I ran down the sidewalk, dodging the crowd. I had to be on time for this appointment. I swerved to miss ramming into a wall, and fell into the arms of a large, muscular man. The heat he generated tore through me, and I knew my face was crimson when I looked up at him.
"Thank you." I proffered, embarrassed by my childish blush. He must have thought I was as naive as a teenager who felt she just met her hero.
He smiled and let loose of me. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. Thank you."
"You're welcome." He moved on down the street then. He was much taller than I, and soon disappeared from sight. Absurdly, I felt relieved when I saw him vanish into the crowd.
I entered the lobby of LRW Department Store, and was met by the welcoming smile of the same enchanting man who had stopped my fall a few minutes before. I nodded my acknowledgment of his presence and pushed the already lit elevator button. We entered the elevator, and his eyes stroked me as if he was disrobing me. I hadn't felt this vulnerable in a long time. When I entered my office, I realized I was not alone. I hung my raincoat, and turned to find him lounging in my doorway.
"Ms. Wilson, I'm Jerry Lefkowitz. I have an eight o'clock meeting with you this morning."
I searched my memory. "I'm sorry Mr. Lefkowitz, I don't recall your name." I checked my calendar. "I don't see an appointment listed for you either."
"You spoke with my sister recently."
"Your sister?"
"Mary Franklin."
"I apologize, Mr. Lefkowitz. Please close the door behind you." I indicated a nearby chair. "I hope you'll be able to help me, or perhaps I should say LRW, Inc. - Do you drink coffee?"
"Yes, with cream please. - I find it a little hard to believe you didn't note this meeting on your calendar."
"I did note it, but your name is listed as 'Mary's brother'�. Mary never gave me your name.'� I handed the hot mug of coffee to him. His fingers grazed mine, and a sheet of fire spread through me.
"Thank you. What is it you think I can help you with?"
"Merchandise is disappearing from my warehouse. I don't know who is doing this or why. I need help exposing the facts so the perpetrator can be dealt with.'�
"In other words, you have a thief in your ranks and you want me to find him."
'That's rather blunt, but yes."
"I'm sorry if my straightforward manner offends you, but I don't mix words. In my line of work, there is no room for rhetoric. I'm always on a deadline, trying to beat the clock, the calendar, and the bad guys."
"It may be refreshing not to play word games. I've been doing it for many years though, and it is a habit now."
"Break the habit."
"My Dad hates it. He says I should have been an English teacher or a journalist, instead of a retailer, the way I play with words."
"Are you this open about your private life with everyone, Ms. Wilson?"
"No. I'm usually a very private person."
"Why should I be different from others you deal with?"
"I feel I already know you." He raised his left eyebrow inquisitively. "If you hadn't caught me this morning, I would likely have broken a leg."
"I could see you were headed the wrong direction. I was about to pull you away from the wall when you swerved and fell into my waiting arms."
"I imagine you're accustomed to beginning every day with a woman in your arms." I remarked before I had a chance to think.
"I usually wake up alone." His smile was devastating. "I was destined to begin today with you in my arms."
A chill ran down my spine. "I don't know about that, but I do know your arms are infinitely more comforting than the wall I almost hit. Thank you."
"I wish I had known you were my appointment, we could have walked together."
"It was because I was pondering the events at the warehouse that I nearly hit the wall. Thankfully, I collided with you instead." He grinned crookedly, reminding me of a high school boy who was about to make mischief. I mentally shook myself back to the present and changed the subject. 'We have a thief to deal with, and we need to concentrate on that."
"Have you done any checking at all?"
"I've been watching and listening everywhere I can, but the thief doesn't seem to make mistakes."
"Have you had managers and other company people watching and listening?"
"No, anyone in the company is likely to be entangled in this for things to transpire so unobtrusively."
"You were wise to bring in outside help."
I smiled in response to his compliment and returned to business. "Where do we go from here?"
