Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Deanna by: Dr.  Paco Jones
   copyright 2012
   Chapter 20 - The Trial Begins - The Nightmare Continues
   The legal system in this country sure doesn't give a shit about the
victims of the crime.  The victim seems to have no rights at all.
   It seemed like every week the trial of Tara's husband was scheduled,
some lawyer would get a continuance and have the trial postponed for
another week or two.
   The defense knew it was going to get its ass kicked, and that the
shithead was going down for a long long time, so they just tried to delay
the inevitable.  It didn't delay much.  Because of the evidence the judge
refused any bail despite numerous attempts by the defense to get him out.
   Yeah, get him out so he could finish the job on Tara and/or Dee.  She
still had Dee hidden and law enforcement knew that.  I'm sure the
prosecution would use her for a witness because she was young and not
likely to be coerced.  Kids usually say what's real in those situations.
   In the meantime, life went on at the house.  They all kept a close eye
on Tara and at least once a week one of the girls would drive her up to
visit with Dee, but in some ways that made the separation even harder on
Tara.
   One thing that happened during all of this is that Tom and Tara were
spending more and more time together.  She had an aversion to men at this
point because of the experience, but she saw that Tom was kind, gentle and
honorable.  He didn't push her for anything, especially physical contact.
   He had the other four women to keep him tuckered out, but every so
often, Tara would look at him with a lot of lust in her eyes.  Tom didn't
seem to notice, but the ladies did.  Especially Marie.
   She mentioned it to Tom so that he could watch for it and be aware.  He
started to notice once in a while, and he would ask Tara out which she
always accepted.  They spent quality time together, but he would never push
her beyond a "thank you" kiss.  She was getting a little frustrated, but
understood that he would never push her towards anything.  If there were
going to be any sexual contact it would be initiated by her.
   Every time she contemplated the act her panties would get very damp, and
she would want it so badly, but when the time came to initiate any activity
she would always "chicken out".
   She didn't realize that Tom felt her hesitation and knew she really
wanted to drag him into bed, but just couldn't get the trust going yet.  It
would happen if it were meant to.  He was in no rush.
   One afternoon, Tara brought Dee to the house, but it was during a time
when Tom was out of town.  He'd just started a business and had to go on a
business trip.  By the time he returned, Deanna had already returned to the
relatives.
   All of the women loved her.  They told Tom that she was just a little
angel, and was a small copy of Tara.  She was still 7, but would be 8 in a
few months.  Tom was bummed out that he'd missed Dee, but when duty calls,
it calls.
   He was working for the government doing contracts and technology
analysis.  He was just starting his own consulting firm.  Just him. 
Because of his military background the government agencies that he worked
with trusted his judgment without much question.
   He'd had to testify before congressional hearings to explain the
proposals that the departments were trying to get funded or de-funded as
the case may be, but he always insisted that any of his testimony was to be
behind closed doors.  There were things in the proposals, though not
classified, were based on classified information.
   He wasn't about to compromise the security of the information because
some greedhead jack-off congressman wanted to try to make a name at his
expense.  He was very outspoken and had few friends in the Congress because
he said what was on his mind, backed it up with facts and figures, and
invited them to legitimately refute anything he had said.
   More than one congressional committee was left holding their dicks when
he was finished with them, and he really didn't give a damn.  As far as he
was concerned they were all thieves, every last one of them.
   He was held back on some trips because of the impending trial, and after
one such delay he went to the court and asked to address the judge.
   That's not normal procedure, but as long as all the principals are in
the courtroom, I suppose it was assumed that he was going to talk about the
case, but when he got there and was called it became apparent very quickly
that he was not a happy camper.  This continuation bullshit, as he called
it, was getting out of hand.
   "Your honor," he addressed the judge pointing at the defense table. 
"This so called lawyer continues to delay the inevitable, and so far
because of the rescheduling of these trial dates it prevents me from doing
my business."
   The judge looked interested, and somewhat amused by the tact that Tom
was using.  "Go on young man," he said to Tom."
   "Sir.  I work in government contracts doing project analysis and make
recommendations on current technologies.  I save all of us taxpayers at
least twenty billion a year, so far, in things the bozos in Washington
approve because they think it's going to kiss enough butt to get them a
vote or two.  These are things that are not needed; some aren't even
requested or wanted.  Some are funded in such a way that by the time they
get delivered, they're obsolete and get warehoused for two years then
scrapped.  It costs you and me a whole lot of money."
