied. Lissa blushed. "Okay, I will try," she told him. He lowered his face to hers and kissed her passionately. The hand that cupped her breast teased her nipple. Lissa moaned softly in response. 

Gently, he used his knee to part her legs. He moved his body down making a trail of kisses from her lips, neck, voluptuous breasts, down to her belly. He kissed her tummy repeatedly. Lissa was beside herself with desire. She was moaning his name over and over. 

He moved further down until his head and shoulders were between her thighs. She opened her legs wider for him, her knees bent. Gently, he kissed her moist lips and heard her cry out sharply. He looked up and saw her biting her lip and panting softly. She was looking at him, her mouth slightly open. 

Smiling roguishly at her, he used his fingers to gently part her outer folds. He looked at her. "You're beautiful, Lissa. Perfect," he told her. He kissed her mound gently, then used his tongue to lick her most sensitive spot slowly, creating a deliberate rhythm while stroking her with his tongue. As her little nub hardened he suckled it gently. 

Lissa was whimpering and calling his name. Shane groaned as he listened to her. Oh gosh! She tastes so damn good!  "Mhh," he grunted. He closed his eyes concentrating on the strange flavor blessing his tongue. It was different but so good. Shane groaned. "Mmh ... Lissa you taste so good!" He wrapped his arms around her thighs, gripping her in place. 

"Mmhm," he groaned. "Sweet baby," he growled, then continued to pleasure her. Lissa moaned. His lips and tongue on her intimate, delicate area made her weak. It felt really good. She could feel erotic sensations building inside her. "Oh god Shane, don't stop please! Ohh yes! Ahh!"

She was getting very wet. He opened his eyes and watched her reaction to his lovemaking. "Mmhh, Lissa you're like an ocean down here. Can't wait to dive in," he moaned as he used his fingers to gently caress her. "Sweet Lissa, your sweetness is so good. So wet. Baby, you taste so good." He heard her breathing accelerate and her whimpers become more insistent. He licked her again increasing the pace of his strokes, and heard her moan louder and cry out his name. While she climaxed, he groaned; squeezing her thighs. and licking her as fast as he could. He heard her scream, and grunted feeling good about himself. 

When he came to lay on top of her, he listened to her soft whimpers. "Shane, oh god, please, you're driving me crazy. Give your dick to me now please," she pleaded. 

Shane chuckled. "Your wish is my command," he told her. He penetrated her slowly, teasing her. She groaned deeply. Feeling frustrated, Lissa reared up, gripped his buttocks and pulled him down on her. Surprised by her touch, he thrusted hard inside her. Lissa jerked and moaned from the impact. "Now! I want it now!" she moaned. 

Feeling hot because of how she was behaving, Shane plunged deep and hard into her. Lissa moaned and circled her arms and legs around him. He stroked deep inside her, rocking back and forth, his thrusts fervent and passionate. 

His breathing was shallow and rushed, as he was unable to control the fiery sensations building quickly inside him. "Lissa, forgive me," he moaned. 

Lissa stared at him. He looked deeply into her eyes. Their eyes locked for a minute, and Lissa knew within her that she had found the man she was meant to be with.  She closed her eyes, wanting to savor everything that was happening between them. 

Shane felt something change inside him when he looked into her eyes, but was too caught up in the sensual act to process it. He moved faster and harder inside her. He was breathing heavily and moaning her name. 

Lissa could feel his body trembling slightly. She knew he was near his climax. She began to breathe deeply. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on his delicious strokes inside her. He was going harder than usual but they felt really good. He reached down, gripped and squeezed her butt. Lissa whimpered loudly.

Breathing deeply, she tried to focus on him and allowed herself to just think of him on top of her: His musky, sexy body odour, his powerful thrusts and the weight of his muscular body on her. She felt beautiful tendrils of pleasure building inside her loins. She focused on them, willing her body and mind to act as one. 

As she felt sharp, sensuous ripples of pleasure, she called his name. She cried out and moaned loudly. While her body was caught up in erotic release, she felt Shane jerk and tremble above her. She heard him calling her name, telling her he loved her. 

Lissa opened her eyes and watched him. She saw him bite his lip, closing his eyes. She also noted the look of relief on his face. Feeling very satisfied, she closed her eyes and smiled.

****

After they both showered, Shane helped her finish breakfast. Lissa put on her night gown. Shane decided to go shirtless, but wore a pair of navy blue shorts. While they sat around the dining table and ate, Lissa reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing it. She clasped her hand in his and continued eating. Shane smiled at her. "Have you taken my hand hostage?" he asked her amused. 

Lissa laughed softly. "I want to touch you," she told him. 

Shane leaned forward, brought their clasped hands up to his face and kissed the back of her hand. Lissa grinned. "I wish I could stay home with you today," she said. She was already an hour late. He kissed her hand again. "I know. I wish we could, but duty calls," he said ruefully. 

"I have two weeks coming up in July. Do you think you could take leave that time too?" Lissa asked.

"I was actually thinking of taking leave in December, if possible." He gazed at her intently. "Yeah, I think I could ask for it. How many weeks?" he asked.

"Two weeks," was her reply. 

"I can put in a request for a month, and you can stay with me here, especially if you are," he said, looking at her tummy. Lissa blushed. She pulled his hand towards her face so she could lean on it and kiss it. Shane was touched by her romantic gestures. Who knew that this stern looking, but beautiful woman would have such a soft, mushy side? He loved it!

He got up, took up their plates and porridge bowls, put them together with the tea mugs, and brought them to the kitchen sink. He deposited them inside carefully. She watched him. "I'll get to those when we get home, but right now, we are so late," he said chuckling. 

He went into the bedroom with Lissa following close behind him. They got dressed, looking at each other. Shane blew kisses at her as he watched her put on a bra. She was already wearing panties. She put on an aqua green silk blouse and a pair of denim colored slacks and a jacket that was a darker shade of teal. 

He thought she looked gorgeous. It actually fit her beautiful skin tone. He was also happy to see that the cut of the suit was more complimentary to her figure. Her hair that she would usually allow to flow loosely on her shoulders was neatly brushed into a tight bun at the nape of her neck.  "I like this suit on you," he told her. "Very sexy."

Lissa chuckled. She watched him get dressed in the standard JCF gear. He walked into his closet and retrieved his service belt. He secured it around his waist. It already held his baton. He left her and went into the bathroom to retrieve his gun. She looked at him with eyebrows raised. "It's best you don't know where I put it," he told her. He holstered it in place on his belt and looked at her. 

He stretched out his hand to her, she took it. He walked with her like that to the door. Using his free hand, he opened the front door for them. He released her hand so she could slip through before him. He locked the door. Shane unlocked the car so she could sit inside. 

Earlier, while Lissa was in the shower, he parked the car just outside the gate. He sat in his car and got comfortable around the wheel, also adjusting his seat. He started the car and drove off quickly. 

They arrived at work at 9:30 a.m. As she was about to exit the car, he pulled her back and gently kissed her lips. He groaned softly. "Take you to lunch or maybe dinner?" he asked.

Lissa nodded. She looked at him still feeling in awe that they were together and she was definitely falling in love with him. She closed her eyes and touched her forehead to his. Shane lifted his head and kissed her brow. He released her and she reluctantly stepped out of the car. 

He drove off to park his vehicle. Lissa watched as he drove away. Sighing happily, she walked into the station and signed herself in. She was so late!  But at the same time, being with him those last few hours was so worth it.  

After they made love, he held her close. When he got up from the bed to pee, he kissed her belly and rubbed it gently. She giggled like a school girl while he played with her: kissing her neck, eyelids, corner of her lips and cheeks. He tickled her and laughed when she tried to do it back to him. He was able to overpower her, but he was gentle with his strength. 

Lissa was swooning with desire for him, but decided not to make a move since he was trying to lighten the mood between them. After he left to use the bathroom, Lissa lay back and thought of the prospect of having babies with him. She was a little nervous about it. She knew Shane, but she also didn't really know him. She knew nothing about his family or anything like that. 

When he got back from the bathroom he gathered her in his arms, tucking a pillow before him, so she could lean on him with added comfort. "To support your back," he had told her. They decided that he would buy a home kit pregnancy test on their way home. She was really nervous about that. This was a life changing thing. A part of her hoped she wasn't pregnant, but a part of her wanted to be. She was curious about the kind of dad Shane would be.

Lissa smiled at Sudanie as she walked past her. She observed her friend's curious stare but didn't care. For the first time in a while she felt happy. She opened her office door and stepped inside. She placed her bag in one of the metal desk drawers. She opened another drawer and took out the folder with the details of her first client for the day. 

The appointment was running late, but she was grateful. If the young lady came in when she was supposed to, Lissa would not have been here to greet her. After forty minutes more of waiting, the young woman knocked on the door. Lissa looked up and smiled at her. "Chantelle?"