"We start with a few facts. How long has this been going on? Exactly what is missing and how often do the thefts occur? Who has access to the area where the thefts occurred? Who knows about the thefts? Of those who know, how long has each one been here? What are their personal lives like? Do any of them need extra cash to support a habit or solve another problem? Would anyone want revenge on you or the store? Have you had any new employees in the warehouse since the thefts began, or around the time they started? I'll need to see your books and see if I can find a pattern in the amount of merchandise being taken and the timing. - "
"I'll disclose everything I know and provide access to everything you need to see, but please slow down. I haven't replied to your first question yet." The laughter he emitted was deep and resonant. It stoked my heart, and I could not resist a smile.
"I knew a woman as beautiful as yourself had to have a gorgeous smile." I flushed scarlet at his compliment.
"Do you affect all women this way?"
"Most women take offense with my manners, or lack thereof. I always seem to start off my employment with females in an argument."
"I think you're gallant."
"Thank you lovely lady." He inclined his head slightly in a playful bow. "Do you think I can charm my way onto your payroll?"
I laughed lightly and handed a stack of reports to him. "These are copies of the names, models numbers, stock numbers, prices, etc. of all the missing items."
"Does this mean I've charmed my way onto your payroll?"
"It does."
"I find it hard to believe it was so easy."
"Let's just say you had a head start this morning, and a glowing recommendation from your sister. - Shall we get to work?" We spent the entire day examining facts, finally, I glanced at the clock. "I believe I owe you overtime already, Mr. Lefkowitz." He followed my gaze and noted it was seven p.m.. "Meet me here tomorrow morning, and I'll introduce you to those you'll be working closest with. You can take it from there."
"How do you know who I'll be working closest with?"
"I have created a position for you, as my assistant."
"A new position may arouse suspicion."
"I've been complaining for years I need to hire an assistant for myself. As far as the world is concerned, I've finally given in to my own wants."
"The president of the company does not just go hire an assistant without any approval."
"Perhaps not, but the owner has complete control."
"You own this entire chain?"
"You seem astounded."
"Mary never said - ."
'We don't talk much business."
"Mary led me to believe you knew nearly everything about one another."
"I apologize if I've disappointed you." The look on his face was one of complete perturbation, so I intervened. "How often do you speak with your sister?"
He chuckled, and I became acutely aware of the depth of the dimple in his cleft.
'Not often."
"Are you willing to impersonate my vice-president?"
"What will I need to do?"
"Find the perpetrator of these thefts."
"You have a veep." He replied.
The following day, I introduced Jerry to absolutely everyone. I left strict instructions that everyone was to treat Mr. Lefkowitz with the utmost respect and courtesy, and informed them he was my vice-president. Jerry was very professional. He was watching the eyes, expressions, and movements of every person he met. First impressions provided a good assessment of honesty for Jerry.
The next few weeks, I didn't see Jerry often. His hours were spent at the warehouse, watching closely for those with the best opportunity to perpetrate theft.

"Is it always this chaotic, George?" Inquired Jerry.
"It's always this way on Mondays, but I can't say I understand the reason for it. These warehouses work twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It isn't like we're doing today's work, and picking up everything that came in over the weekend too." Jerry recalled the
reports I gave him that first morning. Every theft had occurred on a Saturday. Was this confusion to cover a theft that occurred over the weekend? "Today is worse than usual." He heard George say. "I'll be glad when this day ends."
"I think a lot of us will." Jerry replied, attempting to recall a pattern in the timing of the thefts. "If anyone is looking for me, I'll be in my office."
"Sure thing." Replied George.
Jerry traversed the warehouse, searching for indicators of a recent theft, and possibly an imminent theft. He reviewed the work schedule for the following week, and compared it with those on duty at the moment. He was consumed with the prospect of trapping the perpetrator and his or her partners.
"Henry, you're Roscoe's right hand man. Does he often work Saturdays?" He inquired of the man at the time clock.
"Roscoe insists on working every Saturday."
"I know your days off rotate. Is there a special project I'm unaware of that causes Roscoe to work every Saturday?"
"June, Roscoe's lover is a truck driver. She drives the really long hauls and is home only on Sundays. That's what Roscoe tells me, but if June comes in a day early, he still insists on working."