   He paused to see if there was anything anyone wanted to say.
   "Because of the continued delays requested by Mr.  Defense Lawyer," he
said turning to look at the defense table.  "I want to put him on notice
here and now that I'm going to file a civil suite against him to recover my
lost wages."
   The defense lawyer stood up and looked at the judge.  "Your Honor this
is highly irregular," he whined.
   "Yes it is Mr.  Ternner, but so are your ignorant continuations of this
case.  Not one of the reasons you have cited has ever borne fruit.  You
continually ask for delays to "dig up extenuating circumstances" which is
crap and you know it."
   "But he can't sue me for lost wages due to continuations," he said.
   "That's not for me to decide young man.  That will be heard in a
different court, but if I were asked to testify, you had better have a big
bank account and your checkbook handy."
   There was a murmur and laughter in the courtroom, before the judge
banged his gavel and restored order.
   "How much money are we talking about here Mr.  Tompkins, your lost
wages?" asked the judge.
   "Well up to now it's about $2.5 million, and there's another million in
jeopardy if we don't get this show on the road so that I can go on the
road."
   The judge nodded his head and muttered, "That's quite a substantial
chunk of change." Then looking at the defense table, "Mr.  Ternner, do you
have any further continuance requests up your sleeve?"
   "I guess not your honor," he said glumly.
   "Wonderful.  Today is Thursday and I don't work Fridays, so everyone is
to be here at 8am on Monday to start jury selection.  Mr.  Ternner if there
are any further attempts at delaying this trial, I may hold you in
contempt. Is my message clear?"
   "Yes Your Honor."
   "Thank you your honor," Tom said.
   "No, thank you sir.  I was beginning to wonder myself, if this would
happen before all of us were old and gray." Then looking at the courtroom,
he banged his gavel and said, "Court is adjourned until 8 o'clock Monday
morning.  Be here, and be ready to try this case gentlemen."
   Tom was a little taken aback at the results.  He'd gone to complain
about delays and the judge was on the same page.
   "Mr.  Tompkins may I see you in my chambers please," the judge said to
him plainly.
   Like a typical kid, he pointed his finger at his chest to say, "Me?"
   The judge chuckled and said, "I don't see any other Tompkins men in the
room.  Do you?"
   "Uh.  No your honor, thank you sir."
   So he followed the judge to his chambers wondering what this was all
about.  He hoped he hadn't gotten himself into trouble for speaking his
mind.
   When they entered the chambers, Judge Barrtel turned and asked him if
he'd like something to drink.  Again, he was taken aback, but declined not
knowing what was happening.
   To his total shock, the judge went over to a cabinet, that with the door
open looked to be a fairly well stocked bar.  He pulled out a bottle of JW
Black label and poured two fingers in a glass.  Putting the bottle back on
the shelf, the judge reached into the small office refrigerator that was
just below the bar taking out a few ice cubes and dropped them into the
glass.
   Tom heard the tinkle of the ice cubes as the judge swished the Scotch in
the glass before taking a drink.  He set the glass down on his desk and
planted himself in the most comfortable looking high backed leather chair
that Tom had ever seen.  Even the admiral didn't have one of those, and he
better not!
   Smiling, the judge asked, "I suppose you're wondering why I asked you
here?"
   "Uh, Yes sir.  I hope I didn't do anything offensive during my display,
and if I did, I humbly apologize."
   "Oh no, Mr.  Tompkins, you didn't offend anyone in that courtroom except
that twit of a defense counsel," he said with a grin.  "That man will drive
me to drink," he said lifting his glass and tipping towards Tom took
another drink.
   "Oh, I was just trying to make a point judge that his delay tactics are
costing people time on the job.  His client is a slam dunk for at least one
25 to life at minimum, and he's just delaying the inevitable."
   "Hmmm.  Perhaps you should put on the robe and try the case," he said
with a chuckle.  "You're pretty sure of his guilt aren't you?"
   "Your honor, I'm living with the results of his guilt, and I can tell
you she is going to be traumatized until he is dead.  She knows that if he
gets any kind of parole he'll come looking for both her and her daughter,
who by the way, has been hidden away so he could never find her."
