The Link Season 1

[b]Links to available episodes[/b] Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5 & 6 Episode 7 Episode 8,9,10,11& 12 Episode 13 Episode 14 & 15 Episode 16 & 17 Episode 18 & 19 Episode 20&21 Episode 22-25 Episode 26&27 Episode 28-30 Episode 31&32 Episode 33-35 Episode 36 Episode 37-Finale [hr] [color =red]SEASON 2[/color]

okay I'm here with myself

..

Okay.. I don land already

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Episode 1 - Sam I needed God. It was hypocritical of me since I never believed. I couldn't fathom his existence, so I ignored the issue altogether in the past. If God wished me to know of him, he would have simply stopped by and said hello. The lack of an introduction meant God didn't exist, or he didn't give a shit. To me, clergy were no different than used car salesmen promising an eternity of maintenance free driving. More blood seeped through my fingers. God would be handy right now. The wound was probably deep. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it should. That was disconcerting. I tried to reach across my body to open the car door. My twisting torso hurt more than I thought it should. That was disconcerting as well. My car had spun laterally in the collision. The SUV that struck mine overturned and rolled into a wire fence that separated the desert proper from the pavement. It steadied after rocking on its hood a few times. I pushed the bloody airbag back and spat some of the powdery residue from my mouth. The pink mist I created frightened me. I licked my finger, and it came back bright red. Most disconcerting. I was likely dying. My head fell back against the broken headrest. I slowed my breathing and tried to feel how damaged my insides were. I reevaluated my need of God. I actually needed him not to exist. For if he did, I was screwed. Hell would have been devising my eternity with relish. As a human being, I sucked. I coughed up some blood that was blocking the back of my throat and wondered if it was possible to drown in my own fluids. I groaned as I forced my free hand across my body and pulled on the door handle. I heard the mechanism pop, but the bent up door refused to move. I almost laughed, maybe my hell had already begun. I pushed with my shoulder, causing a sharp pain to emanate from the hole in my side. More blood. I wasn't sure how much more was in my body. My hand wasn't an effective band-aid. The seatbelt was still fastened. Here I was killing myself to open the car door, and I hadn't even undone the belt. More wonderful humor to consider as I burned for eternity. I popped the catch and the belt released but refused to suck itself back into its holder. No matter, if I did get out of the car, I wasn't going to get back in. I laid down across the divider and reached for the passenger side door. The handle popped, and the door slowly opened. The hellish Arizona desert heat hit me in the face. I should have spent a few more minutes enjoying what was left of the air conditioning. I sighed, it would be good practice for the afterlife. My legs pushed, my arm pulled as I slowly extracted myself from the now visibly smaller driver compartment. Future bruises announced themselves loudly as I moved. Things became easier once I had gotten my ass over the divider. I grabbed the hood of my car on instinct, trying to pull myself out. It felt like the coils of a stove. Damn sun. I snapped my hand back and used what leverage I could find on the cooler insides of the car. Slowly, I turned my body and came out legs first. Standing was less of an effort than I had imagined it would be. I looked down at my side; blood was coating my shirt and covering my hand. It hadn't begun to soak my pants. Maybe I would just die of dehydration instead of bleeding to death. I steadied myself and looked down the road in both directions. Silence, not another moving vehicle in sight, the middle of nowhere. A good road to take if you're transporting ten pounds of pot. A really bad choice if you plan on having an accident. I pulled out my phone. No service. Seemed right. There was no reason a shit like me deserved a break. I lifted up my shirt to see the wound. More of a gash really, about two inches long and maybe an eighth inch deep at the worst. Nasty, but not as bad as I had first thought. The side view mirror informed me that my bottom teeth had torn into my lower lip. Blood had soaked a bit of my scraggly beard. Again, not as serious as I had first thought. I was pretty confident that I would live long enough to die of thirst. I stumbled over to my assailant's SUV. If I walked slightly funny, it hurt less. The windows on the driver's side of the car had shattered. The roof frame was bent a few inches toward the front but seemed to be holding steady. I heard a low moan as I approached. Bending was difficult. A woman lay along the overturned roof. She obviously hadn't been wearing her seat belt. I leaned in and choked back bile. Her legs were bent wrongly. White bone had torn through her pants below the left knee. Her hips seemed oddly askew, and blood pooled around her. I reached in and pulled some her brown hair from her bloody face so I could see her eyes. "Hello?" I said stupidly. I held back the are-you-alright because she wasn't. She was truly screwed. Her eyes opened slowly. I tried to smile. It would be what I wanted to see in my last moments. Someone, anyone smiling would be better than nothing. I had little doubt these were her last moments. "Hi," she groaned back. I reached in and grasped her hand that was lying limp near her head. I don't think she could feel it. "How bad?" I was about to lie. I couldn't. If it were me, I would want to know. "Bad," I said, trying to be soft. I saw a tear form in her eye. I bit back my own. I hadn't cried since I was ten. Then again, I never saw someone die before. "There's no one on the road and no phone service." "You're here," she said. I moved closer. I hate death. I don't do funerals or go near hospitals. For some reason, empathy forced me to commit to her. There wasn't anyone else to dump it on and I couldn't let her die alone in the desert. "I'm so sorry," she groaned. I wasn't exactly caring who was to blame for the accident. It seemed silly now. "It doesn't matter," I stuttered. Damn tears. "Is there someone you want me to talk with?" I hoped she wasn't worthless like me. I hoped she had someone. "You can't let them take the baby," she said weakly, her eyes darting from side to side. I think she wanted to move her head, and it wasn't responding. Delirium was setting in. "Promise me," she added. "I..." my words caught when my eyes spotted movement in the back. An upside down car seat, still secured, contained a strapped in baby with wide open eyes looking at me like being upside down was normal. The child's thin hair was hanging straight down, moving with the turns of it's head. "Shit!" I said too loud. I tried to crawl under the seat tops, failed and retracted myself quickly from the car. Ignoring the pain, I practically dove into the back window. It took way too long to decipher the car seat connections. The baby just looked at me, its upside down eyes barely blinking as they traveled around my face. It made no sound beyond blowing drool bubbles out the corner of its mouth. My only thought was to bring it to its mother. She had to see that her baby was okay. One could die in peace knowing that - I was sure of it. I silently cursed the insane engineer who designed the car seat. When the seat finally broke free, I lowered