"He works even if she's home?"
"Odd, isn't it?" He asked, before walking away.
As Jerry told it to me, he spent the following day in the warehouse personnel office, probing files. He inspected closely the files of several employees, including myself. He eliminated several possibilities, and concentrated on Henry, Roscoe, and Wanda. Wanda created the schedules, Roscoe was the warehouse manager, and Henry was his assistant. When Wanda left for the day, Jerry scoured her desk. Several days later, he was fairly certain he had located his perpetrator and his evidence.
Friday afternoon, I was scrutinizing the monthly sales figures when I sensed a presence in my doorway. I looked up to find Jerry lounging there. "Have you found something Mr. Lefkowitz?"
"I have my suspicions. I need to check the books."
"You know where they are." I notified him, and returned to my reports.
Jerry yanked the books he needed off the shelf, and sat down. He perused page after page of figures, and I left him to his business. I had a surplus of my own work, but I couldn't concentrate His nearness unnerved me. Jerry shut the books and replaced them, diametrically disregarding me, although I was severely aware of his presence. How could he ostracize me from his thoughts completely? How could he be so concentrated about his work? He was working diligently with figures while I feigned recognition of the sales figures that were obscured by the stars in my eyes.
I was returned to reality by the sound of his brisk voice. "How are sales?"
"I uh, - down a little." I stammered, having been caught. 'What have you learned?"
'I have it narrowed down to three people. Tomorrow may be the culmination of this adventure.'�
"You could have related this to me over the telephone."
"I needed access to your books."
"That, is a lame excuse." I proffered.
"It's poor security to use the telephone. Your line may have been tapped.'�
"That's slightly more feasible, but my office door is open." I replied dreamily. He must have read my heart, because he smiled widely.
"The building is empty. It's late evening, Ms. Wilson. Do you plan on spending the night in your office?" He asked as he came and stood beside me. "I know a place nearby that serves the best burgers on this side of the Pacific. I'm headed over there now, and I want you to join me. - Please."
"Your invitation is tempting, but I have a lot of work - ."
"You can work later. Besides, it will give us a chance to discuss a few things."
"We can have the discussion here."
"I'd rather not."
I put down my ink pen and he helped me up from my chair. I was entranced. "You're very persuasive, Mr. Lefkowitz. Is this another trait brought about by your work?"
"No, ma'am. My mother always said I could get anything I wanted."
"Did she?"
"Grandma said I was the biggest con artist ever given a breath of life."
"They're honest people." I smiled into his alluring eyes.
"If they are, you won't return to this office tonight."
"Is that so?" I smiled what I hoped was a captivating smile as I locked the office door.
"It is, and if I can keep you with me all night, I will."
Alone in the elevator, he cornered me and kissed me gently. "Where will we be?" I asked, wondering if his fantasies were close to mine.
"Maybe we'll learn something during dinner."
We walked out into the refreshing night air, and I inhaled deeply. The odors of summer and the warm air permeated my senses. Jerry took my arm, and we strolled through the reviving night in a peaceful silence. Suddenly, it appeared before us, the first star of the night. I stopped
and gazed. I pointed upward and Jerry slipped his arms around my waist. Together we repeated the well known words: "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight." I closed my eyes, and I think Jerry must have too.
Beside my ear, he whispered. "What did you wish for, Ms. Wilson?"
"If I tell you, it will never come true." I replied easily. "I can tell you it will make your job easier."
"You wished for me to find the thief?"
"I didn't say that."
"You can make a better wish than that on a romantic night."
"Perhaps I did."
"I hope so." He replied, fathoming the depths of my eyes. "It will make my other job easier."
"Other job?'�
"The goal I set for myself the morning you fell into my arms."
"The detective is a romantic?" I quipped.
"When you fell into my arms, I made a decision."
"What was it?"
"To do this." He gently lifted my chin, and kissed my lips fervently.
"Is this why you invited me to dinner? - So you could kiss me every time we stopped moving?"
"In part."
"What are the rest of your intentions?"