The young woman smiled shyly. "Yes," she said. 

"Okay. Welcome." She broadened her smile, trying to reassure her. "Have a seat." 

Chantelle came into the room and sat on the chair before Lissa. She looked around the room. Lissa observed her quiet, wary behavior. Lissa smiled pleasantly at her. She leaned back into her chair and observed her. 

There was a clear glass bowl she regularly filled with sweets on her desk. Lissa took up a sweetie, a strawberry flavored one and carefully pulled off the wrapper. She said nothing, allowing the silence to draw out a little. With her head down as she focused on the sweetie wrapper she listened to the young woman's breathing. She must be very nervous, Lissa thought. Why? 

Chantelle was sixteen years old. She was the daughter and only child of a parent who was the sibling of a police officer. She was a straight 'A' student but then five months ago her grades began to fall and both her parents and the concerned aunt were worried. Lissa popped the sweet in her mouth. Using her tongue, she rolled it around in her mouth to release the tangy flavor. 

She lifted her gaze and looked at her client. "Would you like a sweetie?" Lissa asked, smiling at her. At first it looked as if she was going to say no, but then Chantelle nodded. "Okay, thank you," she replied. Lissa smiled at her. "Go ahead. Dip your hand in and take any sweetie you want, and you can take any amount you want," she told her. 

Chantelle leaned forward and looked into the bowl. She picked out two red ones (strawberry flavored) and two green ones (Granny Smith apple flavored). Lissa watched the teenager carefully as she opened one of the green ones first and put it in her mouth. She saw Chantelle grimace at the sour taste at first then started moving the sweet around in her mouth, seemingly enjoying the flavor. 

"Your aunt Jasmine asked me to speak with you," Lissa said. "She mentioned that you may be having a little difficulty. She and your parents are concerned because your grades have dropped sharply." She waited for the young woman's response. Chantelle looked down at her hands. Lissa waited for a minute then took up the girl's file and placed it in her desk drawer. She leaned forward. 

"Would you like some water?" she asked her. Chantelle looked up and smiled slightly. "Yes, thank you," she replied politely. There was a mini fridge in her office behind her desk. Lissa stood up, went to it and took out two chilled, bottled waters. She walked back to her desk and handed one to the teenager. Lissa sat down and opened her bottle. 

She watched as Chantelle opened hers quickly then gulped down a few sips. Lissa took a few short sips of her water then closed the bottle and rested it on her desk. "You can put your bottle on the desk also, okay?" She softened her tone towards her. Chantelle nodded. She was still drinking water. When she was done she placed the bottle on the desk as Lissa instructed her. 

"Nervous?" Lissa asked. 

Chantelle nodded. Lissa smiled. "Understandable," she quipped. "Being sent to speak with a total stranger will make anyone nervous. Tell you what, let's not do the client-counsellor thing, okay. You don't have to talk if you're not comfortable. We can do something else." She looked around her. 

Luckily, there was a card game she and Chantelle could play. The game was called Taboo. It was a box decorated in purple and green with a smiling face having its mouth covered. She looked at Chantelle, "Could you hand me that box over there?" Lissa pointed to the Taboo box. 

Chantelle got up, took up the box from the filing cabinet and brought it to her table. She handed it to her. The long sleeve of the blouse she was wearing shifted up a little. Alarmed, Lissa noticed light marks on Chantelle's wrist. She tried not to show a reaction. 

She took the box and smiled at her, she hoped cheerily. She opened the game and began explaining how it worked. "The cards have two sides green and purple. Players choose to ask questions from either side, no restrictions. There's a particular word that your audience must be able to get so you can win ..." Oh yeah, she thought, there needed to be teams. 

Lissa rose to her feet. She wondered if any of her colleagues would be available to help. Lissa knew from personal experience what those marks on her wrist meant. "Give me a minute," she told her client. She opened her door and stepped outside. Walking away a little, she leaned against the wall and tried to control her breathing. She closed her eyes. 

Sudanie walked up to her. She had just come from traffic control duties. She touched her arm. Lissa opened her eyes. "You okay?" Sudie asked. Lissa smiled weakly. "Mhm, yeah I am," she said. 

Sudie, do you have any time now?" Lissa asked her friend. 

Sudanie looked at her puzzled. "I may. Why?" she asked

"I need your help. It may be a matter of life or death," Lissa said, her heart pounding. Sudanie looked at her shocked. She nodded with a grave expression on her face. "Okay," she replied. "I'll help you."

Lissa smiled at her. "Do you know if Shane is here or he's gone on duty elsewhere?"

Sudanie shook her head. "No, he's here. Supe told him to finish up the paperwork he had outstanding since he came in late," she told her.

Lissa felt her heart sink. She closed her office door and walked towards where Shane's desk was. She touched his arm. He looked up at her and smiled. He was happy to see her. "I'm sorry. I heard." she said ruefully.

Shane shook his head. "It's fine. I have some files and reports I needed to complete. Not a problem, honey," he told her. She looked into his eyes. "You sure? I could say something to him, maybe say you were helping me commute to work because my usual ride is no longer available. That's not a lie." 

Shane shook his head. "That would bring up a myriad of questions. Questions I prefer to be the one to answer not you, for both our careers' sakes," he answered. Lissa nodded. She flashed a smile at him. 

"I can help you with those reports. I type very fast and can take dictation very well. In exchange, I need a little help," she said.

Shane saw Constable Walker coming up behind Lissa. He leaned back and looked at them both. "Uh uhh ... What are you guys up to?" he asked amused. Lissa grinned at him. "Pretty please, I need you guys to help me play a game. I have a new client, it's actually Sargent Jasmine Lewis' niece."

Shane became alert. "Chanty is here?" he asked. Lissa was surprised. She nodded. "You know Chantelle?" Shane nodded. "Long story," he told her. He stood up. "Where is she?" 

"In my office," Lissa said looking at him curiously. Shane walked passed both women over to Lissa's office and opened the door. Lissa heard a shriek. Her eyes met the curious gaze of Sudanie. 

They both walked back to Lissa's office. They looked in to see Chantelle lifted in Shane's arms and being spun around slowly. Shane was smiling and so was Chantelle. Shane put her down and playfully rubbed the young girl's head. She had naturally tresses plaited in flat twists. 

"Uncle Shane, I'm so glad to see you!" Chantelle said animatedly. "I didn't know you worked at this station." She sat down on the other chair in the room while Shane perched his butt on Lissa's desk. "Aunty still says she misses you," she beamed. Shane chuckled. He looked up and saw Lissa's expression. His smile dropped a little. Lissa walked in with Sudanie behind her. 

Chantelle smiled at them both. She was like a totally different person. "Okay Chantelle, this game needs team mates, so I have commandeered Constable Walker and uncle Shane" Lissa's voice dripped with sarcasm as she called Shane 'uncle Shane', "to assist with playing the game." Shane picked up on her tone. He looked at Lissa, "Explain later," he mouthed to her quietly. Lissa nodded. 

Lissa sat at her desk while Shane went for two more chairs for himself and Sudanie to use. They played the game for a full hour with Shane and Chantelle being a team and Sudanie being Lissa's teammate. They had a great time. Shane and Chantelle won four games out of six for first time players. Lissa decided to let them win to build confidence in her young client and break the ice. 

After the game was over, she thanked Sudanie and Shane for helping her. Sudanie smiled and said, "No problem," then left. But Shane, before he left, hugged Chantelle and told her, "Please say 'hi' to your aunt for me." Chantelle nodded and said, "I will." 

Shane deliberately reached out and touched Lissa's hand resting idle on the desk. He squeezed it and asked, "Lunch 1:30?" Lissa nodded. He winked at her then left her alone with Chantelle. She wondered if that display of affection was for her or for Chantelle.  Chantelle smiled at her. "So you and uncle Shane are, you know ... ?"

Lissa chuckled. "We're very good friends." 

"Oh, okay," Chantelle said smiling. "My aunt and uncle Shane were very very good friends, but it never worked out."

Lissa nodded. "I see." She leaned back in her chair. She took another sweetie from the bowl, pulled off the wrapper, resting it temporarily on the table. She put the sweetie in her mouth. "So, what do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies?"

Chantelle's smile broadened. 

****

At 1:30 p.m. Shane came for her and they drove to a small little cook shop/restaurant in Three Miles. They stepped into the small restaurant and Shane greeted Ms Mavis with a smile and kissed her cheek. The middle aged woman chuckled and slapped him on his shoulder. 

