Trust Ch. 02

Sorry about the long delay but I didn't have a computer. This is the combination of the previous chapters 3 & 4. I know the posting is slow but I am doing it this way to make sure the posting is done correctly. Thanks for your patience.

~!~

Office Terry Eastman looked at the object of his obsession and smiled. She picked up an item from the stand and looked it over before putting it back.'Her eyes are so beautiful,' he thought but sneered when she smiled at the vendor before walking away. 'Bitch! She smiles at him all cute and shit but when I try talkin' to her she treats me like shit.'

Officer Eastman felt the anger he tried so hard to keep away come back with a vengeance. For weeks now he had been furious at Roger and it had taken all his strength not beat him within an inch of his life. The club was the one place he was guaranteed to be in her presence. He found out weeks ago that her bike was registered to someone named Bobby Chin but the address was an empty lot. His plan that night was to pull her over and make up some bullshit reason to arrest her. She was going to beg for her freedom, promising to do anything and then she was going to be his.'But that fucking ADA had to put his nose where it didn't belong. I almost had you,' Officer Eastman smiled to himself.'I want to fuck you so bad. I'm gonna fuck you so hard. You're gonna scream so loud...' He adjusted himself as he watched her slowly eat her fruit. Her smile was peaceful and relaxed. Even from that distance her eyes sparkled in the sunlight. As she strolled down the street looking at all the wares being sold, he silently screamed,'Look at me! Why do you have to be such a bitch to me?' and was about to intercept her when he saw the patrol office. Unwilling to risk her screaming and bringing any attention to him, Office Eastman turned back into the alley and hid, and watched as she passed by enjoying her outing.'One day,' he vowed to himself,'one day.'

~!~

About two weeks later...

"Storm I don't know how she's doing it but she has to be involved," Mike said before taking a bite of his sandwich.

Both men were in Storm's office having lunch and discussing a few cases.

"My gut instinct tells me she's hiding something but it has nothing to do with the robberies," Storm said before taking a bite of his sandwich also.

"I don't know what to tell you man. I know she gets good grades in school but she's paying for school without loans; everything paid for cash."

"Tips, a second job, a benevolent benefactor...I don't know but something or someone has this girl spooked." Someone knocked at the door and Storm bade them entry.

"Hey guys what's up?" Kevin said entering.

"Hey Kev, what's going on man?" Mike asked as Kevin took the chair beside him.

"Hey what's up?" Storm asked also.

"I got the information you wanted me to pull from the servers on those two cases. With the Albert case, the kid sent the email. Here's the report on that," Kevin handed Mike the report. "On the robbery case, your girl...let's see...yeah, Sally MacDonald wasn't there. On the evenings of the last three robberies, she was at the library and I can understand why." Storm and Mike both looked at each other before Kevin began to elaborate. "She studies all the time. She has a 4.0 GPA and most of her classes are honors. The surveillance from the library showed that she took a call during the time of one of the robberies which lasted about fifteen minutes. It looked like she was reading notes to the person on the line. I tried pulling the cell number but nothing is registered in her name. I'm going to need the actual number."

"Do you know it?" Mike asked Storm.

"No but give me some time. I'll try and get it from Rhonda."

"The sooner I get it the faster I can begin working on getting her record."

"So what are you guys doing tonight?" Mike asked.

"Going to have dinner and hang with Brad for a bit," Storm replied.

"That sound like a plan. I may join you," said Mike.

"It's gonna be an indoor night for me. I have some work I need to complete for two new clients," Kevin said.

"Your little business is growing," Storm said to Kevin.

"Yeah...I think it is. But this going legit is really hard...too much fuckin' paperwork and shit."

"Yeah you got that right," Mike replied as they all laughed.

~!~

After dinner with Brad, Storm had a strong yearning to see Sally. He had so many unanswered questions such as why didn't she report the cop? Why was the bike registered to someone else? As he climbed the stairs of the Waves and Stars he saw her laughing with her co-workers. All the tables were cleared which meant they were finished for the night.

"Hey man, we're closed," Ricky one of the bartenders said.