"That topic is for later. At the moment, I want to kiss you again." Before I could respond, his lips surrounded mine fully. He pulled me against him, and I had no desire to impede his efforts to please me. He released me, and I stepped back.
"What happened to dinner, Mr. Lefkowitz?" I asked, my heart in my eyes.
"It's being prepared as we speak." He took my hand in his, and we began walking again. "Please, drop the formality. My name is Jerry."
"It is shorter." I mused. "All right, Jerry you shall be."
"Here's the place." He commented, as he held the door open for me.
It was a small diner, homelike and comfortably intimate. We seated ourselves at one of the dozen or so tables, and Jerry ordered burgers, fries, and iced tea for both of us. "Tell me, Ms. Wilson, is there anyone special in your life?"
"My name is Lorelei."
"Is there anyone special?" He asked seriously, his mahogany eyes probing the depths of my heart.
"Perhaps."
He laughed robustly. "Either there is someone special or there isn't."
"It's a young relationship. I'm not sure of the status yet."
"You must not spend much time with this man; you spend all of your time working."
"My hours are proof I have no time for a personal relationship."
"It sounds to me like you're locking love out of your life."
"It's happened because I spent my time building a chain of department stores."
"Why did you bury yourself in your work?"
I replied simply. "It was what I wanted." It no longer mattered that I had been afraid of a personal relationship after being left at the altar.
"Would you like to change the way you live?"
"Perhaps."
"I'll gladly help you. Private investigators, corporate or otherwise, tend to be inventive of necessity."
"What will you invent? A machine that will split me into two people?" I teased.
"It's an idea." His crooked grin tugged at my heart, and I succumbed to my laughter. I finished my burger, and looked at his in surprise.
"You haven't eaten much."
"I'm more interested in you."
"You said you were hungry."
"You're the one who was going to skip dinner in favor of paper work."
"It's probably due to the invigorating night air."
He smiled brightly, then. "Are you saying if we walk back to the office, I'll need to feed you again?"
"Exactly."
"If that's supposed to make me behave, it won't work. I'll charge the meals to my expense account and give you the bill."
"That's excellent incentive to push you away. You're defeating your own purpose, Jerry."
"Am I? - From the smile in your eyes, I think not."
"That smile is due to this delicious burger." I lied.
"So, your stomach rules your emotions; does it?"
"Sometimes."
"So I have competition for your affections?"
"Food is much more important than a fling."
"If I want more than a fling?"
"You need to look elsewhere."
He shook his head negatively. "It's you I want."
I laughed at that. I couldn't imagine any man wanting me as a woman. "I'm sorry, Jerry, but I just don't have room in my life for a serious relationship."
"There's always room for love."
"I like my life."
"You'll like it better when you're in love."
"I thought we were going to discuss business." I avoided his probing, eating my last french fry. "These are very good. How did you find this place?"
"One of your warehouse workers told me about it. Why are you avoiding the subject of love?"
"Why did you lead me to believe we were going to discuss business?"
"I never mentioned what business we were going to discuss."
"I thought you were straightforward, that you didn't believe in double-talk."
"It can have its advantages, like a few other things I can think of."
"Such as?"
"Things like a good meal and a good woman come immediately to mind."
"Are those the things you consider important in life?"
"Yes, but not necessarily in that order."
"Which one comes first?"
"A good woman."
"I'm sure you've had plenty."
"A good woman, the kind I want to keep around, is hard to find."
"They exist."
"Oh yes, they exist, but finding the right one is quite a task with so many takers around."
"Oh?" Was all I could manage then. My command of speech was abandoning me.
"The willing takers, are the ones who always make themselves visible. The good ones, the givers, tend to stay out of the visible sectors of life. I suppose it's part of their character. You're a good example. You've built a department store chain from scratch, and you're well known in the business world. Unfortunately, you're virtually unknown to the rest of the world because you spend so much time in your office. I realize it's because your job requires it, but it makes it
hard for a man to find you and love you. Am I making sense?"
"You make a lot of sense. After all, if my knight in shining armor is out searching the world for me, he might ride past my office and never find me."
"Maybe you've met him, and don't know it."
