Radclyffe - Safe Harbor

"More ice?" Reese asked as Tory propped her leg up on several pillows.

"Not just yet. But Id love a drink, and youve certainly earned one. If you wouldnt mind pouring me a scotch, Id be grateful forever."

Reese brought her the drink, and a light beer for herself. "Gratitude is not necessary. You more than deserve this after the day youve had."

Reese sat on the sofa, stretching her legs out to accommodate Jed, who had pushed himself against the entire length of the front of the couch. When he raised his massive head and rested it on her thigh, she began to stroke him absently. She still felt oddly agitated.

"Brianna Parker came by the clinic today," Tory remarked. "She said that you insisted I clear her before she could start training with you."

"Is she okay?" Reese asked, grateful for something to take her mind off her own sense of disquiet.

"Shes fine. Its a good thing youre doing for that girl," Tory added, watching Reese closely. The sheriff seemed distracted, and even more remote than usual.

Reese turned to her in surprise. "How so?"

Tory sighed. "I guess you probably know that Briannas mother died three years ago. Thats awful enough at any age, but its especially hard for a teenager. I gather from what Nelsons said that Bri has been getting a little wild. It sounds like working with you may be just what she needs."

"I hope it helps," Reese said at length. "I know what its like when your whole world seems to change overnight. It can be a dangerous time."

"Was it for you?" Tory asked softly, wanting a glimpse of what lay beneath this formidable womans steely exterior.

Reese gazed out over the moonlit water, thinking of herself at that age. She remembered how she felt when her mother left - the uncertainty and the anger. Her father loved her, and he taught her the things he knew - he taught her about responsibility, and discipline, and honor. He taught her the way he had been taught, the Marine way. He expected the best from her, and he got it. In return he provided her with a life that was orderly, dependable, and predictable.

"It might have turned out differently for me," she mused half to herself. "My parents divorced when I was fourteen. My father is career Marine, and he raised me to follow in his footsteps. Ive spent my entire life in the Marines, one way or the other. Its true what they say- its made me what I am, but those first few years until I was old enough for ROTC and college were hard."

"I imagine all of it was hard," Tory ventured, beginning to understand why Reese seemed so controlled. The Marine Corp undoubtedly produced fine soldiers, but at what cost?

"Dont misunderstand. I loved the Marines, I still do. Im still in the reserves. But when I was Bris age it wasnt easy. Sometimes it got pretty lonely -" Reese stopped, suddenly self-conscious. She never talked about herself, and she had no idea why she was now.

"What about your mother?" Tory probed gently.

Reese unconsciously squared her shoulders in that military gesture that was becoming familiar to Tory as she replied flatly, "She wasnt in the picture."

"Im sorry," Tory said, "Im prying."

Reese smiled, that fleeting breathtaking smile. "I didnt notice."

Tory laughed. "I doubt theres anything that escapes your notice!" Suddenly serious, Tory added, "Youve been more help than I can say today, Reese. Im not sure how I would have managed without you - this morning on the jetty, or tonight." Even though she meant every word, she didnt want to think too hard about why she was admitting her need now, when she had refused to for so long. She didnt want to think too hard about how different Reese seemed than anyone she had ever met, or about how easy it had been to accept her help. She didnt want to think about how deeply she had been touched by Reeses calm, unwavering presence. "I - I just wanted to thank you -"

Reese shook her head, halting Torys words. "Doctor King-"

"Please! Its Tory!"

"All right," Reese amended almost shyly, "Tory- it was an honor, and my pleasure. So please dont thank me for something I was glad to do."

Tory looked into Reeses intense, penetrating eyes and something visceral stirred in her. She caught her breath, moved by the simple honesty of Reeses words. Her voice was thick with emotion as she replied, "Its more than a job to you, isnt it?"

Reese flushed, but she held Torys gaze. "You may not believe this, but I took an oath to serve and protect, and every day Im glad I did."

"I do believe you. Ive seen you in action," she said quietly. She thought that Reese had to be the most straightforward person she had ever met, and at the same time the most complicated.

"Good," Reese said as she stood. "Then you wont object to me coming by to take you to the clinic tomorrow. Remember, you dont have a car."

"You dont leave much room for argument, do you?" Tory remarked ruefully, realizing that Reese had once again made help impossible to refuse.

"That is a skill I learned in officers training school!" Reese rejoined, her eyes laughing.

"Then I accept, Sheriff," Tory teased lightly.

Tory watched her as she strode gracefully to the door, smiling at the quick salute Reese tossed her as she left. She settled back against the couch, blaming the effects of the scotch for the sudden rush of heat that stole through her.

Chapter Eight

"Its open," Tory called, glancing at the clock. She smiled when she saw it was exactly six a.m.

Reese entered, carrying two paper cups of espresso.

"Thought you might need this," she said, sliding onto one of the black and chrome stools in front of the kitchen bar counter. "Its a double."

"Its a start," Tory groaned, leaning on her cane as she reached with her free hand for the coffee.

"I could make some more," Reese suggested, pointing to an elaborate espresso machine nearby.

"Sit," Tory commanded. "Im up already, and Ill be functional in just a minute." She sipped the rich brew, noting that Reese looked fresh in her crisply pressed uniform shirt and pants. "I suppose youve already run ten miles or something else equally obnoxious."

"Havent you noticed its raining outside?" Reese asked mildly. "I only ran five."

Tory stared at her, beginning to smile when she caught the barest flicker of a grin on Reeses handsome face. "I could learn to hate you," she replied.

Reese laughed. "God, I hope not!" She paused, then asked, "Hows the leg?"

Tory looked away for a second, then met Reeses questioning gaze. "Hurts like hell, but its been worse."

"I guess staying home is not an option?"

"You do like to live dangerously, dont you?" Tory asked softly, amazed that Reeses concern did not rankle her the way it did coming from others. For some reason Reeses attention did not make her feel less than whole.

"It wouldnt do for you to be out of commission," Reese said seriously. "The town needs you too much. So if its a question of one day off to prevent a bigger problem, Ill risk suggesting it."

"Thanks," Tory said. "But Im used to these episodes, and I can tell if theres a real problem."

"Good enough," Reese said.

"Its really just my ankle. The nerve is severed, so I cant flex it. Its either the brace or an ankle fusion."

"Wouldnt the fusion be less painful?" Reese ventured carefully, appreciating that this was a sensitive issue for the independent physician.

"Probably," Tory admitted. "But Id also be less mobile. Im still good in the water without the brace, and I can work out with an air cast if Im careful. Besides, Ive always hoped-" Her voice trailed off as she looked away.

"Hoped what?" Reese urged gently.

"That Id row again. Id never be able to get into the cleats if my ankle were fused."

"How long has it been since youve rowed?" Reese asked quietly.