He put his arm around Lissa, "Aunty, this is my girlfriend Melissa, but you can call her Lissa," he told her. The woman smiled radiantly at her. Lissa felt very welcome. She smiled back at her. "Nice to meet you Lissa," she said. "My God-nephew told me he had someone he wanted me to meet," she said looking her up and down. Lissa wasn't offended by her close observation of her. She was very protective of her loved ones too. 

Mavis looked at Shane. "You come for the special?" she asked him. Shane smiled broadly then turned to Lissa. "The special is like a three course meal experience, so you get an appetizer which could be soup, the main course and then a dessert, which can be a cup of ice cream, small, medium or large. Lissa nodded that she understood. 

Mavis led them upstairs to the balcony that was partially covered by thatch looking roof and very large patio umbrellas. She seated them under an umbrella and gave them a menu printed on paper. 

Lissa smiled at her and looked at it. "I want conch soup but a small cup. I haven't had that in a while. For lunch I'll try the barbi-fry chicken, potato salad and rice and peas. She handed the menu to Shane. He gave it to Mavis. "Give me my usual for lunch and as an appetizer I'll have saltfish fritters." Mavis made a note in a small notepad. "Dessert?" Mavis asked. Lissa shook her head no. Shane smiled. "Sure," he said. "Two slices of your special potato pudding. I think Lissa will like it." Lissa was about to protest, but Shane captured her hand and kissed it tenderly. She folded. "Okay, but I won't eat my slice now." Shane nodded then said, "Understood."

Mavis smiled at them cheerfully. "And for beverage?" she asked. Lissa smiled. "I'll just have a cranberry water, please," she told her. Mavis nodded. She looked at Shane. He smiled up at her. "A pineapple soda," he said. Mavis nodded. "Okay," she said. She grinned at them then went downstairs. 

Lissa looked at Shane curiously. "Is she your real aunt?" she asked. He shook his head. "My church aunty from my mom and dad's church, but she's also like a God-aunt if there's such a thing. My mom asked her and she agreed." He smiled at her. Her stomach flipped over as she looked at his sexy smile. 

"You never told me you were a twin," she said. Shane's sexy smile broadened. Oh gosh my tummy is doing nervous cartwheels now. She felt slightly nauseous. She lowered her gaze from him and looked at the cute design of the table cloth. Shane noticed that she looked uncomfortable. He reached over and touched her hand again. "Lissa? Is something wrong? Have I upset you in some way?"

"No, no," she paused and looked up at him. "I kinda feel nauseous," she told him. He got up and moved his chair closer to her. "Really?" he asked her. He sat down again, looking at her, concerned. 

"Mhm," she responded. He put his arm around her shoulder, rubbing her arm gently. "Is it really bad?" he asked. 

"No, not really, just a slight upset," she answered. 

"Do you want me to tell her to hold off on the barbi-fry and give you soup instead?" he asked. "She can give it to you in a dining bowl?"

Lissa sighed. "I saw something on the menu about steamed fish. Could I get that instead?" she asked.

He nodded. "Sure, I'll tell her," he said. As he rose to go down stairs, she held on to his hand. "Tell her if she can put a little garlic in it for me, just not too much, okay?" she said. Shane nodded. "Okay." He squeezed her hand then went downstairs. Lissa rested her back on the chair. She leaned her head back and tried to breathe deeply. She was feeling anxious now.

After five minutes, he returned with a cup filled with ginger tea. He placed the cup with a saucer before her. "Compliments of our host," he said chuckling. Lissa smiled at him as he sat down. She lifted the cup off the saucer and sipped the hot tea slowly. Shane looked at her. 

"Not too sweet?" he asked. 

"No," she said shaking her head. 

"I'll make sure we get that test, okay?"

Lissa nodded. She sipped the tea carefully. "Tell me about your brother?" she said.

He leaned back, putting his arm behind her on the chair. "Well, I'm Shane, he's Shaun," he said feeling amused. "We were born two minutes apart. I came out first, but he acts like he's the older one." He smiled as he thought of him.  He touched his chest and said, "Shane David Crosby, he's Shaun Daniel Crosby." Shane chuckled. 

Lissa saw the affection in his eyes when he spoke of his sibling. She was glad that his relationship with his twin was a good one. "Do you think he would like me?" she asked. She couldn't help it. If she was pregnant, she would have to meet his family soon. Shane turned his torso towards her. He touched her face. "Yes, he will love you and so will my parents. They are traditional people, but they are also open minded. It's a weird combination. They will love you," he told her.

"Any more siblings? she asked him. 

Shane smiled then shook his head. "No," he said, "daddy wanted more, but mommy was like two is enough. If she got pregnant again there might be four kids to raise so she said a hard 'no'." He laughed softly when he remembered his mom telling him why there were only the two of them. 

"How many do you want?' Lissa asked him, thinking she may be making two for him right now. He smiled lovingly at her. "I want my woman to decide that. I want as many as she can manage to bear for me. So if it's one or two or three or four I'll be happy." 

Lissa turned her body towards him. She was in love with this man. "Okay, point taken, but how much would you ideally like?" she asked, looking at him pointedly. Shane saw her stare and chuckled. He sighed happily. "I want four, two sets of twins if possible: boy twins then girl twins or vice versa, but God is the blesser, so whatever He gives me I will be content." He placed his right hand on her tummy and rubbed it gently. 

Lissa closed her eyes. "If you're making a baby or babies inside here, I'll love him, her or them because first of all they come from God, and also because they are a part of you and me," he said. His voice was soft and comforting to her ears. She opened her eyes and looked at him. She reached over and hugged him. Shane moved his left arm from behind her and circled both arms protectively around her. 

Their lunch came ten minutes later. They ate, smiled and chatted with each other. Lissa saw that Shane's 'usual' meal was stewed beef with mashed potatoes and steamed pak choi. Mavis gave her two pieces of steamed bammy with the steamed pink snapper fish. She had to admit that the food was delicious.

He revealed that his birthday was that Saturday. She was pleasantly surprised and wondered what she should get him for his birthday. He asked her if she wanted to meet his brother. He was going to spend a couple hours with his sibling to celebrate their birthday. But he also wanted to spend time with her. Lissa agreed. She had to meet members of his family sooner or later.

He also explained that he had a place he needed to be on the Saturday morning. "I visit this place two Saturdays out of each month," he told her. "And it is a good way to celebrate my birthday. I want you to come with me."

Lissa was curious. "Where is this place?" 

"Some place special to me," he replied, being cryptic. He smiled at her. "When I take you there I'll explain," he said. 

Lissa started to sip the now warm tea. "And what about Officer Lewis?" she asked. Shane chuckled. He was waiting for her to say something about her. "Jasmine and I graduated from the academy together," he said.

"There was a natural attraction between us. We later found out we were assigned to the same station. Our relationship blossomed into something more intimate but her parents never liked me. They wanted her to be a lawyer but she chose to be a police officer, because she felt she could make a greater impact by serving in the Force. When they found out about me they were livid. At the end of the day, she chose to end our relationship and I had to respect her wishes," he said. "Later on she asked to be transferred to a different station."

Lissa rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry," she said softly. 

Shane nodded. "That's water under the bridge," he said. "I've moved on." He leaned his head to rest on hers. He stroked her face. "Was that when you became a player?" she teased him. Shane thought about it. He never saw it that way, but he did explore more connections with multiple women after that. "Yes, partially," he said. "I believe so. I was in love with her." He grimaced. "I'm not proud of the things I did back then. I'm just glad that phase of my life is over," he said.

"When did you decide that being a Christian was the right thing for you?" she asked, intrigued. Shane sipped his drink. "I've always been God-fearing. My parents are Christians and would take me to Sunday School. My dad is actually a church elder. I guess you could say I'm sort of like a prodigal son," he said chuckling. 

"But one day I got up, I literally got up and felt tired with my life and the way I was living. I felt restless and sick to my stomach about how I was living my life. I spoke to my dad about it and he reminded me that I was made for more than the tawdry pleasures I was numbing my pain with. 

"I went to church one Sunday and the pastor was teaching about making sacrifices for those you love and brought it back to Christ and His sacrifice. I listened and realized that I had to let my guard down and stop running away from the pain and face it. 

"I was hurting because I felt rejected by Jasmine's family, and her, but I was also trying to prove something to myself, that I didn't care. But I did. I felt a way when I hurt the women I was with, but I couldn't admit it. I also hurt myself and made my life empty and meaningless. So, I went to the altar when the preacher asked if someone was here who was tired of living the same old life and wanted a change. I prayed for God's forgiveness and I haven't been the same since then." 

Lissa touched his hand and squeezed. "I'm glad you've found some peace," she told him. Lissa thought of all the things she had been through, from seventeen years old to the present. "Do you think He can heal and mend my broken pieces?" she asked sadly. Shane lifted his head. He looked at her. "Yes, yes He can," he replied kissing her brow. 