"I'll know when I meet him."
"How?"
"It's a feeling that suddenly appears, and you know something is different. You revel in the blissfulness of the feeling, or you fight it until you accept it. You can tell yourself you're dreaming, but one day you'll wake up and face reality from sheer necessity."
"Necessity?"
"Either you accept the feeling, or you go insane because you refuse to accept it."
"Did you feel this blissful feeling the first time I held you in my arms?"
"Perhaps - ."
"The morning you fell into my arms and my life." He smiled brightly at the memory.
I laughed lightly. "How could I forget? I embarrassed myself terribly that morning."
"Was it embarrassment; or was it the heat of passion that made you blush so prettily?"
"It was embarrassment." I insisted, as I felt the color saturate my face once more. "I can't be passionate about someone I don't know."
"You just told me your heart will know."
"It will."
"I think you're denying what you feel for me."
"The only thing I'm fighting is the thief in my warehouse."
"Aren't you attracted to me even a little?"
"I've always preferred brunettes with blue eyes. I've never been attracted to blondes."
"That is a superficial excuse."
"I only said it isn't likely."
"If I tell you my only intention is to become your friend, what will your response be?"
"I'll tell you the truth. We already are friends."
"That's a step in the right direction. I have to add though, the kiss we shared on the way over here felt like much more than just a friendly kiss."
"Which one?"
"After we wished on our star."
"I won't argue with how it felt, but it was just a kiss."
"I don't believe in 'a kiss is just a kiss'. A kiss is something very special, and you don't share it with just anyone."
"Then why did you kiss me?"
"You're very special to me."
"You could have pushed your wants aside."
"Not this time. They're much too strong."
"I suppose you have possibilities." I replied, my heart pounding wildly.
"Do you think you can forget my hair is blonde?"
"Do you think you can forget I'm a workaholic?"
"Maybe we should discuss this in a more private place."
"It's an idea." I replied, hoping I sounded casual. Out in the night air again, I looked up at the clear sky. "I think our star has disappeared in the crowd." I teased.
"Our star is right there." He pointed to the brightest star in the sky. I smiled into his eyes, and he kissed me tenderly. "We must have something if we have our own special star."
"Perhaps we do."
We had no need for words that night. His arm around my waist, and my willingness to stay beside him said everything. When we arrived at his apartment, he gallantly led me inside. "Is this private enough for our talk?"
"Do you have a roommate?"
"If I did, we'd be at your house."
"Do you like movies?"
"Sure."
"We can make some popcorn and pretend we're in a theatre."
"I have microwave popcorn."
"That will work."
He made the popcorn and I found a movie from among his collection. He sat beside me on the sofa, and we shared the popcorn. "Why did you choose a John Wayne movie?"
"Over 90% of your collection is John Wayne, and I love this particular story. He's strong and rugged, but his attitude is so cool and smooth. He's always sure of himself, and very sensitive. He's a man's man, but he's a woman's man too."
"Is that good?"
"He's the kind of man I'd like to have in my life forever. I wonder if he is every woman's dream, or if there is actually someone else out there with his qualities."
"I'd say the man who can distract you from John Wayne, will be the right man for you."
"Where did that thought come from?"
"Only a hero can replace an ideal."
"I don't recall that analogy."
"It's mine, but you'll find out I'm right."
"Will I?"
'As soon as you realize you're ignoring John Wayne completely, and riveting your gorgeous eyes on me, I'll have you in my clutches."
"Is that so?" I laughed lightly, laying my forefinger on the dimple in the cleft of his chin.
"It's a fact, and I won't let you go."
"Don't be silly."
"I'm telling you the truth."
"The truth is the truth. It can be ignored, but it can't be changed." I repeated the words from a long ago philosophy class.
We finished the popcorn, and I placed the empty bag on a nearby end table. "Look, John is about to save the woman in question."
"You know the only reason he's so intent on saving her is because he loves her; don't you? He's chasing after danger to save his heart. Love is always his motivation, and it's the best motivation I know of." He looked deep into my eyes when he made that last statement, and I felt
an intense heat caress me.