Storm looked at him then Sally. The smile on her face faded and her eyes became guarded. "Yeah, I know. I'm here to speak with Sally. It's private."

Everyone looked at Sally as she addressed Storm directly. "We have nothing to speak about."

"Please, I need to speak with you about the incident at my house. It's important."

"Sally, do you want..." Ricky tied to ask.

"No...I'll be fine. You guys go ahead. I'll catch up soon."

"Are you sure? We don't mind waiting," another co-worker said.

"No, I'm fine. Thanks. I'll catch up."

After everyone left Storm moved to stand by the bar. "What do you want? I thought this was all taken care of?"

"I want to know if you could house sit for me next weekend?"

"What?"

"I want to know if..."

"I heard what you said, I want to know why?"

"I have to go out of town and I was trying to find Rhonda but she's not answering her phone, so I was wondering if you could do it instead. I know its short notice..."

"Did you leave a message?"

"I need an immediate answer..."

"Don't you have any family or friends you can ask?"

"Yes, but they are not available." Storm sighed. "I'm sorry to ask on such short notice but I would prefer paying someone that way they are responsible and won't forget to do the things I ask..."

"Things like what? Are you leaving for a month of two?"

"No...I'm not sure how long I'll be gone but it should be longer than a week."

"Leave a message on Rhonda's voice mail. She'll call you back. I have to go."

"I'll pay for all your expenses..."

"Rhonda would appreciate your generosity. I have to go."

"Okay...if you see Rhonda, please tell her that I'm looking for her." Sally nodded, "good night."

"Good night."

Storm watched as Sally looked behind her several times to make sure she wasn't being followed before speeding away. He moved to stand at the bar because she kept her eyes trained on the stairs. He was right, something or someone had this girl spooked and it made her wary of everyone. Not even the offer of having all her expenses paid made her consider his offer. He only hoped Rhonda wouldn't return his missed calls until he could figure out a way to get Sally's number.

Knowing she would meet-up with her co-workers to avoid any questions or suspicions, Storm decided to wait at her apartment instead of going home immediately. He left shortly after she got home and he was satisfied she hadn't been followed.

~!~

A few days later...

Storm looked at the woman in front of him and tried to remember what she was talking about. He wanted to leave but good manners decreed that he stay a few minutes longer. He was tired from lack of sleep. The constant blabbering from his date last night had left him with a splitting headache. It was reactions like this that made him want to give up on dating.

Honestly, he wanted to settle down but every woman he dated lately made him feel crowded. That feeling now had him avoiding parties and some friends in relationships who felt the need to play matchmaker. Some of his male friends would think he was an idiot if they knew how many advances he avoided or turned down. If some of those friends knew how many of those advances came from either their girlfriends or wives, they would never speak with him again.

Tall, muscular body with classic black hair, a ruddy complexion and deep blue eyes were some of the physical features Storm boasted. His vast funds also seemed to attract some unsavory females who wanted a permanent attachment to his name and wealth. Ayasha was like his personal watch dog. Knowing what lengths some women would go to be connected with his family, she openly voiced her opinion or objections easily. He wanted to walk into his house and be greeted by the woman who loved him, not servants. He wanted to hear his children screaming with laughter as they ran through the house causing mayhem. But as his dating pool got smaller and smaller, the bodies of gold diggers grew larger and larger, and he was beginning to lose hope.

Storm looked behind the woman speaking to him and saw the aid 'accidentally' dropped the folder. She picked it up by giving him a good view of her backside. He sighed,'Where is the challenge?' He could easily fuck her in the bathroom if he wanted. The woman finally stopped speaking and he took the opportunity to end their conversation. He didn't allow her look of disappointment to prevent him for turning away. He and Mike where at the local university, last minute replacements for a workshop on careers in law enforcement. They were standing by the stairs discussing their departure when from the corner of his eye, Storm saw something moving rapidly and turned to see Sally running up the stairs full speed.

"Play along now," Storm said to Mike taking note of the curious look on Mike's face but unable to explain. "Yeah, I have to go out of town next week for an abuse case. Wished the woman had reported the guy sooner before it reached this point. My only problem now is finding someone to housesit. My sister's going out of town and I'm suppose to be taking care of her dog."