it gently and turned the child around. It made a funny face, like an old man trying to struggle up a tall flight of stairs. A wet gurgling sound followed from within the seat. The smell that quickly grew was staggering. I ignored it as best I could. I pushed some flowered cloth bags out of the way and pulled the child, seat and all, out the window. The base of the seat barely fit. It wasn't going to make it into the front. I set the car seat on the ground and started undoing more straps. Another moan from the front made me move faster. The child just watched me work, unconcerned it was 110 degrees out, and we would all likely soon die. I crawled carefully while keeping the smelly child at arms length. I scooted myself back in and sat the baby next to its mother, out of the pooling blood. My side was complaining fiercely, but I wasn't dying. "Don't let them take her," the woman insisted. A struggled smile formed on her lips as her eyes took in the child. "She's fine," I said, realizing it was a girl, "I'll make sure she gets where she needs too." The woman gritted her teeth and scrunched her eyes at some unknown wave of pain. "You have to take her," the woman continued, "there's no one else." She paused to deal with more pain. How I wished I could ease it. I hated watching. "They'll come after you." I wasn't sure who she thought I was. "I'm not someone you give a baby too," I said, "I'll get her to the police. I won't let anyone take her." I could promise no more, and I wasn't going to lie to a dying woman - delirious or not. "No!" she shouted. It cost her a lot. I reached in to hold her hand again. This was harder than I ever imagined. "She's special. They will try and take her," she was gasping for air, "you must not let that happen." I studied her carefully and no longer thought she was the mother. Something was screwed up. Maybe she was one of those crazy women who steals other's babies. Her breathing was coming in fits. "What's your name?" she asked during an exhale. "Sam," I answered. "Promise me, Sam," she struggled with the words. A damn dying wish. "I can't take a baby," I insisted. Pot running was one thing; kidnapping was a whole different 20 years in prison. "They will use her," she said, her eyes trying desperately to stay open. Who the hell uses babies? The woman needed the truth. It wasn't like she could turn me in. "I'm two-bit drug mule," I said. The admission hurt. It was what I was, and I didn't see that ever changing. "I'm not fit to take care of a baby." The woman smiled a huge smile of forgiveness I didn't deserve. I wanted her to take it back. "Take her to Portland," the woman pleaded. Blood was leaking from her mouth, ruining the smile. "Promise me you'll take her that far." "Portland," I nodded, I knew I was lying. I was lying to a dying woman. I was truly shit. "138 North Packard. Repeat it." The blood was making her words bubbly. "138 North Packard," I said back. The baby babbled, joining in the lies I was telling. "They will hunt you," She said, her eyes no longer focusing on me or anything else. Her delusions were getting stronger. "Sam!" she suddenly called out. "I'm here," I said, moving my hand from her lifeless palm to her forehead. "You will do it?" she pleaded again. "Yes," I lied. "Then know, I love you for it. I love..." Silence followed. Her eyes never closed when the breathing stopped. Damn tears. I pushed more of her hair away from her face. I couldn't stop the flood. I scooted back out the window, pulling the stinking baby out with me. I placed her in her car seat and looked at the nameless little girl. "She loved me," I said softly. Words I hadn't heard since I was a child. The baby smiled at my memories. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, trying to let it go. She loved me, and I never asked for her name. I pulled the baby and her seat into the little shade the side of the car offered. She babbled at the sound of the seat scraping along the sandpaper surface. I crawled back into the back window, pulling out the two flowery bags I ignored before. Hopefully, there was something in them. In my trunk, I only had a small overnight bag, pot, and a couple of blankets to cover the pot. The first bag was the baby's. Diapers, wipes, and a six pack of warm juice boxes with two empty baby bottles. If there was a God, he sent the juice boxes. The devil must have sent the diapers. I couldn't in good conscience allow the child to sit in her poop now. The diapers were all loose without instructions. I fished deeper into the bag. A couple of rubber chew toys and a folded plastic mat, no diaper directions. I looked at the child. "You know how to do this?" I said, holding up one of the diapers. She smiled. "You're a stinky baby," I said, smiling back. This time I received a large toothless grin. I poked her tummy with the end of the diaper. "Stinky, stinky," I babbled. She could laugh. The death of the lady, my totaled car, and our slow demise to dehydration disappeared in that laugh. I had her unconditional attention and a selfishly abused it. Absorbing baby laughter seemed to lighten the misery. No matter what I did, as long as I smiled, she would break into her breathy laugh that cooled my ears. She was special alright. I spread out the plastic mat in the shade of the car. I lifted the smiling baby and laid her gently on her back. She was wearing a red flowered matching shirt and pants. Her arms were reaching for me as I pulled off her pants while calling her Stinky. She seemed to adore the name. I found new and exciting ways to pronounce it. She loved it more. I learned I liked baby girls. Too bad they grow up to become picky and judgemental. I looked carefully at how her diaper was attached. Taped at the front. I unfolded a new diaper and flipped it over so it would work like the current one. This wasn't going to be as difficult as I thought. I released the tabs on the tape and undid her diaper and pulled back the front. "Oh...Stinky," I groaned, trying not to lose what little was in my stomach. She laughed at that too. It was brown with green streaks, smelling of sewer, and seemed to be everywhere. I placed my hand over her tummy, to keep her in place while I fished for the baby wipes I had seen in the bag. I tried not to look at the mess. My hand began to tingle on her tummy, almost like it had gone to sleep. I grabbed the package of wipes with my other hand, turning my attention back to Stinky. The tingle had expanded up my arm, a strangely comfortable feeling. I slowed, watching her eyes take me in. My body embraced the pleasant feeling as it spread. My smile grew, my eyes closed. Peace, simple and pure, wrapped around me like a blanket. An awe of life developed inside me. I remembered the first time I saw the vastness of the ocean, the desert sunset, and a baby deer in the woods. All of these spread like a soft fog in my mind. Each igniting an excitement in tomorrow. My place was comfortably defined, yet a vastness so unlimited was spread before me, and nothing seemed impossible. Most of what I had done before was no more than a lesson of what not to do. I had so much potential and knew what was needed. I saw the future, where I should be, a place where I mattered and had the respect of so many. There was no embarrassment, no failures or regrets. Happiness was such a simple thing. I quickly pulled my hand away. The feelings dissipated like a receding tide. I breathed. She was very special. "Who are you, Stinky?" I asked. The little smile factory gave me no answer I could understand.