"I know by Christian standards what we did earlier and the other times before is a sin," she admitted. "I'm not very religious, but I understand the need to believe in more than this existence, and that there may be a creator who is aware of what's happening in our lives."

Shane sighed. "I actually wanted to talk to you about this. In the beginning, it was never my intention for us to cross the line. I wanted to date and court you without the physical being introduced, but at the same time I really want you. I've wanted you since I saw you five years ago." Shane clasped her hands in his. "Lissa, I'm not proud of the things we did earlier. It was wrong, straight. And I would like us to hit the reset button, whether you're pregnant or not. We haven't done a great job of it, but I want us to wait."

He smiled slightly at her. "Also, thank you for trusting me enough to tell me about your past, the trauma you went through." He touched her face. "I love you. I want you to feel safe confiding in me. I also want you to really think about what a loving relationship looks like for you. You know, what do you want from this relationship?

"I'm not Derrick. When I'm in love, I wear my heart on my sleeve, so to speak. I'm very affectionate. I love passionately and I want my woman to be comfortable with that. And, I want my woman to reciprocate wholeheartedly. I don't want her to hold back her affection from me. 

"Lissa, I want you to receive all my love and give me back the same energy in return: cuddles, kisses, being very affectionate. I want you to love me as I am, and accept me unconditionally, because Lissa that's how I want to love you," he told her.

Lissa listened to what he said. No man had ever been open with her like this. She was touched by his words. Strong emotions were stirring in her chest. Her eyes began to water. She blinked as a tear slid down her left cheek. She nodded. She understood everything he said. "Yes I want that too. I want to be held and be wrapped up in a kind of relationship where I can just be silly and passionate with my partner, and not feel judged. I want to be romanced," she said with a sigh.

He was happy to hear all she said. She was definitely the kind of woman he wanted. Shane saw the lone tear, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek.  He tasted her salty tear, and pulled her to him, holding her close. While holding her, his eyes noticed his watch. He looked at the time. They only had five minutes left before their lunch hour ended. He rubbed her back. "We have to get back now," he told her. She nodded. 

Shane stood up and moved off slowly. Lissa rose to her feet as well. But to take the next step she felt wobbly. "Shane!" she said. Shane noted the alarm in her voice. He looked back at her. "Lissa?" 

Lissa felt dizzy. She stretched out her hands to him. Shane hurried to her side. "What is it?" he asked. He placed a hand at her lower back.

Lissa felt like the place was spinning. She tried to step forward but her legs felt weak. Her tummy was doing half a dozen flips and she felt light headed. "I feel weak and dizzy," she said.

"Okay, sit down," Shane said. Lissa sat down. Shane sat with her. He took out his phone and called Constable Walker. "Sudanie, it's Shane, Sarge Crosby, yeah. I'm on the road with Lissa. She's not feeling well. I'm going to take her to the hospital. 

"Yeah. Do me a favor. I have some files in my Current Tasks folder on my desktop. You'll see the thumbnail. Print those out for me, and hand them to Mrs Chambers." Shane chuckled. "Password is Chacha Bwoy, c-h-a-c-h-a b-w-o-y, caps for the 'c' and the 'b'. Yes, and tell Supe there's an emergency with Lissa and I am taking her to the hospital. So we may not be back to work today. I'm gonna stay with her until I get someone to see her. Okay?" He paused until Sudanie finished responding. "Thanks Sudie. Yeah, sounds about right. See you tomorrow. Yeah, I will let you know." He ended the call. 

He looked at Lissa. He spoke to her tenderly, "Lissa, baby, how do you feel now?" Lissa sighed. "Feeling a little better, but still dizzy, not as bad as before," she replied leaning her head on him. He kissed her forehead. "Okay, let's go." 

Slowly, he stood up with her and helped her down the stairs. He brought her to the car and let her sit with the windows rolled down. He ran upstairs quickly for the pudding slices then paid Mavis for the meals. When he came back to the car, Lissa was on the phone with her mom. "Mommy, Shane is taking me to the hospital. I'm not feeling well. Yes, Shane, you met him Sunday. Mhm, probably University Hospital. Yeah. No, I am staying over with him." 

Lissa looked over at Shane when she heard the engine start up. He glanced at her then focused on driving. "Yeah. I'll be back by Sunday," Lissa told her mom.  "Yes, you will get a chance to talk with him then." Shane saw Lissa's smile as he adjusted the rear view mirror.  "Yes mommy, he is a really nice guy. I love him." Shane smiled happily. That's all he needed to hear.

****

Carli felt elated to be back at work. Her boss seemed to be glad to have her back and her work colleagues were cheerful around her. A few of them even congratulated her on getting married. She was very happy. 

The staff was learning a new oriental dish the restaurant would be introducing to their patrons within the next two weeks. Carli was familiar with it because she had cooked it before, but decided to keep quiet and observe what the Teppanyaki chef, who was on loan from a larger 'sister restaurant' was doing. All he did confirmed that she was on track with her measurements and ingredients prep all along. 

She got the recipe from off the internet so she was skeptical. Now, as she watched him, she was glad the information she got was accurate. Her boss told them that whomever could replicate the guest chef's technique and prepare the recipe to his standard or very close to it would be promoted. Within the next hour there would be a mini competition with the winner being promoted.

Carli was excited. That would mean she would be promoted to Cook B. She would be able to prepare sauces as well as cook meals that the restaurant's customers would get to taste. She wanted this really bad. The Teppanyaki chef took another cut of meat and repeated his steps a second time. Carli watched him carefully. Okay. Got it! she thought. I'm ready!

****

After waiting an hour, Lissa was seen by a Dr. Cheryl Morgan. She brought her into a consultation room and asked her to make herself comfortable. Lissa sat down feeling very nervous. She told Dr. Morgan that she was feeling dizzy and nauseous. Her blood pressure and blood sugar levels were tested. Next, Dr Morgan listened to her heart beat. Lissa mentioned to her that she may be pregnant, so a pregnancy test was done for her. 

After twenty minutes Dr. Morgan entered the room bearing some papers with Lissa's vitals on them. Dr. Morgan sat down, pulled out a bottle of water from her bag and sipped it slowly. 

When she closed it and put it on the table she gave a little sigh.  She looked at Lissa and smiled at her. "Based on the preliminary tests we were able to do today, I'm afraid you may be iron deficient, and based on that and the symptoms you mentioned you may also have a deficiency in vitamins B12 and D." Dr. Morgan looked through the papers before her. 

"Your blood sugar is normal," she told her then paused. "We also did the pregnancy test, and yes based on the hCG hormone levels in your blood, you are pregnant. Is the gentleman who brought you here the dad?" Dr Morgan asked.

Lissa nodded. "Yes, I think so," Lissa said. She felt about 90% confident about that. Derrick usually used condoms, but there was one time a month ago, when he gave in to her advances and pleadings to feel him naturally. Lissa sighed. "I'm not a hundred percent sure. I was with someone before, about a month ago," she admitted.

Dr. Morgan nodded that she understood. "Well, based on the levels of the hormone in your blood, conception may have taken place a few days ago," she told Lissa. Lissa felt relieved. "And the test you did is accurate?" she asked the doctor. Dr. Morgan nodded, "Yes, pretty much."

Lissa felt better. "Okay, thank you," Lissa replied.

"You're welcome, hun." Dr. Morgan answered. She reached inside her desk drawer and took out a prescription pad. "I'm going to prescribe a special type of iron pills as well as a multi vitamin safe for pregnant women to take. You're gonna need to be careful not to over exert yourself. Unfortunately, you'll be pouring into your baby from a depleted cup. You'll need to get more rest and make sure to take the pills I'm prescribing for you as directed. Also, try to eat food rich in iron and lots of veggies. I'm also going to recommend you to an OBGYN here, okay?"

Lissa nodded. She was nervous but also weirdly relieved. Dr. Morgan carefully tore off the paper from the pad and handed it to her. She took out a smaller notepad and wrote the name of the doctor she was recommending to her. "His name is Dr. Morrison," Dr. Morgan said. "He's based at this hospital. When you make an appointment to see him, let them know I recommended you, okay?" Dr. Morgan smiled at her. Lissa nodded smiling back at her. She was glad she met her. She was very kind. "Thank you," Lissa said.

Dr. Morgan stood up and walked her to the door. "Tell your gentleman, he's gonna be a daddy," she told her smiling. Lissa laughed softly, then said, "Will do."

She walked out of the consultation room and entered the waiting area to see Shane scrolling through his phone. She stood before him. Shane looked up at her. He noted the strange look on her face. "Are you?" he asked. Lissa nodded. "Yeah," she said, "you're going to be a daddy." Shane stood up. He was happy. He hugged her tightly. He couldn't believe it! He had tried with someone before, but it never worked out. That was his second attempt at a serious relationship after Jasmine. He released Lissa from his embrace. He took her hand bag from her. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he walked with her to the car.