   The judge was nodding his head knowingly, "Yes.  Yes, Mr.  Tompkins I'm
aware of all of that, but as a judge I'm not allowed to prejudge a case
before hearing all of the evidence.  Confidentially, I find the evidence
quite compelling.  Which brings me to my question to you."
   Tom looked at the judge waiting to hear.
   "Mr.  Tompkins," he said his eyes closing to a squint.  "I've reviewed
your record, at least that which I was able to obtain.  The government
won't give up classified information even to a judge without just cause,
and truly I have none other than my own curiosity.  You're quite impressive
for a 22 year old man."
   Tom now wondered where this was going, but was a captive audience so
he'd find out when the train got to the station.
   "Two silver stars, both with the "V" for valor, some Medals for
Gallantry, numerous commendations, put in for the Medal of Honor twice, one
still under review.  Mr.  Tompkins, I'd have to say you are quite an
impressive soldier."
   "Sailor sir.  I'm a sailor."
   "My mistake, Mr.  Tompkins -- "
   Tom interrupted, "Please call me Tom your honor.  Every time you say Mr.
Tompkins I want to look around for my father."
   Judge Barrtel just laughed out loud looking directly at Tom, his eyes
sparkling brightly.  It was apparent that he was enjoying the conversation.
   "My mistake Tom.  Please accept my apology.  Yes, you were a US Navy
SEAL.  You and that entire organization are a credit to our country young
man and I for one thank you heartily for your service."
   "Thank you sir," Tom said with a blush.
   "I can see the restraint in your demeanor.  It isn't rare for someone in
your group to be humble about membership, is it Tom?"
   "No sir.  We're just doing our job.  We were trained to perform a little
outside the box, and that's what we excel at.  Sometimes things don't go as
planned so we get way out of the box."
   "Oh, I understand that, but that leads me to the question that brought
you here.  Having read the police report in the course of reviewing the
evidence to be presented, I noted that you had the opportunity to kill the
defendant and didn't.  I just wonder why.  It would have saved us all a lot
of time, effort, and quite bluntly, pain in the ass time."
   He chuckled and took another drink from his glass as he settled back to
listen to Tom's answer.
   "I'm beginning to wonder about the answer to that question myself judge.
I can tell you that I didn't take his life because for him and his deeds it
would have been too quick, too easy on him.  The man deserves to suffer, a
lot.  If I'd killed him his suffering would be over."
   The judge nodded his head knowingly and said softly, "Indeed."
   "With a little luck and twelve intelligent people, he'll get that 25 to
life and end up in prison, hopefully for the rest of his life."
   The judge was nodding his head, but Tom still hadn't really answered the
question, but the judge was a patient man, he knew that Tom wasn't
finished.
   "As an aside your honor, he's an extremely homophobic man.  Tara, the
victim in all of this, hid out in a gay bar because she knew he wouldn't
consider coming in to a place like that.  He'd burn it to the ground, but
he was afraid he'd "catch gay."
   The look of shock on the judge's face was priceless.  He thought he knew
where Tom was going with the story, so kept quiet.
   "I'm pretty confident that once he gets to prison, he'll find out he's
not as tough as he thinks he is and he'll end up with some Bubba.  He'll
get that asshole of his stretched on a regular basis, and THAT, your honor,
is true punishment in this case."
   "So true.  No truer words ever spoken, but you know we can't acknowledge
that kind of activity."
   "Oh.  I totally understand.  That's not an issue for me.  I know it's
going to happen and so does Tara."
   "So how did you become involved in this whole thing Tom?" the judge
wanted to know.
   He looked at the judge for a moment and figured the judge already knew
the answer to the question, otherwise he probably wouldn't have asked it in
that way.
   "When Tara went to the bar, she was befriended by one of my roommates.
Marie called me to help out, so I did.  Once I heard Tara's story and knew
this guy had almost killed a police officer I knew he needed to be taken
into custody post haste."
   Judge Barrtel nodded his head in agreement.
   "I'm sorry to say your honor, but I didn't have a lot of confidence in
the police force being able to track him down and capture him, so I thought
since I had experience with that kind of operation that I'd give it a shot.
It worked out."
   "Yes, yes it did, quite effectively at that," commented Judge Barrtel.
"How long did you work on your plan Tom?"
   Tom blushed and said, "It took about 30 minutes to nail down all the
details, and it was really only getting Tara to agree to be the bait. 
Pretty much a no-brainer from my perspective."