"Sorry man you know I would do it if I wasn't going away also but my mother will kill me if I miss this trip. Wish I knew someone who could help." Mike saw Sally stop behind Storm and while she seemed to be looking around, he knew she was also listening to the conversation.

"I'll figure something out. But thanks for considering."

Mike watched as Sally looked at Storm before quietly moving away to the other side of the stairs. She moved along the hall looking for a room and knocked on the door when she located it. A man in a lab coat and another in a suit came to the door and they all began to speak. Storm turned slightly also to watch the exchange and noticed how the man in the lab coat showed a deep fondness for Sally. The man in the suit left shortly afterwards and the professor spoke with Sally. She smiled and shook her professor's hand profusely.

"I think I need a have a talk with that

professor about your Sally," Mike said.

"I think so also."

~!~

Mike left when Sally's meeting broke apart and the professor walked Sally to the stairs.

"Sally you've worked hard for this so study for the final. The best grade gets to interview for the internship and I have every confidence that you're going to get one of the positions."

"Thank you so much Dr. Marin. Thank you for everything you've done for me."

"My pleasure Sally, you deserve it. So find somewhere quiet and go over everything."

"I will. I'll rent a hotel room and stay there all weekend long so I'm not distracted by anything. I'll even turn my phone off if I need to."

Dr. Marin laughed, "Now you don't have to go that far...just make sure you're not distracted and get lots of rest before the exam."

"I will. Thanks again Dr. Marin. I appreciate it."

Storm watched as Sally stood in the same spot after the professor left and seemed to do a silent prayer. She seemed worried but the conversation sounded like things were in her favor.

"Congratulations," he said and she turned around sharply.

"For what?"

"It sounded as if you got something you really wanted," he shrugged.

"Not yet, working on it." For some reason she didn't want to leave, "Did you get in contact with Rhonda?"

"No, it seems she now has an aversion to returning messages. She also didn't show up for work yesterday. Do you know if there's something wrong?"

"No. The last time I heard from her, everything was okay."

"You don't see her daily?"

"No. My schedule for school is very...if I see her, I'll tell her you're looking for her."

"Yes, please do. I'm getting a bit worried about her."

"Okay," Sally said before turning to walk away.

"Oh wait, I'll give you my number and you can call me when you hear from her."

"No thank you. I'll tell her to call you immediately. You should hear from her today."

"Okay, thanks again and I wish you the best. By the way, what are you studying?"

"Good bye. Have a nice day also."

Storm watched as she left the same way she came, running.

~!~

As soon as she was out of the library Sally called Rhonda.'Why isn't she going to work now?' Sally wondered but all she got was Rhonda's voicemail. Deciding to forego leaving a message, Sally sat on the bench under the nearby tree and tried to remember what Rhonda had told her about her new job. After a few minutes of contemplation, she decided to return to lab. Getting up, her phone rang.

"Rhonda, where have you been?"

"Hanging out, what's going on?"

"That guy Storm has been looking for you. He still wants you to house sit for him. And why have you not been to work? What's going on with you? "

"Oh really? When?"

"I think this weekend and don't change the subject, why are you not going to work. He said you haven't been there this week."

"I had some other jobs to do that were paying more money but I can't do it for him. I have something planned."

"What do you mean? What's going on?"

"I'm going away for the weekend. Hey can you do it for me? Please?"

"No Rhonda, he wants you."

"I know but he won't mind if you do it. He knows you're my best friend."

"Rhonda this is a paying job. Put off the weekend trip until next week and just do job. You need the money."

"Why do you think I need the money? Just because I borrowed money from you?"

"Cut the shit Rhonda and do the job."

Rhonda sighed, "Fine, I'll call him."

"Good. I'm leaving school now. Are you coming home tonight?"

"I'm gonna try. Later."

~!~

Storm looked at his phone and answered a bit disappointed but eager to hear what Rhonda had to say. "Hi Rhonda, how are you doing?"

"Hi Mr. Monsello, I'm sorry I didn't come by the other day I wasn't feeling well. I hope you got my message?"

"Yes, I did. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, yes I am. Sally said you were looking for me? I didn't get your messages."