****

Derrick sat in his office. He looked at his watch. It was 4 o'clock, Lissa would still be at work. He knew what he said, but he was sorry for it. He missed her. He had to admit she was adorable, and they made a good couple. His VP always complimented him on how lovely she was and that she seemed like a level headed partner to help steer him to the top of the success ladder. And yes, she was all those things. 

She was very supportive, very smart and quite loving. He was waiting on that promotion his manager had promised him to marry her. With the promotion he could provide more money for the type of lifestyle he wanted his family to have. Now that he got it, he was eager to share the good news with the only person who would truly understand his struggle, but she was not speaking to him.

He grew up dirt poor from a family living in Clarendon. He would not apologize for working extremely hard to get to where he was and where he wanted to be. He knew Lissa understood hard work. She was also very focused on her career. Maybe the passion that drove them individually was different. For Derrick it was the fear of poverty, for Lissa it was probably her need to help others. 

Since he told her it was over, he hadn't called her. He didn't know what to say. She hadn't called him either. At first, he was cool with that. But the silence between them was getting to him. He needed to see her and touch her. 

Yes, he had resented the fact that she refused to do the threesome with him, and maybe he went too far to say she was bland where making love was concerned. Lissa was a beautiful, desirable woman. He missed hearing her moans. The way she would call his name when he was making love to her always boosted his desire for her. 

Maybe he took her for granted a little. He would drive by her house around 7:30 and talk with her. He missed her. He was seeing someone secretly but this girl was not like Lissa. She wouldn't even cook. Derrick sighed. Lissa would always say she wasn't a good cook like her cousin, but to him Lissa cooked very well, and there was love in every meal she prepared. 

Melody was a pretty girl and quite sound intellectually, but she didn't know how to make 'small talk', and she barely had a sense of humor. She wasn't goofy like Lissa was. She was very beautiful though, almost the model type. She was tall and slender, not as curvy as Lissa. He kinda missed slapping Lissa's butt and hearing the satisfying sound that action would make. Or caressing her beautiful, large breasts.

Yes, Melody was more adventurous in bed, but there was no tenderness in the way she touched him. She was his client's daughter and the father knew about the relationship. In fact, so did his superiors who even encouraged it. But she wasn't Lissa. He needed to get her back. He could forgive her for sleeping with this police guy. He just needed her back. 

****

Shane put away his gun, and removed his service belt, tucking it back in its place in his closet. He went into the bedroom where Lissa was sleeping. After he brought her home, he had gone back on the road to get the pills she was prescribed. 

By the time he got back she had showered and was in the bed sleeping. The iron pills were expensive, but he would give anything she needed to make sure she and their baby or babies were okay. She was carrying his baby. Wow! He was in awe.

As he watched her, he remembered all those nights he prayed that God would give him a woman he could love with all of his heart. Someone he could be vulnerable with. He leaned on the wall and smiled as she turned on her side still asleep. 

He stripped down to his boxer briefs and brought his clothes to the dirty clothes hamper in the bathroom. He stepped into the shower and bathed quickly. Afterwards, he dried off and put on a T-shirt and grey sweat pants. 

He entered the bedroom and watched her for a little bit, then decided to join her. He climbed onto the bed and turned on his side gazing at her. She was beautiful. He wanted to snuggle up to her, but didn't want to disturb her. He closed his eyes and thought about making her his wife very very soon. He fell asleep.

****

Derrick parked his car across the road from Lissa's house and went through the gate. He looked around the yard. He hadn't entered the Dixon's residence in a long while, maybe over a year. 

If he and Lissa got back together that would change. He was missing her to the point of being miserable. He wanted to show her that he really did care about the things that mattered to her, like her family. Maybe he didn't care that much before, but now that he got that promotion he could show her that he did care, at least he could try to care. He knocked on the door. 

Lissa's little brother came to answer. Instead of letting him in, Brandon stepped outside and closed the door behind him. Derrick figured he must have heard about the fight he and Lissa had. He needed to apologize profusely to the family too he guessed. Derrick sighed and smiled awkwardly. "Hi Brandon, how are you?"

Brandon nodded. "I'm good," he replied tersely. 

"I'm looking for Lissa. Would you tell her I'm here to see her?" Derrick asked politely.

Brandon's stone faced expression cracked into a smirk. "She isn't here," he said.

"She's not here?" he repeated. 

"Mhm," Brandon answered. "She's spending time with her new boyfriend."

Derrick was puzzled. New boyfriend? What new boyfriend? Then it dawned on him. That cop! 

"She's seeing her police friend?" Derrick asked to clarify. Brandon nodded. "After the way you treated her, I'm glad I encouraged her to. What you did was downright dirty," Brandon said angrily. His voice dipped low. He didn't want his parents to hear what he was saying. 

Derrick sighed. "Look, it's a misunderstanding. As I told your sister the kiss she saw wasn't a real kiss. The girl was drunk." Brandon's brow became knotted. "What are you talking about? You did something again recently?" Brandon was getting really angry now. Derrick was feeling a little confused. "What ... What are you talking about?" he asked.

"I'm talking about the threesome you asked my sister to be a part of? What the hell are you talking about?" Brandon hissed. He stepped forward towards Derrick who backed away from him. Though Brandon was slender he was very tall, and right now Derrick knew Brandon was very angry at him. 

"What girl did you kiss?" That question came from behind both of them. When they looked around Sandra was standing at the doorway watching them. Derrick knew he was in trouble now. Of all the persons in the family, Lissa's mom was the one who made him feel most welcome. "Mrs Dixon it's just a misunderstanding," Derrick blurted out. 

Sandra stepped away from the door but made sure to close it first. She stepped in front of her son. "A misunderstanding eh? And the word threesome my son just spoke out of his mouth, that was a misunderstanding too?" 

Derrick cleared his throat. "Lissa and I were just toying with the idea, but nothing happened," he told her.

"It never happened because my sister is too much of a decent lady to do that type of thing," Brandon barked. Sandra put up her hand silencing her son. "My daughter has found a new lover and seems to be quite taken with him. She's staying at his house as we speak," Sandra told Derrick. She observed Derrick's eyes widen as he realized he made a grave mistake. 

"But I need to speak with her," he said.

"What for?" Brandon asked angrily. "You broke up with her!"
What?" Sandra said incensed. "You broke up with her? You asked her for a threesome and have the nerve to come back to see her? Look 'ere try yuh best get out of my yard before mi stone yuh out of here."

Derrick tried to flash a charming smile. "Mrs Dixon, please let me explain," he said. Sandra shook her head vehemently. "No, mi nuh waah hear nothing," she said. "Bout yuh cheat on my daughter! Gwaan back weh yaah come from, cause if my husband hear bout this and yuh still deh here, yuh naah guh leave this place with both your legs working. Try gwaan."

Derrick looked at them both wanting to explain. "You heard my wife and son. Leave my premises, I am a licensed firearm holder and I don't go to the shooting range to waste my time," Marcus said walking up quietly behind them. "Leave and do not come back," he growled menacingly.  

Derrick backed away from the family. He wanted to work things out with their daughter and sister, but maybe it was best he moved on. He still had Melody to amuse him. He opened the gate and jumped into his car. He looked at their angry faces then drove off. 

Marcus put his arm around his wife. "Marcus, what if this is my fault? She wanted to break up with him last year and I told her to work it out with him," Sandra said feeling disappointed.

"Mommy, you didn't know ..." Brandon stopped talking.

"Know about what? The threesome?" Sandra asked feeling angry that her children were keeping this type of secret from her.

"What?" Marcus roared. "What are you talking about?"

Sandra folded her arms as she looked at her son. "Brandon is going to explain to us how this thing goes, right Branno?"

Brandon looked at his parents' angry faces and sighed. "Let's go inside then," he said leading the way into the house.

****

Lissa applied for seven days' sick leave and got it. She would also have her medical report faxed over to the station as an official record, but before she did that Shane told her he wanted to speak to Superintendent Dacres about their situation. He called his Superintendent and told him that he needed to speak with him on a sensitive matter. The Supe was quite fond of Sergeant Crosby, he reminded him of himself as a young officer. He scheduled time to see him at 10:30 in the morning. 

Promptly at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, Sargeant Crosby stepped into Superintendent Dacres' office and sat down. The Superintendent offered him a bottled water and Sergent Crosby took it from it. He opened it and gulped down half of it quickly. He thought of Lissa, he was nervous to face his superior, but he needed to do this.

Superintendent Dacres sat across from him. "So tell me what's going on?" he spoke kindly to the young man before him. He could sense his nervousness. He thought of something. "How is Ms Dixon feeling? She applied for a week's sick leave," the Superintendent said observing Sergeant Crosby closely. 