   "Thirty minutes?  You made a plan that was executed to perfection in
thirty minutes," he asked incredulously.
   "Umm, Yes sir.  We were trained to improvise because nothing ever goes
as planned.  We always had to have some kind of contingency," he said in
all seriousness.  "Quite honestly this wasn't much of a challenge.  People
like him are very predictable when provided appropriate stimulus.  It was
just up to me to provide the stimulus," he said with a wry smile.
   "The whole thing was probably done, start to finish, in about two, two
and a half hours after I talked to the police and got the distinct feeling
that they not only didn't have it as a priority, but probably weren't
totally competent to take him down.  They did provide backup for me so that
once I had neutralized the perpetrator they could come in and take him into
custody."
   With a sigh he added, "Then we could go on with our day."
   "Amazing.  I would never admit to saying this, but it would be nice if
there were a whole bunch of 'you' out there.  It could save a lot of people
an awful lot of grief."
   "Yes sir, but that's not our job.  We're trained to take down terrorists
and the like in combat situations, not deal with civilian crime.  That's
supposed to be the job of the police forces, but quite honestly I don't
think they're very well trained or motivated anymore.  Budget cuts kill
public service."
   "I think you hit the nail on the head Tom.  Like everything else in this
world it boils down to money."
   "Yes sir, that's sure true."
   "Well Tom, I should let you go so you can get on with things.  Thank you
for your time.  I truly appreciate it, as well as appreciate being in the
company of such a distinguished sailor."
   "Thank you sir, it's my pleasure," said Tom standing up and shaking the
judge's hand.  With a grin, "See you Monday morning, sir, bright and
early."
   With a grin, Judge Barrtel replied, "I'll be here.  You can count on
it!"
   Tom wandered back through the corridor and into the courtroom to find
both Marie and Tara waiting for him.  When he approached, Tara jumped up
and wrapped herself around him.  The look he got from Marie was telling.
   He could read it in her eyes.  Telling him that Tara needed him right
now and that she and Lisa would just have to accept that.  Her mental
health was more important than their lust.
   He smiled at her and nodded almost imperceptibly while Marie approached
from behind Tara and wrapped herself around to hug Tom as well.
   Tara pushed away and looked into Tom's eyes and he could only see fear.
She was scared to death at the moment, so something must have happened
earlier that he didn't see or hear.
   It was Marie that filled it in.
   "While you were addressing the judge Tommy, the bastard turned around
and looked at, well both of us, and mouthed that he was going to kill her.
It not only scared her to death but it scared the shit out of me too."
   "Ok.  Hold on here for a minute."
   Tom ran back through the corridor to the judge's door and knocked.  He
heard the "come in" from behind the door and he opened it to a surprised
judge.
   "Sir.  Are there any surveillance cameras in your courtroom?  You know,
to have a video record if anything happens?"
   The judge looked at him, shocked that Tom would know that kind of
information.  There are probably a lot of things he knows the judge would
be shocked to hear.
   Tom explained why and was told to get the two young women and bring them
into chambers and he'd make a quick call.
   Tom went back out to the courtroom and escorted Tara and Marie back to
the judge's chambers.  By the time the three of them arrived, the judge had
moved aside a couple cabinet doors exposing a TV screen that the judge had
in his office.
   "Good morning ladies, please make yourself at home.  Would either of you
like a drink?"
   Both Tara and Marie shook their heads and didn't say anything.
   "Tom here tells me that the defendant in the case we just heard made
threats against you in my courtroom."
   Both nodded their heads and whispered, "Yes sir."
   "Ladies, please, don't be intimidated by the robe.  I'm human just the
same as you are, but I've been given the responsibility to sit in judgment
of others who don't seem to be able to follow the general rules of
civility."
   He smiled at them broadly and let them know what they were about to see,
and asked them about where he would find the offense.
   Tara spoke up, "It was right near the end when Tommy was facing you. 
You were asking the lawyer if there were any more delays he had planned."
   "Very detail oriented, I like that," he said with a gentle smile.
   He ran the tape from a remote and forwarded to the approximate place
where he would find the offense.  He hit the play button and sure enough,
the video showed him turning and mouthing "I'm going to kill you" plain as
the nose on your face.
   The judge made a quick phone call, and turned to face the three of them.