hmmmm.....nyc start dude... contynew

Comment boost the morale of the writer this definitely isn't morale boosting

Episode 2 - Sam Stinky's butt was disgusting. A newfound respect for my mother grew in me as I lifted legs, shifted them this way and that, using way too many wipes to remove the foulness. The tingling started again, so I switched hands which seemed to stall the effect. "You're gross, Stinky," I said, trying not to gag. She just smiled. Anything I would say or do seemed to please her. "Your butts all red now. What did you eat? It's like toxic waste." More smiles and part of a laugh. I had to switch hands again. "I got it on my damn fingers," I said, pulling another wipe out. Stinky seemed to enjoy my complaining. I had to admit, I enjoyed her smiles. I always figured being a parent was a sucker play. I was beginning to see the appeal. Her happiness was contagious. I pulled away the soiled diaper and filled it with nasty wipes, folding the grossness away. I tucked the clean diaper under Stinky's red butt. It took me two tries at taping it shut. It was too loose the first time. "There, isn't that better?" I asked her. She kicked her legs at me, obviously pleased with her clean ass. It was strange, looking down at her. At that moment, I was all she had. My hands found her feet and pumped them back and forth like she was riding a bike. She thought it was a fabulous game. The tingling began again. This time, I didn't let go. Dreams, fabulous dreams. My own dreams made whole. Paths to achieving them no longer seemed insurmountable. My mental fortitude grew as fast as my potential. I saw how I could shape the world, adding instead of subtracting, building instead of weakening. I liked myself for the first time in years. I let go of Stinky's feet and breathed deep. She smiled. I knew then I would make good on my lies. Stinky was going to Portland. She was too important to ignore. Stinky and I sat, splitting an apple juice box. I was able to squeeze half of it into one of the bottles without getting everything sticky. She was pretty good about helping to hold the bottle. We were partners in crime now. I had thrown the fouled diaper and wipes as deep into the desert as I could. The odor had been too much to bear. Stinky did nothing to stop me, so I labeled her an accessory to my blatant disregard for the Arizona littering laws. Stinky and I were badass. Eventually, another vehicle would come down the road. It was a lonely two-lane road used mostly for ranch access. As the heat of the day wound down, someone would want to take a trip to civilization. If not, it would be a very long walk. One I wouldn't attempt with the sun up. I settled Stinky into her car seat, buckling her back in. Leaving her in the shade, I retrieved the pot I had been transporting, wrapped it in one of the blankets and stashed it off the side of the road, behind a sequoia that was hosting a few scraggly bushes at its base. I was taking a risk that it wouldn't be found. Losing a delivery was not a healthy thing to do. Since I had stopped bleeding, I changed into a clean shirt I had in my travel bag. The other blanket, I used to cover the poor woman. A task I found difficult. I couldn't find a purse and it didn't feel right to search the body. I wondered if I would ever know who loved me. The second bag from Stinky's car held some women's clothes and toiletries. At the bottom of the bag, I found a thick roll of twenty dollar bills. I transferred the few things of Stinky's into the diaper bag, plus the money. Just shy of three thousand dollars. Stinky's inheritance, more than enough to get us to Portland. I looked at the time on my phone and thought I should wait thirty minutes before opening another juice box. I had it worked out to get us to sunset. It was so damn hot; even sweat evaporated before it could soak clothes. After it got dark, we would have to start walking. We spent our waiting time talking. Well, I talked, and Stinky listened. She was a wonderful listener, unlike all the women in my past. She laughed at my jokes and just about anything else I spoke about. Two juice boxes later, I began to get concerned. Stinky was getting lethargic. Her reactions slowed, and the animation had left her arms and legs. I pulled her out of her chair and laid her back on the plastic mat in the shade. She felt warm, so I stripped her to her diaper. I used a clean diaper as a fan and created a breeze for her. She closed her eyes, her lips moving as if they were feeding. She slept as I fanned and worried. I got it in my head that Stinky was my chance at redemption. I had done some pretty awful things in my life. Nothing like murder but screwing over others never bothered me. The strange hope that bled through Stinky was mind altering. I didn't understand it; I just accepted it. I made it my mission to preserve it. If I could do that, it would be like apologizing to the world and the world having to accept. She was my life raft. She was changing me, and it felt good.It's not like I had much future in transporting pot. Colorado was the first state to fall, and I was sure others would follow in time. Once it was a business, uneducated slobs like me were out of a job. Bussing tables or washing dishes was all I was qualified for. That would have to change. The lady said I would be hunted, that they would use Stinky. The thoughts didn't sound as ridiculous as when I had first heard them. I didn't know who 'they' were, but I knew how to hide. I had been practicing running under the radar for my whole adult life. A child was just another package. I could move her from point A to point B without being noticed. Stinky was my destiny. My ultimate run. I looked down at the sleeping baby. Hope had an amazing effect. The shadows were long when I finally heard an engine. A small box truck was coming down the road. I lifted stinky in my arms, waking her. I didn't like how warm she was. Her head fell to my shoulder sluggishly. I needed the vehicle to stop. I couldn't imagine it wouldn't. Her legs were using my arm like a seat causing the tingle to grow. Clarity surged through me. The desert lost its dullness, its beauty exploding in my eyes. I saw the slight increase in the speed of the truck and sensed the driver's desire to pass us by. It was as clear as if I were sitting next to him. I was inside him. I knew his conscience was digging into his mind, fighting against a desire to avoid other's problems. I stepped onto the road with confidence. The brakes engaged, the back of the truck sliding sideways, the driver compensating as I knew he would. The truck skid to a halt. I had five feet to spare. Not really a challenge. "Shit!" the driver screamed as he exited the truck. He slammed the door. "Are you stupid? I almost killed you." He was a stocky man in overalls. "I needed you to stop," I said, walking quickly to passenger side of the cab. He wasn't the violent type. I don't know how I knew, I just did. He was scared, socially inept. Unconfident in a crisis but generally a good man. Hope told me so. "Where the hell do you think you're going?' the man yelled, hurrying after me. "My baby needs to cool down," I replied, "she's overheated. We've been out here all day." I wasn't stopping. He did. "A baby?" He said with sorrow. I could feel his heart drop. He almost left a child on the side of the road. Guilt filled him, then a strength swelled in his mind. He committed. "Let me start up the truck, get the air going again." He moved quickly to the driver side. I found the passenger side locked. The man climbed into the driver seat and unhesitantly popped the lock. It felt significantly cooler in the cab. I laid Stinky on the bench seat, climbed in and closed the door. The man closed his door and started up the engine and adjusted the air to full. He put both hands on the wheel, bowed his head and sighed. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. Stinky's power had receded and left me with a slight headache. I couldn't feel him any longer, and the memory of the oncoming truck sent a shiver through me. I had to take a deep breath to quell the latent fear. "You stopped," I said with half a smile, "we're grateful." I hoped it would be enough. I needed him to trust me. I closed my eyes and tried to forget the image of the oncoming truck. The damn thing almost hit me. I ran my hand along Stinky's back. It was uncomfortably warm. "Let me pull off to the side," he said, putting the truck into gear. I nodded as we maneuvered off the road. I could have told him it was unnecessary. He was the first vehicle in nearly four hours. "I'm Jack," I said, holding out my hand. Not my real name, but I felt he needed some frame of reference. "Charlie," he responded, shaking my hand. "This is my daughter, Mary," I said, continuing the lies. He smiled at Stinky. "What happened?" He asked, looking at the overturned car. "Best guess," I said with confidence, "the lady in that car fell asleep behind the wheel." I pointed to the overturned vehicle. "Where...is she?" Charlie was at a loss for words. Like me, I could tell he wasn't comfortable with death. "I don't think she was wearing her seat belt," I answered, "she didn't make it. I don't even know her name." I didn't have to fake my sorrow. She loved me and entrusted me with Stinky. "Oh, hell," Charlie sighed, looking down at his feet. "Anyone else hurt?" "No, Mary and I were lucky," I responded. Stinky's skin was cooling. I lifted my hand as the tingling started. For some reason, I felt it best not to live in it. It was special and probably shouldn't be used as a crutch. I certainly didn't want to extend my headache or jump in front of another oncoming truck. "I can get you to Winslow," Charlie said, "phone coverage will be spotty for awhile." "Anywhere but here," I said in a grateful tone. "What about the lady in the car?" Charlie asked. He didn't look like he wanted to touch a dead body. Nor did I. "Do you have room in the back?" I asked, tilting my head toward the rear. "I don't have the key," Charlie said, "I'm helping my brother move. He's got the key to the padlock." I disliked leaving the nameless woman alone in the desert. There was no way she could ride up front and I wasn't going to insult the body by strapping it to the roof. The police were going to have to handle it. "It's probably best if we just call the police as soon as we can," I said, "anything else seems disrespectful." Charlie gave me a relieved nod of agreement. "I covered her with a blanket. It's the best we can do for now." "Gather what you need, I'll watch your daughter." I left the cab and gathered Stinky's diaper bag, car seat, and my overnight bag. It took a few minutes to get the car seat set up. I had to guess how the seat belts fed through the frame. It seemed secure when I buckled Stinky, still sound asleep, into it. I was relieved to find her skin physically cooler. It was tight, but I squeezed in with the bags and we headed off. "I'm glad you happened by." I tried to bolster Charlie. I needed his trust. "I think we were pretty close to being in real trouble." "I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner," Charlie said, ignoring his initial misgivings, "must have been pretty bad by the looks of the cars." "Yeah, my side is killing me," I said, lifting the edge of my shirt. The blood was all dry. Nothing new was leaking out. "Those car seats must really work," Charlie continued, his eyes traveling to Stinky for a quick look. "I don't think she even knew it happened," I said, giving Stinky's feet a quick squeeze, "the heat bothered her more." "Bet her mother will be relieved," Charlie said with a grin. "I'm all Mary's got Charlie," I said sadly, "Cancer." That one word explained a lot. It also guaranteed he wouldn't dig any further. It was shitty of me to invent a dead wife, but I needed to keep the story simple. Some shared grief goes a long way to building trust. "I'm so sorry." Charlie's grin faded quickly. "It must be hard, raising her by yourself." "It's been hard, but she's a good kid," I said, my eyes on Stinky, "she doesn't complain much and she's a wonderful listener." I added the last to lighten the talk up. No need to concentrate on death. "She sure is a pretty girl." Charlie's smile returned. I joined him. She was certainly the best looking baby I had ever seen. "Got her looks from her mother," I added. "Hopefully, all girls do," Charlie joked. We shared a small chuckle. Bonding complete. "You live in Winslow?" I asked. "Nope, I live in Albuquerque," Charlie replied, his posture more relaxed, "my brother is moving to Flagstaff. Following his new wife who has a better job than he does." He pointed down the road. "I took a wrong turn and found myself on this long cut." I smiled as if it could happen to anyone. I was more than pleased he didn't know the locals. It would make things easier for the both of us. Stinky started, her arms jerking as she woke. Her eyes found mine and she smiled. She trusted me. I wasn't sure I was worthy of the trust. My words to Charlie were bold faced lies. I lied as much as I told the truth in my life. I did the only thing I could do in midst of such faith. I tickled her toes and smiled back. Her temperature seemed to have returned to normal. "She sure loves you," Charlie stated, his eyes moving between the road and Stinky. The thought was entirely too pleasant. Love does not manifest in the space of a few hours. I hadn't felt it since I was a child. Love was for other people. She merely trusts me. Normally I would think the trusting person a fool. In this case, her trust was not unfounded. We had driven for 15 minutes before Charlie's turned onto a real road with other cars and his phone dinged. I pulled mine out and saw two bars. I made a show of sliding my finger and pushing the screen and then sighed loudly as I turned it off. "Out of juice," I lied, waving my phone in disgust. "Here, use mine," Charlie offered. I thanked him and dialed 911. Much better that it be his phone. I had no idea who might want Stinky. There was no reason to leave a trail of breadcrumbs for them. I would have avoided the phone call altogether if the lady wasn't lying dead in the desert. She deserved more than to be forgotten. "I need to report an accident," I said once the operator answered. I went through an explanation that Charlie wouldn't discount. I explained the reason I had to leave the scene and the unfortunate death. I had some trouble explaining its location. There weren't many landmarks, and the turnoffs were unmarked, most likely very long driveways. Between Charlie and I, they had enough information to find the spot. I promised I would go directly to the police station in Winslow as soon as my daughter was taken care of. I trusted them to care of the lady's remains. Their trust in me was unfounded. We approached Winslow as the sun set. It was a smaller city than I hoped. The problem with small towns is that everyone knows everyone else. A stranger and his daughter would have difficulty blending in. It would also be more difficult to find transportation. I had to remain near the highway, blend with the travelers and head out as quickly as possible. I had to find someway to get rid of Charlie as well. "The Motel 6 sounds good," I said, pointing at the billboard that forecasted it a mile ahead. "Can you drop us off there?" "Sure," Charlie replied, "or I can get you to Flagstaff. It might be a little easier to get some transportation from there." He gave me a knowing smile. I swallowed hard.