Sergeant Crosby cleared his throat. "Lissa ... Ms Dixon is feeling better. What I have to tell is also in relation to that," he told his superior. "Okay, go ahead," Supe replied.

Sergeant Crosby took a deep breath. "Ms Dixon and I have been very good friends for a long time. Since she started working here as a matter of fact. However, recently we've grown fond of each other in a different way, and in the future it is my intention to marry her."

"So you're seeing each other then?" the Supe asked him.

Shane nodded. "Yes," he said. Superintendent Dacres leaned back in his chair. He nodded. "I have no objection to this. I have always said to myself if you found someone who you could settle down with, you would be an even better officer than you are now. And Ms Dixon is a lovely young woman, very smart and decent." Superintendent Dacres smiled. 

"There is one more thing you should know," Sergeant Crosby said. 

"What's that?" 

Ms Dixon is pregnant ... with my child," Shane said. He waited for his superior's response.

Supe Dacres leaned forward in his chair, his eyebrows raised. "How far along?" he asked.

"Not too long a few days, close to a week, but Lissa's body is sensitive right now because she hasn't really been resting properly."

"I see," Dacres replied. He scratched his stubbly jaw, thoughtfully. He needed a shave. He refocused his attention on Sergeant Crosby "She did come to me recently telling me she needed some time off. I think I can make arrangements for her to get it early if she wants to. I can write a letter to HQ on her behalf if necessary." He observed his young officer's worried face. "After the week has passed tell Lissa if she can come in to work for two more weeks, I'll see if two weeks leave can be arranged early before she takes maternity leave. Okay?"

Shane nodded. "The thing is sir," he said, "she wants me to be there with her during that time."

"For the two weeks?" Supe asked.

Shane nodded. "Yes sir," he said.

Supe sighed. He liked this young man. "You know we need personnel like you who are experienced on the ground. I can give you the two weeks now unofficially with the proviso that when we need you, you'll be available. So kind of an on-call basis, where necessary."

Shane nodded. "Understood sir."

"You're due for thirty days leave, if I'm not mistaken?" Supe asked him.

Shane nodded. "Yes, correct," he answered.

Supe nodded. "If Lissa would wait for July I could give you the month then and the two weeks for her, as I told her," Supe said. "What do you think?"

"Sir, I would love for Lissa to get her time in July, but based on what the doctor is saying that would mean a significant cut back in her workload, if she can't get the time now," Shane replied.

"What did the doctor say?" Supe asked feeling concerned now.

"Lissa is iron deficient and her body needs rest to be able to manage growing the baby. I think the term is burn out sir," Sergeant Crosby said plainly. 

The Superintendent sighed. "Okay. I recommend that she takes the time in July. I'm sorry, but we need her here. But I will agree to a reduced work load. You can also get the thirty days during that time, no proviso, so you can monitor her and make sure she gets her rest."

Shane nodded grimly. "Thank you sir," 

Supe nodded. "I'll let the secretary, Mrs Chambers, file the paperwork for you both, just stop by her office a little later, probably around 2:30 so she can begin the process for you two."

Shane nodded. "Thank you again sir," he said. 

Superintendent Dacres smiled reassuringly at him. "Congratulations Sergeant Crosby. Being a dad is the most important role you'll ever play. I wish you success in it," he told him. Supe looked over at the picture of his two daughters on his desk, his smile widened.

Shane smiled, feeling relieved. "Thank you sir. I will do my best." Shane saluted him then left his mentor's office.

****

Saturday

When Lissa woke up Shane was not beside her, nor was he sleeping on his pull-out couch, but she wasn't concerned. He had told her the night before that he went jogging on Saturday mornings. She sat up, stretched and made the bed. She did laundry in the middle of the week because she had only brought clothes for three days. 

She had also washed the bed sheets they made love on, wanting to keep the space hygienic. When she told Shane she washed the sheets, he kissed her and told her he appreciated her thoughtfulness. She had blushed and replied that she wanted his home to be a comfortable space for both of them. He also helped her make the bed with fresh fitted and flat sheets. 

She was contemplating taking more clothes with her when she went home Sunday but she would ask Shane what he thought of that first. She didn't want to impose, but at the same time, she had this strong desire to be near him: close to him, like under his skin. She was trying her best to temper the feeling. It was new to her too. She never felt this way about anyone else.

She hadn't worn her jeans pants yet. She laid it on the bed and took out the black tank top. He said he was taking her some place very special to him but casual wear was appropriate. She laid out her underwear then went to bathe. 

After ten minutes, she was out of the bathroom and decided to dry off in the bedroom. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her tummy was still flat. Her breasts still looked the same just that her nipples felt sensitive. She touched her breasts. She assessed their heaviness. No more than usual, she thought. Her eyes looked at her hips and thighs. Very soon they would gain more weight. She wondered if Shane would like that. 

She placed the towel on its rack in the bathroom then reentered the bedroom to get dressed. She walked barefoot into the kitchen. She loved cooking. It's just that she knew she wasn't the best cook in her family. In her opinion, aunt Sharon was the best, then Carli, then her own mom, then her dad then maybe her, then Brandon. 

When Carli came to stay with them last year, she decided to take a break from the kitchen. She hadn't been cooking much before, but when her cousin came to live with them, she decided to leave culinary exploits alone. She wasn't as adventurous with food as Carli, but for dishes that were introduced to her that she liked, she was willing to learn how to make them. Usually, she would get them right after the third or fourth attempt. 

She wanted to do a curry goat dish for his birthday dinner, but for breakfast she was wracking her brain trying to figure out what to make. She sighed. Carli would know she thought. Carli! Wait! Wasn't the honeymoon over by now? She went into the bedroom to retrieve her phone. She dialed her cousin's number and listened to the phone ring. 

The phone rang twice then she heard a deep male voice come on the line. "Hello," the voice said. Lissa assumed it was Jason. 

"Cuz in law?" Lissa ventured.

There was a soft thud in the background. The male cleared his throat. "Hey, what's up Lissa? Yeh man, it's me. You kinda woke me up," Jason said sounding hoarse.

Lissa smiled happily. "I am so sorry. I was trying to get Carli. Is she awake?"

She heard Jason chuckle. "Yuh gud man. She's in the kitchen. Early riser like you," he said. Lissa could tell he was smiling. 

"Carli, your cuz Lissa is on the phone," he called out. Lissa heard her faint reply, "Lissa!"

"Yes," Jason said shouting. "She's coming," he said to her.

"So you guys came back when?" Lissa asked.

"From Monday. You know work and so on," he said.

"Okay. Glad you guys are back safe," 

"Yeh man."

"Had a good time?" she asked cheekily. 

Jason chuckled. "Yes, we did," he answered. 

Carli came on the phone sounding happy. "Lissa Bissa, how are you?" Carli said. Lissa chuckled. Carli and Brandon were culprits for turning her name into Lissa Bissa. Her heart felt warm towards her little cousin. 

"Hey girl!" Lissa answered. "You guys back?!"

"Yeah!"

"I'm kinda good, but I need to tell you something," Lissa said then paused, "but for now, I need a little help."

"Oh?" Carli responded. "With what?"

"Today is a friend of mine's birthday and I want to cook something for them," Lissa disclosed.

"Is your friend a he or she," Carli asked cheekily.

Lissa chuckled. Always perceptive, Lissa thought. "It's a he," she said.

"Derrick?" Carli asked.

Lissa was grinning by now. She loved playing this guessing game with her cousin. Okay, she'll reveal something. "No, actually someone else and I think he's better, much better in every way," Lissa said mischievously. 

Lissa heard Carli chuckle. "Is that so? Is it the guy you mentioned some time ago, this Sergeant? The guy you said told you he liked you, but you guys were just friends?" Carli asked.

Lissa laughed softly. Carli actually remembered? That was four months ago. "Yes it's that guy. The guy I told you would just be my friend, that guy. We're seeing each other now," Lissa said smiling. 

"And you say he's better in every way?" Carli asked excited. "Is he, you know?"

Lissa chuckled. "Yes girl!"

Carli screamed happily. Lissa laughed. 

"Wow! So what have you done with Derrick?" Carli asked. She was locked into this conversation. 

"Well, we're no longer together. I'll explain to you when I see you," Lissa replied.

"We should be able to swing by today," Carli said excited to hear more.

"I ... I won't be there today. It's his birthday so I want to spend time with him. Actually, I'm not home. I'm staying with him until tomorrow, and then I'll be back at his house maybe Tuesday or Wednesday, not sure yet," Lissa told her cousin. 

"So I want to wow him. I want to cook something really nice for him. It can be traditional or maybe something different. So I'm consulting my resident chef for advice," she said. 