"Thank you ladies.  I appreciate you bringing this to my attention.  I
guess we'll have to handle this as soon as we've seated a jury.  I don't
want to spring it before then because the defense will come up with some
bullshit excuse to delay things again while he studies the video.
   Once the trial starts he can review it all he wants, but he won't be
able to delay things while he does so.  Please keep this to yourselves. 
Don't even mention it to the others at home.  Once I've had the prosecutor
admit it into evidence on the first day once the jury is seated, you can
talk about it all you want."
   He smiled at them and said, "You may go, and thank you again for your
courage!"
   The three of them left the court and headed home.
   Tom looked at them and asked, "You guys hungry?  I think I could eat a
horse."
   They both nodded their heads so consensus took them to a buffet salad
bar where they had monster, all you can eat salads.  They quietly discussed
Tom's conversation with the judge and when he listed off the medals he'd
gotten they both dropped their jaws and looked at him in shock.
   "You were a war hero?" asked Marie.
   "No Marie, I was a sailor doing my job.  Someone thought the job was
over the top and put me in for the medals.  They're just that, medals and
ribbons, no more, no less."
   So he continued on with the story while scarfing down his second plate
of salad, ending with the walk back to tell the judge about the threat in
the courtroom.
   They finished their lunches and stopped quickly at the grocery store to
pick up something for dinner.  Tom volunteered to do a big stir-fry chicken
dish for everyone.
   Marie jumped up and down clapping her hands, like a six year old, saying
"Goodie, goodie".  Then looking at Tara she told her, "Tom is a great cook
when we can con him into doing it.  It doesn't take much really because he
really enjoys doing it.  He does Mexican and Chinese to die for.  Wait
until he makes you some of his chicken enchiladas."
   Tom suggested they get the ingredients for that meal as well and he
could cook that up on Friday night before he went to work at the bar.
   Tara marveled that Tom picked out all of the ingredients without a list.
They got enough chicken for both meals and Tom said he'd bake the chicken
for the enchiladas tonight so they'd be cool and ready to shred tomorrow.
   "I have to be at the bar to set up with Rod at about seven or seven
thirty, and we start the show at eight.
   Tara got a panicked look on her face, and asked Tom, "You're going to be
gone all evening?"
   "Yeah, it's a show night.  I'd be there tonight, but because of the
things going on today, I didn't know if I'd be around to do the shift, but
it's ok.  Rod will take care of it," he said with a grin.  "There just
won't be a DJ out dancing tonight."
   Marie started to chuckle and to Tara's questioning face said, "Rod is a
little homophobic.  He doesn't think he's going to 'catch gay', but being
around us makes him uncomfortable.  He took the job only because Tom would
be there with him."
   "He's getting a lot better Marie.  I keep pointing out to him that
nobody is bothering him or trying to put the make on him, so just chill and
be cool." Then added, "Shit when we first started, he wouldn't go near the
club unless I was there, so a night like tonight would be without a DJ
because he wouldn't do a show by himself.  He just has the typical reaction
to homosexuality.  Us guys aren't as cool with it as you girls, and like I
say, he's getting a lot better about it."
   Marie laughed.  "Rod's a character.  I kind of like him at arms
distance. He's what I would call a 'Typical Guy'."
   Tom nodded his head at that.  "Yeah his girlfriends don't hang around
all that long and when I talk to them they all say the same thing, 'Shoot
and go Rod'.  I've tried to hint around to him, but I can't teach him, some
very patient woman is going to have to do that." Then chuckling, "When he
tries to roll over and go to sleep, she'll have to say, 'Oh no you don't
buster.  You ain't finished yet!' and then proceed to lead him by the hand,
or whatever, wait for it, comes to her hand."
   "It won't be his hand Tommy," Marie said with a giggle totally missing
the pun.
   They finally got home with all the groceries, and Tom began his meal
preparation after a quick shower.  It was quick because he was alone!
   When he came back downstairs he was wearing a pair of silk gym shorts
and a tank top.  That was it.  Marie knew he didn't have any skivvies on.
   So he started by putting the chicken for tomorrow's enchiladas in the
oven to bake in spicy red enchilada sauce.
   Once that was started, he began the task of chopping up the other
chicken and all the veggies for the stir-fry.  He always had an overflowing
wok, but the women always had seconds, so there wasn't much left over.