If I don't get reaction I might decide to stop posting

nice one #following

Will follow this to the last.. rode on

NYC ONE FOLOWING

Continue

ride on

Ride on.

Nice story... Following

Following..

I am following

Episode 3 - Sam "I'm supposed to see the police in Winslow," I said, keeping my falsehoods straight. Maybe Charlie forgot. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Mary, or whatever her name is ... special," Charlie straightened his arms, pushing his back into the seat and flexing his shoulders. "I don't know how, but she showed me things when you were getting your bags." He turned to me, "She trusts you, so I trust you. I even trust that your lies are necessary." His eyes returned to the road. I watched him for a moment. I wasn't the only one Stinky affected. Jealousy flashed for a moment, but I let it go. "You felt her?" I verified. "If you can call it that," he answered, "one second I was rubbing her back and the next I was perfectly there." Perfect was a good word. Supreme clarity. "I know you cared for the woman in that car. I know you care for Mary. I also sensed your need to stay under the radar." "I call her Stinky," I said. Stinky lit up and smiled at my words. "I don't know her real name either." Charlie smiled as well. "My real name is Samuel. My friends call me Sam." "Why Stinky, Sam?" he asked. "Let's stop at a grocery store and I'll show you," I said with humor, "I didn't know when she ate last, but I do know when she pooped last." Charlie laughed. It was a good healthy laugh that brought out a breathy one from Stinky. "Food is a good idea," Charlie agreed. I confided in him, telling him the truth as I knew it, knowing he had felt a lot of it through Stinky. I left out the ten pounds of pot since I didn't know where he drew his moral line. We pulled into a grocery store off Interstate 40, inside of Winslow proper. I fished out pants and a shirt for Stinky so she would be more presentable. "She sure is a calm child," Charlie observed, "my brothers kids can't go thirty minutes without complaining about something." He was right, not that I had much experience. When I paid attention to her, she smiled. When I didn't, she just watched me. I suspect she was as hungry as I was, but not a single cry to let me know. "Special," was all I said. Charlie nodded. I added some socks which seemed to please Stinky or maybe she thought I was playing with her feet. No matter. Her smile owned me. Two men with a baby pushing a cart through a grocery attracted attention. I hadn't thought it would, but we were getting looks. Mostly from the women. A glance at us, one at Stinky and a strange knowing smile. I think they thought we were a gay couple with a child. I started smiling back. I was the type of person who didn't get second looks. Stinky got me those looks, even if it was for the wrong reason. I straightened, trying to look like a good father. We hit the diaper aisle and stocked up. I grabbed a few more boxes of wipes. I had to figure out a way to not use half a box per poop. We moved to the baby food aisle and were immediately lost. Neither of us had any idea of what to get. There were choices galore and advertising that seemed specific to age and development. I wasn't sure how old Stinky was. Charlie gave me a funny look and a shrug when I asked him. So, I asked Stinky. I wrapped my hand around Stinky's and let the tingle turn to wonder. Wonder to clear thought. Memories from bits of conversation and blurbs from words I had forgotten I'd read came flooding back. I stuck my little finger in Stinky's mouth. A couple of sharp little razors bit down. New teeth, somewhere around six months. Not crawling yet, less than ten months. I moved along the aisle till I found the proper solid food choices. Nothing dramatic, some carrots and green beans, well pureed. I picked up some Cheerios for her to gnaw on. Water and some yogurt for a cool treat. I opted for formula instead of milk. I remembered hearing some TV doctor say that cow's milk should be introduced slowly, at around eight months. I was in the third grade when I watched that with my mother. I felt apprehension and fear. Not mine, someone else's. I looked at Charlie and saw indifference. It came from the aisle on the other side of the baby food. I walked around the endcap tasting fear mixed with an oppressive need. A young man with dusty brown hair and an unshaven face that had yet to fully mature. He stared at a bag of dog food. His jeans were baggy, and he wore an untucked long sleeve shirt. I could see the sweat on his temples and could feel him trying to build courage. He needed money desperately. Debt and shame were piled on his shoulders. I could sense the gun he hid in his pants. I looked at Stinky, and she smiled. I smiled back and walked toward the up and coming criminal. "I'll buy