She heard Carli laugh softly, then asked, "So what will you be cooking later? I know you, you're gonna want to cook him dinner."

Lissa nodded and chuckled. "Yeah, curry goat and maybe white rice. Something simple, but delish."

"Sounds good," Carli said. "Hmm ... you could try some fried dumplings and callaloo or, oh ... you could do callaloo stuffed dumplings. Yes! Try that. Remember, I did that a few times. You remember what I did?" 

Lissa remembered. "Yes, I remember," she said smiling.

"Yeah, try that then," Carli said. "So will you be home on Sunday?" she asked.

"Yeah, I should be," Lissa said, "but call me first, okay?"

"Okay ma'am," Carli said amused.

"Okay, married lady, talk to you soon," Lissa said. She heard Carli laugh, "Okay, Lissa," her cousin answered.

"Please tell Jason it was good to hear from him," Lissa said.

Carli chuckled. "Will do," she said.

Lissa ended the call.

****

Shane was coming up on his road. Saturdays were usually his opportunity to relax and unwind, he loved to jog then do a fast until midday. Since he was due to visit the boys' home by 10 a.m. he would eat something. 

Today was his birthday. A year older, hopefully wiser. It felt like his dreams were coming through. He always said he wanted to be married by thirty-five to the woman of his dreams. Now that he was seeing Lissa, he could say that so far, she seemed like she was indeed the woman he hoped she would be. 

Her being pregnant was an unexpected, but interesting complication that he was happy about. He would have wanted to be married to her first, however he was determined to manage things in a way that made sure she was protected and happy. 

Next week he would shop for an engagement ring, but he wouldn't ask her yet. He would allow more time to pass then he would ask her. She needed to meet his family and he wanted her family to know and trust him. But he loved her, he wasn't going to let her slip through his hands, especially now that she was carrying his child or children. 

As he turned up his road which was a gentle incline he noticed a car that he hadn't seen before. It was a black Nissan Sunny 2022 model. He knew because his cousin Milo had one. However, his car was silver. The vehicle was parked across from his house on his neighbors' side. The funny thing was, he knew the neighbors across the road, they did not own a Nissan. 

They were a family of five people. Mr. Benjamin Hall, a middle aged man who worked at the tax office. His wife Debra Hall was a project coordinator for a construction company. They had three children: Owen, the oldest who was about fifteen or sixteen, Jessica aka Jessie, who was about thirteen and Aaron, age eleven. They owned an SUV and a small hatchback vehicle that Debra drove mostly. 

Shane slowed down and decided to walk as he got closer to his house. His eyes scanned the houses nearby his on either side of the road. Maybe it was just some random person who came to visit family on his road, he thought. 

It was still early, everyone was still inside their homes probably sleeping. He didn't recall seeing the car parked there the night before. Through his living room window he had a clear view of his neighbors' gate. He was also very close to them and had been over to their house before. He didn't recall any of the family he was familiar with driving that type of car. He began to feel uneasy. 

He crossed the road walking cautiously towards the vehicle. Suddenly, he heard the engine start and the car lurch forward. The vehicle sped off leaving dust in the air. He stopped and focused his eyes on the license plate numbers. He memorised them. 

Crossing the road, heading towards his house, he looked at his watch. It was 7 a.m. on a Saturday afternoon in a fairly quiet middle class community, but a strange car happened to be parked across from his house? And then it drove off as he approached? He wondered if the car was a warning to him or if in fact his neighbors were in trouble.

He opened his gate, walked briskly up to his door and opened it. He closed it behind him. He would ask Benji if anything was wrong. Hopefully, he would confide in him. If all was well with him and his family, Shane would have to assume someone was sending him a message. As he walked passed the foyer into the living room he smelt something delicious. He smiled to himself. What is my sweet baby up to? he thought. 

Carli was cleaning off the counter and listening to music via headphones. He walked up behind her and circled his arms around her waist. He looked behind him at the stove and saw something that looked like dumplings, but not quite frying on low heat in deep oil. 

Lissa removed the tiny earphones and turned off the music on her phone, she had tucked in her jeans pocket. She leaned into his embrace. "Have I told you how much I love your touch?" she asked him. Her voice was husky to his ears. "Yes, I believe so, but I love hearing you say it over and over," he said chuckling. Lissa turned around, briefly kissed his lips then walked passed him to tend to her creations. "Happy birthday," she said smiling. Jason saw the look in her eyes and felt grateful. 

Her hair was loose on her shoulders. He touched it gently. He saw Lissa shiver. He loved the way she responded to his touch. "I'm going to clean up," he told her. Lissa nodded but didn't look at him. He came up behind her and gently kissed her neck. He heard her breath quicken. He smiled to himself. Gosh, she's so sensual! He had no clue how Derrick could want another woman in the bedroom with them. To him, Lissa was more than enough. 

He left her and went into the bedroom. He took up his phone from the chest of drawers and typed out the license plate and model of car in a text he sent to a colleague at the Traffic Enforcement Branch. He requested to know if there were any traffic violations on the car and who was the owner of the vehicle. He wouldn't say anything to Lissa just yet, but he would be watchful. He laid the phone on the bed and went to shower. 

****

It was 9 o'clock Shane and Lissa were in his car driving towards this mysterious place that he would tell her about when he got there. He had complimented her profusely on how tasty breakfast was, and realising that she had done it in his honor made it even more special for him. 

She told him that on their way back she wanted to stop at a nearby supermarket to pick up something. She was going to cook him dinner. He wondered what he had done to deserve such a beautiful, humble, kind and sexy woman. One who didn't mind cooking for him. After he had eaten he went into the bathroom and shed light tears. Then he washed his face to come out and face her. He hadn't cried under any circumstance in a long time. But Lissa brought tears to his eyes because of her generosity. 

They were ten minutes out from the boys' home his best friend grew up in, when Shane noticed the same black car he saw earlier, behind them a few cars down. He was alarmed at first, but remembered that he was trained for this. His only concern at this point was his woman and the baby growing inside her. He grabbed her hand and kissed it. "I love you," he told her. She smiled at him and said it back to him. But his mind was thinking of an exit strategy.

He entered the orphanage and parked his vehicle, then opened her car door for her. He put his arm around her and brought her to the front door. Sister Grace opened the door for him. "Shane you are very early, you usually come later!" she said surprised. Shane smiled at the middle aged woman. He looked behind him but did not see the car. No doubt they were parked nearby.        

Sister Grace stepped aside for Shane and his guest to enter the orphanage. "Sister Grace, this is my fiance, Lissa," he said deliberately. The woman's face lit up with surprise. She reached out for Lissa's hand. Lissa took her hand, shaking it all the while looking at Shane. Shane smiled at her cheekily. 

Shane removed an envelope from his pants' pocket and handed it to the Sister. "I didn't get a chance to get to the bank but that cheque is legit," he said. Sister Grace nodded. "Thank you very much. I know the boys will be happy to see you also," she said.

"I am looking forward to it," he said smiling.

He clasped Lissa's hand in his and followed Sister Grace to the common area where the boys played video games, read books, or did whatever was available as recreation. When they entered the room, the boys looked up. All said the same enthusiastic chorus of, "Uncle Shane! Uncle Shane!" 

A few of the younger boys ran over to him, hugging him, he bent forward and embraced them. Lissa stepped aside to allow the boys to have more access to him. The bigger boys stood around him their faces happy with smiles. Lissa walked over to the door and watched everything. She watched the boys' faces and noted their looks of admiration for their uncle Shane. She also saw Shane's genuine love for the young boys. Her heart was full. She touched her tummy. "That is your daddy," she said as she rubbed her tummy. 

Shane looked behind him and saw how Lissa was watching him. He grinned at her. He reached out his hand for her. She came forward. "Guys," he said, "this is Lissa. She is very special to me, so please treat her with respect and care whenever she comes here, either with me or by herself." 

They all directed their attention to her and grinned. She was happy. "Thank you uncle Shane," she said glancing at her boyfriend briefly. "I'm very glad to be here. Shane told me he had some place special to take me to, and I agree, being here is indeed special. I'm glad to be here."

After Shane made each boy introduce himself, telling her their name and what were their hobbies, he dismissed them, telling them to go back to doing whatever they were doing before. There was a back porch that led to a small garden. He took her around there and made her sit on a wooden lawn chair. He sat beside her on one of the others. 

"You are something else. Cop by day, an insatiable lover at night, and also a saint on the weekends," she quipped.

Shane laughed softly. "I try. I try," he said feeling amused. 

"So how did you get involved here?" She was very curious. 