"Are you saying if I was in danger you would be motivated to save me?"
"I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. My motivation is selfish because I want to keep you around for myself. That's why John Wayne saves his women. Knowing someone you love is in danger is a very frightening experience. It can drive a man wild, and he'll do anything
to keep his woman safe." He ran his thumb gently over my lips, and I stopped him with my hand.
"Jerry, we don't live in a movie."
"Movies are based on life."
"How does a private investigator know so much about movies?"
"We watch movies too."
"I mean, how do you understand so much about them?"
"I hear that writers write what they know. If that's true, every story ever written has an element of truth in it somewhere." The back of his free hand caressed my cheek.
"Perhaps you should write a movie." I replied, trying to turn the subject. I was losing my heart more completely with every passing second.
"I can see a story line and the meaning behind it, but I can't write a word." His fingertips were beneath my chin, igniting a consuming fire.
"Have you ever tried it?"
"I never wanted to." He lifted my chin so my eyes were locked with his.
"What do you want to do?" I asked, my heart pounding rapidly. He took my face between his palms, and kissed me with a depth of emotion I'd never experienced. His kisses trailed from my lips, and along my jawline to my ear. He nibbled my ear gently, sending jolting waves of scorching heat throughout me. My heart was beating like a drum, and I was losing
control of myself more with each passing second. His kisses moved down my neck, along the collar line of my blouse, and wound up in the hollow of my throat. I was gasping from the passion he aroused in me, and I knew he was my John Wayne.
"Does that tell you what I want to do?" He asked, just before his lips descended on mine again. I didn't have a chance to answer him in words, but it wasn't necessary. His kiss was hard, passionate, and very fervent. I had no control of my heart now, it belonged completely to
Jerry. When he lifted me into his arms, I clung to him. "Where are you taking me?"
"It's past my bedtime, and yours too."
"Jerry, - ."
"We're changing our lives tonight."
"Jerry, I want you, but I - ."
"I promise, if you aren't ready, we won't make love."
"What will we do?"
"Sleep." I laughed uproariously at his reply. "What's so funny?"
"You just worked me into a state of passion, so pure and strong, I nearly gave myself to you on that sofa. I can't possibly sleep beside you innocently!"
"I'm very glad I pried you away from your office tonight." He whispered as he stood me on the floor. Jerry held me in his arms a moment, then moved away. He turned on his stereo, and we danced to the languid, sentimental, soul permeating music. I'll never forget the intensity of passion aroused in both of us. I stayed in his arms for a long while after the music ended. When he spoke again, his words weren't surprising."
"Marry me."
"I will."
"I'm glad you're clinging to me instead of your paper work." He whispered. "I don't want you at the office when we can be together."
"That's where I'll spend the rest of tonight. It will look normal to everyone, and we won't be tempted to stay here all night."
"Is that what you want?"
"No. It's what will keep me occupied until we can be married. Then we'll make love in ways you'll never forget."
"Is that a promise?"
"It is." I whispered, before kissing him softly.
"I'll walk you back to the office." A short while later, we left his apartment hand in hand. "I want you with me tonight and every night."
"No samples." I chided him playfully.
"I also know I'll go crazy until we can marry."
"We'll procure a license tomorrow."
"When will we use that license?"
"We'll see." I teased, knowing we would use it as soon as we had it in hand.
We arrived at the store, and Jerry walked me to my office. "I don't want to leave you."
"I don't want you to leave." I replied honestly, my heart in my throat.
"What can possibly happen in an office?" He asked as he unlocked the door and led me inside.
"Anything." I whispered tenderly. He took me into his arms and kissed me with a fervency beyond my wildest dreams. He dropped his lips to the hollow of my throat and I moaned. "Lock the door, Jerry." He reached around and locked the office door, then pulled me closer.
"What do you have in mind?"
"You."
"Lorelei, - ."
"I need you."
"Our wedding. - "
"We can stay here tonight and be married tomorrow."
"I love you, Lori." The nickname sent a bolt of lightning straight through my heart.