"Yes, I was hoping you would house sit for me this weekend..."

"Sorry, I can't. I'm working out of town this weekend. It was planned a while ago but Sally can do it if you don't mind."

Storm sat up in his chair, "No, no, not at all. Do you think she would?"

"Yeah, she will. I'll send her a text message to let her know you'll contact her."

"I don't have her number Rhonda..."

"Oh...I'll give her yours then if that's okay."

"Yes, that's fine. Please tell her that I'm expecting her call."

"Okay, thanks Mr. Monsello."

"Have a good day and be well Rhonda."

Storm smiled, this worked out better than he planned.

~!~

"You told him WHAT?" Sally asked as she listened to Rhonda explain that she'd promised her out to the house sitting job.

"Sally, you're always looking for a quiet place to study and this way you can do that for the whole weekend and get paid too. You have it made on this job," Rhonda justified.

"That's not the bloody point Rhonda. You had not right to tell him I'll do this without asking me first. I don't like him or that house and I have to study this weekend."

"Why don't you like him? Did he do something to you? Are you still afraid of the snake? It's not there anymore...it was only a one time..."

"There's no reason why you can't do this yourself. Why are you always doing shit like this?"

"What shit Sally? I made plans already and I can't break them. Furthermore, I thought you would like the peace to study. You say you study best when there is no one around which is why you go away sometimes. So what's the big deal now? I was only trying to help because you helped me out."

Sally knew Rhonda was right. She had said more than once that she preferred studying in quiet places. It was one of the reasons why she spent so much time at the library. "Are you going away with someone?"

"Why?" When Rhonda didn't hear an answer but instead heard Sally sigh, she replied, "yes."

'Usual.' Sally thought but said instead, "Who is he?"

"No one you know but you'll meet him soon, I promise. Please Sally do this for me, please."

'God why am I torturing myself like this?' After a few moments of silent, Sally relented. "Fine. Are you sure he's trustworthy?"

"Yes, Storm's really nice and down to earth. He's not going to be there so you'll have the full run of the house...and I'm sure you can use the pool to go swimming as much as you like. "

"Fine."

"Great...thank you so much Sal. You're the best. I'll text you his number so you can call him for the details."

"Okay."

Sally was having a bad feeling about this all together.

~!~

When Storm didn't get the call from Sally the next day he decided to visit her at work. Mike and Kevin were informed about the plan and surveillance equipment authorized for his house to monitor Sally's activities. All he had to do now was get her unknowing participation in solving the string of robberies. It was late but the Waves and Stars still had a few patrons enjoying themselves. Storm sat at an empty table in the back and shortly after a pretty blond waitress came over to greet him. He ordered a beer but when he asked for Sally, her expression changed to one of disappointment before she turned and walked away. Sally appeared soon after, serving another table before making her way to his with his beer.

'Don't look at him, don't look at him.' "Hi," Sally said as she stood by his table looking anywhere but him.

"Hi," Storm said standing up. He held out his hand to formally introduce himself. "We've haven't been formally introduced...Storm Monsello."

She looked at him sharply before turning away and looking back at him slightly. "Sally MacDonald," she introduced herself before taking the hand he offered.

"How are you doing?" Storm asked looking at her but also looking around.

"Fine thanks. I'm busy right now. Can you give me a few minutes until my break?"

"Yes, sure...that's fine."

About ten minutes later Sally returned, "May I?" she asked indicating to sit.

"Oh yes, please do."

"Okay, I've never done this before so you will have to tell me what you need done while you're gone. And so that we're clear, I'm not cleaning your house."

Storm laughed, "I didn't want you to but I do expect you to clean up after yourself." She nodded but relaxed only marginally. "My sister is going out of town and she's leaving her dog at my place. His name is Benji. He's a cute little Shih Tzu, very friendly. He'll want you to play with him and then he ignores you for the rest of the day missing her. I go through it all the time with him. I am planning on leaving on Thursday and return possibly Sunday."

"Oh, I work on the weekends. I'm sorry I'll let Rhonda know." She noticed the bartender was trying to get her attention. "I have to get back to work."