   So with all the prep done and the chicken in the marinade they wandered
into the living room and plopped on the couch, one girl on either side of
Tom.  He remembered what Marie had said, so he turned his attention to
Tara. He put his arm around her shoulders and let her lean in to put her
head on his chest.  He kissed her hair just above her ear.
   Marie just smiled at them.  She hoped Tara would let Tom do what he does
to a girl.  She was a little jealous, but knew that Tara really needed him
badly right now and though she loved him, she had Lisa.
   She had talked to Tara at length earlier letting her know that she
should sleep with Tom just to get the feel of a loving man next to her. 
She didn't have to do anything and Tom would be good with that, but if she
wanted intimacy, she couldn't do any better.
   Tara had smiled shyly at Marie's suggestion that she sleep with Tom, but
she also knew she'd do it.  She also knew she needed some tender physical
loving and had watched him with Lisa.  She knew Marie was telling her the
truth, but it was so hard to trust a man after...
   She looked up at Tom making eye contact.  She saw those same beautiful,
warm, tender, calming eyes.  She knew they could be as cold as ice, because
she'd seen it, but they were nothing but warm and loving this afternoon.
   She gave him a weak smile and snuggled a little tighter, but kept her
eyes on his.
   He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her tenderly.  It wasn't a long,
powerful, lick each other's tonsils kind of kiss.  It was just a soft,
loving, tender kiss, which is exactly what she really needed right now,
someone gentle and caring.
   When they broke their kiss, she was smiling at him and mouthed "Thank
you" to him.
   He smiled back and whispered in a really bad British accent, "I liked
that.  Please mum, may I have another?"
   She chuckled and nodded her head lifting it to meet his.  This time when
their lips met, it was a bit more intense.  There was definitely some "fuck
me" in it on her part; he'd felt it too.
   When this kiss was done, they cuddled a little closer and Tara started
to purr.  It wasn't a loud orgasm purr, but a contented purr.  She felt
very safe in his arms.
   Then thinking about it she looked back into his eyes and asked, "Will
you take me to work with you tomorrow?"
   He smiled and replied, "Sure, if you want to go.  I don't get off until
2am, so it'll be a long night, but you are always welcome to hang out at
the bar."
   Then to Marie, "Hey Marie, are you working tomorrow evening?"
   "And miss your enchiladas?  Not a chance mister!" she said.  Then added,
"I don't think so."
   "Do you want to come to the club with Tara and me when I go to work?"
   "Sure, that sounds like it'll be fun." Then with an evil grin, "And when
we get home she and I can attack you and double up on you."
   Tara blushed pretty red, and dropped her head a little, but smiled at
Marie.  You could see adventure in her eyes, so it looked like there would
be a threesome in Tom's room tomorrow night.  If Lisa joined in, well, Tom
wouldn't have a prayer!
   While Tara was snuggling she raised her face and began to give Tom
little pecks on the neck and chest.  That and her purring, was telling both
Tom and Marie, that she felt comfortable with her surroundings and
situation at the moment.  They were both contented with that.  Tara was
starting her recovery.  It would take a very long time, but she was on her
way.
   She looked into his eyes again, this time with a sheepish smile, and
leaned her mouth up to his ear and began to nibble a little before
whispering very softly, "Will you come with me to the bedroom?"
   He moved is face back to look at her, and found a shy, nervous but
smiling Tara looking back at him with lustful eyes.
   He just nodded to her, bringing out a big smile.  She began to wiggle
out of his grasp to stand in front of the couch.
   Marie looked up at her and immediately knew what was happening.  She
nodded to her, and mouthed, "Go for it." She felt a pang of jealousy, but
it passed very quickly knowing that Tara was going to get exactly what she
needed if that's what she wanted.
   Tom leaned over to Marie to let her know what was up, but looking in her
eyes, he knew she already had it wired.  She just leaned in, gave him a
soft kiss and said, "Thank you Tom." Then looking at Tara, whispered, "She
really needs some soft loving baby." She kissed him on the cheek noting
that Tara had put her arms out in invitation to him.
   She took him by the hand and walked slowly to the room that Tom had
given up to Tara.  She closed the door behind them and turned to face him.
He just stood quietly, looking into her very nervous eyes.
   He whispered to her, "C'mere sweetie, I want to kiss you again."