"I love you too, Jerry. Follow me." I sat down behind my desk, and he smiled softly.
"Are you planning on working all night?"
"Yes. - Are you going to stay with me?"
"What will I do?"
"Sit down." I motioned to a chair across the desk. "Tell me what's happening at the warehouse."
"I'm not certain yet. This is what I think."
The following morning, I awoke in my chair, with my head on my desk. Obviously, I fell asleep while we were working. I rose from my desk, and went into the anteroom beside my office. I cleaned up, changed my clothes, and returned to my desk. That was when I found the note Jerry had left for me.
"Wait here Lori. I have business to take care of at the warehouse. I'll be back soon. - Love, Jerry."
Knowing he was in danger, I ran downstairs to my car and raced to the warehouse. I stepped out of the car, and heard shouts from the loading dock in the back. "This is the end of the line, Roscoe!"
"You've got that right, Lefkowitz! No private detective is going to bring me down!" That was when I heard two shots ring out. I used my cellular phone to telephone the police and an ambulance. I ran toward the sound of the shots, and found Jerry on the ground. I ran to his side
and kneeled over him. Blood was seeping out of his temple, and I panicked. I ripped open Jerry's shirt and screamed. I pulled the belt from his trousers and yelled. "Someone call an ambulance! He's dying!" I ripped my slip and bandaged his head. "Roscoe! Call an ambulance!"
"Don't let Roscoe get away." He whispered. "I'll be fine."
I jumped up and ran toward the dock. "Call an ambulance! Mr. Lefkowitz has been shot! He's dying! Help me, Roscoe!"
"I'll help you join him! Why did you bring in outside help?"
"You kept everyone in line except yourself! You didn't even try to make it look like someone else was the thief!"
"Why bother? After today, I won't be around anyway. I'll be in Mexico where you can't touch me!"
"We need to help Mr. Lefkowitz!"
"I've already helped him into the next world, and you're going to join him!"
"You won't kill me Roscoe! We grew up together!" I turned to walk away and heard the click of the safety being removed. I froze with fear then, fear I would never see Jerry again.
"Stay where you are, or I'll shoot you in the back!"
"You're slitting your own throat if you do, Roscoe."
"No one will ever know about any of it! I'll get rid of your bodies, and get out of here before they find you!"
"Put down the piece!" Came his heart-rending voice. "You aren't getting away with this!"
"You aren't stopping me!"
"You already tried once to kill me and failed. Are you going to try again?"
"Why bother? I'll just kill Lorelei! That will shut you up!"
"She's my employer! I'll be paid if she's dead or alive!" My heart turned over in my chest. He only wanted to possess my body. He didn't care for me. Roscoe fired, and several shots rang out in return. I threw myself to the ground, and stayed there. I could hear the voices of
the policemen, and the paramedics who were working on Roscoe. I was too frightened to move, until I felt Jerry's hands on my back. "Lori. Are you all right, honey?"
"Why did you tell him I was only your employer?" I wailed, the tears running over my face.
"If he thought I cared about you, he would have killed you. I was trying to save your life."
"You didn't mean it?"
"I didn't mean it. - Are you hurt?"
"You just healed my wound. How is yours?"
"It's a flesh wound. The paramedics bandaged me up, and I'll be fine."
"I nearly lost you!" I cried, as I threw myself into his arms.
"We're going to get cleaned up and go remedy that little situation."
"How?"
"Have you already forgotten about the license we discussed last night?" I shook my head negatively, and Jerry wiped away my tears. "Let's go then."
As Jerry was helping me up, I saw Roscoe being taken away, handcuffed to the ambulance gurney. "Why did he do it?" I wondered aloud.
"He's a puppet for an underground organization. He started out doing it for money, and ended up doing it to protect his life."
"Wanda?" I asked.
"Her only reward was a box of chocolates each week. She's completely innocent."
"June?"
"She never existed. Roscoe loved only himself."
'Henry?'
'Completely innocent.'�
Jerry led me to my car, and we married that afternoon. He was right when he said I had room for a serious relationship, and I'm glad I listened with my heart.


THE END

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