"My best friend grew up here. Nicholas was his name. His mother died during child birth. His grand mother did the best she could until she couldn't any longer. She brought him here. As for his dad, he wanted nothing to do with him. I met him in high school. It was the women here like Sister Grace who raised him and men like Monsignor Gregory, who fathered him." Lissa noted that his countenance changed. He was sad. She reached out and touched his shoulder. "What happened to your friend?" she asked. 

He joined the Force like me. Well, he was the one who inspired me, actually," Shane said looking at the grass underneath them. Lissa rested her arm on his shoulder while her hand gently stroked his neck. She could feel the tension in his body. 

"He was gunned down," Shane said. "He was coming out of his house and stood at the curb waiting for a colleague to pick him up when a car drove past and someone in the vehicle shot him. He was able to fire back and hit the vehicle, and graze one of them but by the time someone took him to the hospital he bled out."  Shane lifted his head and looked at the woman he loved. "There have been a few leads but nothing has stuck yet. That was two years ago. The case is still open." 

Something came to his mind just then. What was the model of the car witnessed in the drive-by? I need to check that out, he thought to himself. It also dawned on him that he had neither his JCF issued firearm nor the privately licensed gun he hid in his yard. His heart started to pound fast. Wait, Lissa was asking him something. He focused on her. "So after he died was when you decided to do this?"

"Actually no. I was hellbent on revenge. The case consumed me and I may have ruffled a few feathers so to speak to get info, but nothing solid came about. No, I actually started coming here about a year ago after I got saved. There's a verse in the Bible that says: 'Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world'. (James 1:27)

"It's from the New Testament. After I became a Christian, I wanted to channel my energy into doing something positive. One day I was reading the Bible and I came across this verse. And it dawned on me that the best way I could honor my friend and also honor Jesus Christ was to do this. To help how I can financially and be a role model as much as I can to these boys. So I come here two Saturdays every month and I play with them and talk to them about life and God, and show them love," he said.

Lissa leaned on his shoulder and put her arms around his waist. "I love you my saint," she said.

"I'm not," he said chuckling.

"To me you are. And yes, I will come here with you to visit them, and I'm willing to provide counselling to any of the boys who want it," she told him

"I appreciate your words, but I can't accept it. Anything I do is to honor my God. I know where I'm coming from and who I was. Christ is the reason I have the strength to do this, not me. I know where we're concerned I've fallen down, but I intend to marry you Lissa. I hope you have no objection to that," he said looking at her intensely.

"No objection," she said happily.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Shane noticed suspicious movement. He focused his gaze on a man walking towards them in a fully black tailored suit. He stood up. He sized the man up.

"Lissa, stay here," he said looking down at her. Lissa heard the strange tone in his voice. Her heart skipped a beat. "Is everything okay?" she asked.

"Stay here," he said walking towards the man. The man stopped a few feet away from the wooden chairs. Shane completed the distance and stood before him. "Nice day ain't it," the man said.

"Mhm," Shane said.

"Do I know you?" Shane asked.

"No," the man said, "but you will soon."

"What do you want?" Shane asked.

"Two years ago, you did something very stupid because you wanted to avenge your friend. You troubled the wrong wasp nest," the man in full black said.

"Who did I piss off?" Shane asked. Fear coiling around his chest, but he would not show anything.

"You will soon find out," the man said.

"Mr Z has been watching you for sometime, looking for a soft spot to hit. Maybe he has finally found one," the man said looking past him to gaze at Lissa.

Shane saw the man's lustful gaze at his woman and anger rose up in him. He stepped towards him. The man opened his jacket to show him his weapon. "Keep your cool, friend. You wouldn't want your girl to see your tragic demise right here." Shane's hands curled into tight fists. The man looked down at Shane's hands. "Don't even try that," black suit said.

Just then, Sister Grace stepped outside and called to Shane. The man closed his jacket and buttoned it. "You'll see me again," he said and walked away. He walked past Sister Grace who looked at him curiously and walked towards Shane. "Shane, the boys want you to play a game with them," she said. Shane tried to smile. "Sure," he said.

He went for Lissa who wanted to know who the man was, but Shane would not talk to her. Shane, Lissa and the boys played dominoes. Then he played cricket with them and basketball on the rough court they had.

Shane decided that they would spend the full day with the boys. Lissa got to know more about each boy as much as possible, but there was one boy whose personality stood out to her.

His name was Andre. He was thirteen years old and very precocious. Lissa enjoyed chatting with him. Andre said that uncle Shane inspired him to be a police officer or maybe a soldier when he got older.

At that moment, Lissa felt very proud to be with Shane. Subconsciously, she touched her tummy and smiled. She saw that Andre was watching her. He asked if she and uncle Shane would have a baby soon. She nodded and told him yes.

To that Andre said, "Uncle Shane would be a great dad. I wish he were mine." Lissa's heart melted. She didn't know what to say. She gave Andre a brief hug instead. Andre hugged her back and smiled broadly at her. He was a handsome boy, Lissa thought. She was sad he was in this situation. She would definitely visit him and the other boys again.

After briefly chatting with Sister Grace and the other guardians at the boys' home, Shane and Lissa bid them farewell until another Saturday. They left the facility 6:30 in the evening. It was already dark outside. Shane saw that the black car was gone. He felt relieved, but also wary. He wondered where it was at that moment.

****

While they were driving home, Shane called his brother and wished him happy birthday, but told him he would see him on Sunday at a location he would tell him. Shaun also told him happy birthday. Shane told him thanks. He warned Shaun not to say anything to his wife. His brother was perplexed by the secrecy but agreed.

As he drove home, he bought the two pounds of goat meat she wanted, but he was silent. Lissa was worried about him. "Baby, talk to me," she said.

"Lissa, do you have family outside of Kingston? Somewhere you can stay for a little while, maybe a month if need be?" Shane asked, his brow knotted.

She nodded. "Yeah, my aunt lives in Manchester," she said puzzled.

He nodded. "Okay," he said, "I'm going to ask the Supe to give you the leave now and I'm going to insist he gives you two extra weeks on it. You may have to stay there for a while. Something happened earlier. That man you saw me talking to, he's an ugly reminder of my past. A past I am not proud of. I said I would not go back to being that guy, but if I have to, to make sure you're safe that is what I will do. God help me," he said looking at her.

Lissa looked into his eyes and saw anger brewing in them. The eyes that looked at her earlier with warmth and affection were now black and cold. She shivered, "Shane, baby, whatever you did, whoever you were, you are not that person anymore, and I will not allow you to go back to being him. Your Bible says in Christ you are a new person the old is past and the new has come," she said. "Maybe your past has not forgotten you, but you don't live there anymore. You're a Christian man now, trust God to solve this problem for you and to give you wisdom."

Shane saw the sincerity in her eyes and sighed deeply. He focused his eyes on the road. He took a deep breath. "I won't let anyone hurt you, so if I have to be that guy I will Lissa, no hesitation. But," he sighed again,"I pray it will not come to that. I love you and I want you to feel safe with me."

The last time Lissa prayed was when she found out her grandma Berry had cancer. She was fifteen. But now, as she watched Shane drive, she wanted to pray. She hoped Shane's God would listen to her. He had to. She just found love in this man. She couldn't lose him now.

As he drove up to his house, he slowed his car down to almost a crawl and scanned the road carefully. The black car was nowhere around, but he had to keep alert. He parked his car at the gate. He wound up the windows. "Don't try to get out. I'll be back for you," he told her.

Shane opened his car door. He stepped outside and locked the car with her inside. Lissa looked at him alarmed. "Trust me," he mouthed. She put her hands on the window and stared at him in fear.

Shane entered the yard cautiously. The door was still locked. He opened the front door and turned on the light switch. He went straight to his bedroom. He turned the light on and looked around. His saw nothing out of the ordinary. He walked into his bathroom and turned on the light. He felt for his gun. It was still in its place.

He went to the back door and opened it. Nothing strange. He sighed. He went around the corner to his locked shed. He removed the keys from his pocket and opened the door. He walked inside, he unlocked the chest in the shed with a special code and opened it. His private piece was there. He closed the safe. Exiting the shed, he locked it. He was going to have to keep himself armed at all times. He did not like to always have a piece on him, but now he needed to be more vigilant.

He went for Lissa. She was sitting in the car, tears streaming down her face. He unlocked the car, opened her door and pulled her into his arms. "Lissa, I am so sorry. I can't risk anyone hurting you," he said stroking her back as she cried silently. "Are you angry with me?"

"No," she said,"but what if you had gone in and encountered someone. The thought that I would lose you scared me."

He kissed her passionately. "I'm not going anywhere," he told her.

With his arms around her, Shane walked his Lissa into the house.

In the shadows, two houses down, a tall man in a black suit leaned up against a mango tree smoking a cigarette. He watched Sergeant Crosby walk his woman into the house. He smiled to himself. Only a matter of time he thought to himself.