   Without any hesitation she moved into his arms and looking into his
eyes, accepted his lips on hers.  The kisses they were exchanging were
becoming more and more engaging.  She pulled her face away from his and
looking him in the eyes whispered nervously, "Will you lay down with me for
a while?"
   He nodded with a sheepish smile.  She took him by the hand and led him
over to the bed then after looking down at it, looked back to Tom's eyes.
She was still very nervous, but turned to him and started unbuttoning his
shirt.
   He put his hands on her hips and watching her, waited patiently as she
removed his clothes.  When she was finished, she stood up triumphantly, and
kissed him deeply.
   She put her arms around his neck loosely and whispered with a less
nervous smile, "Your turn."
   He looked into her eyes and whispered, "You're sure?"
   She nodded her head emphatically, and said, "Yes.  I need this Tom.  I
need you.  I need some tender loving, and after seeing you with Lisa last
night, I have no reservations."
   "Ok," he said softly while reaching for the top buttons of the shirt
she'd been wearing for the day."
   He slowly but firmly moved around her entire body removing her clothes
piece by piece until all she had left were her panties.  He stood to face
her, and with a smile whispered, "Tara, I don't want to take it.  Please,
give it to me." He leaned in and gave her a tender kiss.
   She looked at him with a still nervous smile, but knowing what he as
asking, snaked her fingers under the elastic of her panties and dropped
them down and when they hit the floor she kicked them away.  She put her
arms around his neck and they kissed with all the passion born of the
moment.
   Tom pulled away slightly and looking into her eyes, asked quietly,
"Would you join me in the shower?"
   With a growing smile, she nodded her head.  Hand in hand they walked to
the shower where Tom reached in to turn on the water and adjust the
temperature.
   He looked at Tara lovingly noting that she was shying the way a teen
girl would do, looking up at him but not wanting him to see it.
   He smiled and putting two fingers under her chin to raise it up, looked
her in those gorgeous eyes, and whispered, "You are a very beautiful woman
Tara."
   She looked up at him sheepishly and said almost imperceptibly, "Thank
you Tommy." Then with a giggle, "It makes an old lady feel good."
   "Old lady?" Tom asked incredulously.  Looking around the room as if
looking for something, "Where?  I don't see an old lady here anywhere."
   She blushed brightly, pressed her body into his tightly and pulled his
face down to kiss him again.  This kiss had "fuck me" all over it, and Tom
would be happy to accommodate her desires.
   They both jumped into the shower and began soaping each other gently. 
Tom made sure he didn't touch her breasts or mound while he made his way
around her body.  He just gently caressed her in the guise of soaping.
   She kept her hands on his shoulders while he moved around her making
sure everything got clean.  You could hear her begin to pant, and moan in
frustration as his hands got so close then bypassed the places she wanted
his hands to "wash".
   When he stood up to look her in the eyes, she threw out her bottom lip
in a playful pout, and said, "You didn't touch me Thomas.  I want you to
touch me."
   "Tara I just massaged most of your body, what do you mean I didn't touch
you?" he asked looking at her with an evil grin.
   "You left out a few places that need to be washed.  Do you think you can
find them and make sure they get clean, or do I need to do it myself?"
   He saw the grin on her face and brought both of his hands up to cup her
breasts and gave them a gentle massage.  Her eyes sparkled, and she let out
a loud moan when he started, and the moaning got even more intense when he
started to work her nipples.  He looked at her with a smile, and then
lowered his face to take one of her mounds into his mouth causing Tara to
shake noticeably and moan very loudly.  Her body twitched uncontrollably,
and her whole body became stiff.  She made her way over the cliffs and
jumped into the ever-mysterious land of "O".
   Tom held her tightly while she started to come down a little from her
first orgasm of the afternoon.
   When her head was able to raise to his the eyes told the whole story. 
She didn't need to say a word.
   "Ohmigod Tom.  I want more of that," she gasped with a big grin.  Since
she had already washed him rather thoroughly she said, "Take me to bed. 
Please."
   He nodded as she reached over to shut off the water and he reached out
for a pair of towels.  They slowly and sensuously dried each other top to
bottom, and because of her request, Tom took her hand and led her to the
bed, turned her around and gently let her know he wanted her to lay down
with him.  She slowly sank down onto her back, pulling him with her
insistently.
   He started to move to lie next to her, but she pulled at him making him
understand she wanted him to mount her on top.