your gun for a thousand," I offered quietly. He jumped. Stinky and I smiled. "What?" he said, his eyes darting up and down the aisle. He thought I was setting him up. "I'll give you a thousand for your gun," I repeated. It was so logical. He needed money, and I had extra. No one would get hurt. He wouldn't end up in jail, and the gun would leave circulation. I saw his hand moving slowly to his back. "You'll never make it," I warned. My reflexes, even holding Stinky, would be far beyond his. My confidence was unwavering. "It's not my gun," He said, letting his arm drop back down to his side. I shrugged my shoulders. It was his choice. I just smiled. "Okay," he capitulated. I dropped my hand from Stinky and reached into my pocket for the roll of bills. My confidence and perfect presence fled. The fear was incredible. There is no such thing as extra money. This nutcase was going to rob the place, and I was about to pull out a wad of bills. I was doing it with a baby in my arms. I was a complete idiot. I shifted my hand that was holding Stinky and slid my thumb under her top and let it lay against her back. Brilliance returned a moment too late. The boy had seen my hesitation and went for the gun. It came from his back, the barrel moving from the floor toward me. Time moved slowly for him, too slow. In the time it took him to raise the barrel, my hand shot from my pocket and diagrams of a Colt 45, original model 1911, flashed through my mind. My hand covered his; one finger engaged the safety another depressed the magazine release and still another tucked under his thumb disallowing the additional grip safety to be depressed. His eyes widened as the magazine hit the floor with a metallic clatter. My foot moved quickly, topping the magazine, sliding it behind me and out of his reach. I twisted the weapon and the barrel away from us while moving Stinky farther from his reach. My weight went to my left foot. My right foot was ready. I had no doubt I could hit his head with it if I so wished. The boy's muscles slackened, his eyes moving from mine to Stinky's. He visibly calmed, then smiled. "I have made a mistake," He said as his finger left the trigger. The words didn't fit his age or demeanor. He made no move to release the weapon. He wished me to hold him. Stinky's gift was traveling through me. "How much do you need?" I asked. "$480," He replied, "It's my grandfather's gun. I need to return it." I let go of him and the Colt. Reality returned to him. He stared for a moment, then replaced the gun under his shirt and into his pants. "I'm sorry," he offered. I pulled my thumb from Stinky's back. I let my breath out as real life took hold again. My right foot was no longer a weapon. "You saw your potential," I said as I fished back into my pocket pulling out the roll of twenties. He was no longer highly concerned with the amount. I handed him the roll. "Take what you need." "Who is she?" He asked as he slid the rubber band off the bills. "Someone very special," I replied. He counted off exactly $480, replaced the rubber band and handed the rest of bills to me. I put them back in my pocket. "An angel," he suggested while he pocketed the money. Charlie came around the corner and stopped in front of the magazine that was still on the floor. "I miss something?' Charlie asked. "A future rewritten," I said with an aplomb I didn't deserve to portray. It was Stinky's doing after all. The young man chuckled under his breath. "Are you going to be alright?" I asked him. "I think so," he said with a smile. Charlie reached down and retrieved the magazine. "She changes things. How does she do it?" "Ahh, you've been in her world," Charlie said, holding out the magazine. The young man took it and deposited it his front pocket. "We have no idea," I answered, "faith seems to be part of it." The words felt strange coming from my mouth. I was always faithless. Maybe she was an angel. A stinky angel. Stinky leaned away from my chest trying to grab a colorful can off the shelf next to us. It was too big for her hand, so she just pushed it around trying to get a grip. Her face was tight with concentration. All baby at that moment. "I have some apologies to make," the young man continued, "I've been pretty much an asshole for the last couple of years." He shook his head, "she washed out a lot of stupid. What's her name?" "Stinky," Charlie answered with a grin. Stinky turned and smiled at Charlie. She knew we were talking about her. "Thank you, Stinky," the man said with humor. Her eyes moved to the young man. He nodded, turned and walked away. I watched him walk without the swagger I would expect from a young hoodlum.

hmmmmmm

you better give that girl a new name

That stinky of a name is annoying

stinking... for wat naw

Was stinky

Give her another name na

Abeg where you got that name from?