   When he got into position between her widely spread legs, he dipped down
to kiss her tenderly.  Their eyes met just as his lips met hers.  She
expressed the passion she was feeling right through the darting tongue that
was invading his mouth.  They held that kiss for a long time while his
stiff cock rubbed up and down her slit making good solid contact with her
clit causing her to moan loudly into his mouth.
   When she dropped her head to the pillow under her, she looked into his
eyes and with her hands tenderly running through his hair, she whispered,
"Fuck me Tom.  We'll make love later because I feel that for you at the
moment, but I need your cock inside me baby.  Please, just fuck me."
   He stared into her beautiful orbs and nodded his head feeling her reach
between them and take his stiff meat and slot it between her soaking labia
and pulled him gently into her steaming vagina.
   "Oh god yeeesssssss.  FUCK that's what I need.  Uhh...  oohhhh... 
ahhhh...  Shit.  Oh fuck me baby, give it to me."
   Tom got the impression that she was enjoying herself, so he set himself
a good slow rhythm, and slowly and gently fucked her.
   In another part of the house Marie looked down the hall with a huge
smile on her face.  "Thank you my lover," she whispered to herself. 
"You're giving this woman what she truly needs and it makes me love you
even more." With some tears beginning to drip down her cheeks she thought,
"I'm scared to death that I'm losing you honey, and though it IS
inevitable, I'm not ready to let you go yet." With that Marie, broke down,
sobbed openly, and hard.  She didn't really know when, but she knew that
the die had been cast.
   Tara screamed out her pleasure for the third time, trying to keep as
quiet as she could, but failing miserably.  Even kissing him passionately
couldn't stifle the moans and exuberant reactions to the feeling happening
in her pussy.
   "Come in me," she said breathlessly.  "Put a baby in my belly
sweetheart, I want to feel your warmth flood me.  Then looking at him with
deep smoky eyes, she passionately continued, "Let's make a baby Tommy. 
Come in me lover, I want to feel that."
   With all of her words, Tom couldn't hold back anymore and blasted his
offering deeply into her womb.  She hollered loudly when she felt him
beginning because it pushed her over into an extended visit to "Orgasm
World" one more time.
   They both collapsed, gasping for air like they had just finished a
marathon, but Tom had the wherewithal to roll a little pulling her with him
so that he didn't crush down on her body.  When he started the roll she
held on tightly not wanting to let him go.  They quickly intertwined their
legs so that she held his shrinking penis inside of her for now.
   Looking into each other's eyes with incredible passion, they pecked
kisses at each other continuously while whispering feelings of love.  When
he had recovered a bit more, he looked into her eyes, and asked, "Tara? 
What you said -- "
   She smiled and interrupted, "No Tom, I won't have a baby.  I just know
that saying things like that will make a man go wild, and it had the
desired effect!"
   "I certainly don't need another child at the moment.  Dee is enough to
keep me busy; she's my life.  She'll always be the joy of my life."
   "I can't wait to meet her honey.  She sounds like a very interesting
person."
   Tara chuckled, "Don't be too surprised if she falls madly in love with
you Tom.  She needs a male influence, but a good male influence.  I hope
that in some way you can be that influence for her."
   Tom looked at her mysteriously wondering what it all meant.
   "I hope you'll be my friend forever Tom.  You have already shown me that
all men aren't total asshole jerks.  You don't know it, but that is quite
an accomplishment for such a short time."
   "I know Marie is scared to death you will leave, but I know you won't,
and I wouldn't allow you to 'leave' for me!  She has Lisa, but she is so in
love with you.  It's hard to explain, but a woman can see it."
   He nodded his head and said, "I know Tara, but I've told both of them a
million times that I would never become a wedge between them.  Their love
is a rarity in its pureness.  As much as I love Marie, there is no way that
I could 'take her away' from Lisa with a clear conscience.  Ain't gonna
happen!"
   Tara looked at him with a smile and let out a heavy sigh.  They both
looked into each other's eyes and slowly fell asleep in each others arms.
   The buzzer in the kitchen went off, but Marie knew what to do with the
chicken, so before the noise could disturb Tom and Tara she poked the
button, turned off the oven and pulled the chicken out to cool.
   Kung Pao Chicken this evening, Chicken Enchiladas tomorrow.  Life is
good!
   
  
Chapter 20 - The Trial Begins - The Nightmare Continues  v1e1  nH4t