Special

Episode 4 Sam "Are you going to save the world?" I asked Stinky. She grabbed my nose and gave it a tug, then turned her eyes back to the shelf. I moved her closer so she could get both hands around the can. It was too heavy for her to lift, so I helped. I got a breathless laugh for my efforts. We didn't need a can of spray starch, but I bought it anyway. "Your nose is bleeding," Charlie told me. I reached up and wiped under my nostrils. My finger came back with a small amount of blood. I wiped again, and it came back clean. "I think I hit the airbag pretty hard," I said, shrugging it off to the accident. "What was that all about," Charlie asked, once we were on the road again. I was busy feeding Stinky some slightly chunky carrot concoction that didn't smell tasty. She acted like it was chocolate cake. I couldn't seem to spoon it fast enough. It was the first time I had seen her demanding side. She also insisted on trying to help which made matters worse. "The kid was going to rob the store," I said, using my finger too quickly dam up some dripping carrot on Stinky's chin. I pushed it up and between her lips. She grunted excitedly, wanting more. "It was strange. You know how you can remember things and dredge things up from long ago?" "Yeah," Charlie answered, glancing between me and the road. I dipped the plastic spoon back in the jar as Stinky strained at the chair straps to try and reach it herself. "This time, I recognized the gun and knew how to take it apart. I could see the manual." I said as Stinky's carrot covered hands helped me pull the spoon into her mouth. "So?" "I've never really touched a gun. Never liked them," I said, scooping up the carrot mess on Stinky's chin. Only half the stuff was making it in her mouth on the first try. This feeding thing would take some serious practice. "I think I was seeing someone else's memory." "Maybe you see what you need," Charlie added. "Stop helping," I said laughing. Stinky ignored me, tugging at the spoon. If her teeth were in, she would have bit the spoon in half. I pulled the spoon back and refilled it. "It was tense there for a moment. I can't believe I confronted him with her in my arms. It was so logical at the time though now it seems idiotic." "It was risky," Charlie agreed. "You don't think about risk," I continued. I succeeded in getting the spoon into Stinky's mouth intact. She inhaled the carrots and opened her mouth for more. "It was like I knew the outcome before I started. I saw nothing but success." I set carrot jar down on my knee and looked at Charlie. "What if I was wrong?" "She has to come first," Charlie analyzed. My thoughts exactly. Stinky grunted like a chimp and waved her hands excitedly. I smiled and went back to feeding. She seemed to be starving. "I have to get her to her people," I said, "someone who knows what to do." Charlie nodded as I spooned more orange glop into the bottomless pit. "I was the wrong person to pick for this job." "I think you were the only person," Charlie chuckled, "Besides, she likes you." He looked over at the ravenous beast. "She does, doesn't she?" I agreed, prouder than I had been in a long time. I've known her for only half a day, but I knew I would protect her with everything I had. I let my finger linger on her chin, cleaning more spillage. I let the tingle grow, and I smiled at her. Love flooded me, her love. I would protect her with my life if I had too. An ugly orange smeared smile appeared, her hunger forgotten for a moment. She was very addictive. I woke with a start. The lack of engine noise was overpowering as I wiped the drool off my face. I didn't remember falling asleep. The truck was pulled over at a well-lit gas station. I panicked seeing both Stinky and Charlie gone. Her car seat was still in the truck, but she and her bag were gone. I jumped from the truck, looked around quickly and decided to head toward the mini-mart attached to the station. I took off at a jog, the thought of losing Stinky was filling me with fear. Charlie emerged from the mini-mart, Stinky smiling in his arm. He saw the relief in my face and shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, you looked dead to the world. I thought you could use a bit more sleep," he apologized. "No worries," I lied. My shoulders relaxed. "Stinky is an apt name," Charlie smiled. I laughed, realizing why he stopped. He handed me Stinky's bag and held onto the girl. She seemed at home in his arms. Jealousy poked at me again, but I let it go. Everyone deserves some love after changing a diaper. "Now that we're in Flagstaff, what's the plan?" Charlie asked. "A place to sleep and I'll need to find some transportation," I said, thinking out loud, "maybe Amtrak." We started moving back to the truck. "I hate goodbyes," Charlie said, moving slowly, "she makes it even harder." I could only nod. I would be in the same boat once I get to Portland. It was sad thinking about it. Though it hadn't been an entire day, Stinky made it seem an eternity. "I think there's a Roadway Inn, a couple of blocks from the train station," Charlie continued, "It may not be the best, but it's cheap." "Cheap is good," I agreed, "and all we're going to do is sleep. Can't believe I nodded out during the drive." Charlie lifted Stinky and put his lips to her forehead. He closed his eyes and held her there. I knew she was joining with him for the last time. His eyes flew open. "They're coming," he said, handing me Stinky. He moved quickly to the truck. I followed trusting his words. "They're looking for the truck," He continued, as he opened the door and started to unhook the baby seat. "About four blocks away." He pointed to the southeast, diagonally across the street. "Who's coming?" I asked, taking my overnight bag he thrust out behind him.

Who is coming

is like those that were after stinky and her mother

Who

Who is coming and how did he know

hmmmmmm$....nyc ine contynew

Episode 4- Sam "Police, I think," Charlie answered as he removed the last of the car seat straps, "They're looking for her." His voice was as rushed as his movements. "How did they know we are here?" "I don't know, maybe my phone," Charlie responded shrugging his shoulders. He handed me the car seat. I shouldered the bags and took the seat. He looked at me with seriousness, "they want her. I don't know why, but I think we are in the way. They know of her and are wary of us." "Shit," I sighed. My mind worked quickly, trying to figure out my next move. Leaving the truck was a given. "You have to stay with the truck," I said quickly. I thrust my left hip forward. "Take my phone out of my pocket and shove it between the seats. If they're tracking it, say I must have left it when you dropped me at the Motel 6 in Winslow." Charlie nodded and retrieved the phone. "Go," Charlie said, "take care of her." "Thank you, Charlie," I returned as I moved off quickly, my arms full of bags, seat, and baby. I moved behind the mini-mart toward a large metal dumpster. I was able to scoot behind, between it and the fence. I watched as Charlie hopped in the truck and started off down the road. Sirens and flashing lights followed only a few seconds later. I doubt if he made half a block. One of the police cars pulled into the mini-mart and two officers got out. Both cops were wearing skin-tight blue gloves, most likely latex. One went directly into the store, the other stood watching whatever was happening down the street with Charlie. The store would have video, and I knew my time was limited. Whoever was after Stinky held enough power to track us down quickly. I thought about using Stinky, then shelved the idea. The cops had guns, and I might get too brave. The gloves meant they were aware of Stinky's gift, or under orders from someone who was. I needed a diversion. The dumpster was full of cardboard, paper, and plastic. It would burn. I could be a block away before it was noticed. I assessed my supplies and decided against carrying the car seat. It was too bulky to make a getaway. The bags and baby were enough. The cop moved toward the mini-mart following his partner and disappeared from my view. I prayed the clerk didn't have the ability to replay video, and they would have to wait for a manager or owner. I lifted the dumpster's plastic lid until it leaned against the fence. I put the car seat in the bin and lit a corner of a piece of paper on fire with my lighter. It started burning quickly. On a whim, I tossed in Stinky's can of starch and took off down the side road, away from where the action was. I was a block and a half away when I heard the shouts of fire. I turned, moving between some bushes, and started walking through the backyards of modest homes. It was dark enough that I couldn't be seen from the road. A small tract of trees divided the properties on each side. I hugged the tree line, and moved as quickly as I could, trying to calculate my next step. A loud explosion echoed off the houses. The can of starch had burst. I saw lights go on in some of the houses and rethought the wisdom of adding the can to the fire. I heard a sliding door open a few house behind me and another next to it. There was talk and interest in what was happening. Another door opened in front of me, and an old woman walked out onto a wooden deck. "What's going on?" the woman called to me. In the dark, she probably thought me a neighbor. I was out of options and needed cover. I saw reflections of rotating blue and red lights coming from the street. I moved toward the woman. "A problem at the mini-mart," I said as generically as possible. I didn't think her sight was that good or she would have questioned the bags and baby in my arms. "I hope they aren't getting robbed again," the woman said, rising on her toes as if it would help her see more. The flashing lights from the road were raising my adrenaline and making me move faster. Thankfully, the lights were attracting the other neighbors eyes. The woman was wearing a robe and slippers. As I neared, she became visibly startled when she recognized the burdens in my arms. She stepped backward toward her sliding glass door as I sped forward. "Please," I said, holding Stinky high on my chest, "I need to borrow your phone." The woman looked at me and back at the lights behind the trees. I could see she was connecting me to them since we were both out of place. I moved quicker when I saw her reach for the door handle. "Please," I said desperately, dropping my bags and laying my hand on her arm. My other hand snuck up under Stinky's top, gracing the skin on her belly. "Don't hurt..." the woman's panic drifted away as Stinky invaded both our minds. I could sense the woman's loneliness. I saw an image of man and experienced the loss she felt, still strong though I knew it was years ago. I watched as her confusion changed to determination and a smile graced her lips. "Inside, quickly," she said. I sensed the police and their desire to find Stinky. I squatted, picking up the bags and followed the woman into her house. As soon as I entered, she closed the door, the drapes, and pointed to a small couch. I dropped the bags in front of the couch and sat down heavily. Stinky bounced in my lap and smiled. Reality returned. I let my breath slow back down to normal. "Who is she?" the woman asked. Her eyes were kind, almost grandmother like as she examined Stinky. I could see we had disturbed her sleep. Her curled gray hairs were askew, and her face was devoid of any makeup. "I don't know," I replied, knowing I couldn't lie. She had felt Stinky. "You have the same name as my late husband, Sam" the woman said. My eyes widened. Stinky had shown her what she needed to see. "I saw him," I admitted, "he was tall with gray sideburns and his eyes formed deep crinkles when he smiled." The woman smiled lovingly. The smile was for her husband, not for me. "She's special," the woman said, sitting down next to me. Stinky reached out to the woman, and I helped her change laps. "Very special," I added. "I'm Rose," the woman said as she held Stinky. "I'm Sam, as you know, and that's Stinky," I said. Stinky smiled at her name. "Stinky? What an awful name for such a beautiful child," Rose said as she lightly bounced Stinky on her lap. Stinky gave Rose one of her breathless laughs. "I don't know her real name," I said, "the first time I met her, she pooped and was...well stinky. It kind of stuck." Stinky smiled when I said her name again. "See, she likes it." Rose laughed. I could see it had been a long time since she had laughed. It made me feel good to be part of it. Strange, I never cared for the feelings of old ladies in the past. "Would you like something to eat, Sam?" Rose asked. I was hungry, but would have said yes either way. I could tell she wanted to feed me. That it would make her feel good to watch me eat. I liked the idea of her feeling good. Stinky was changing me. "That would be wonderful," I replied. Rose smiled in a grandmotherly way and handed Stinky back to me. I followed her into the kitchen. "I always make a few meals at a time when I cook," Rose said as she pulled out a deep dish from the refrigerator, "decided to make fried chicken today. I hope you like chicken." "Yes, very much," I answered. I sat down with Stinky at the kitchen table. It was a small kitchen. The table was pushed against the corner with three chairs, two on one side and one at the end. I watched as she moved two fried breasts from the dish onto a pan and placed it in the oven. "Green beans okay?" "Perfect," I replied. My mouth was starting to water. I was hungrier than I thought. "Why are they after her?" Rose asked as she pulled a bowl of green beans out of the fridge. I explained everything I knew. Rose listened intently while she warmed everything up. I could again sense her joy in preparing the meal for me. I was company and Stinky had convinced her I was safe company. Rose needed company. "Aren't you going to join me?" I asked when she set the food in front of me. "I already ate," Rose replied as she took Stinky from my arms, "I have to watch my girlish figure."

Are they real police men and why are they looking for d baby

let them not see you guys o

Hmmm. Don't just try to test the depth of an ocean with both legs.. Am sure you understand

I don't trust this Rose o

Episode 5- Sam I tried not to laugh, but her smile made me. She sat down next to me and watched me eat. The chicken, even re-warmed, was excellent. "I believe your thinking is sound," Rose said, as I rudely licked my fingers. She handed me a napkin without comment. "you should take Stinky to Portland." The seasoning on the chicken was tasty and I hated to waste it, but I resisted licking my fingers again, and used the napkin. Rose frowned on bad manners and subconsciously created a desire in me to comply. Stinky started grunting and leaning toward my green beans. I could see the hunger in her eyes. I teased her by picking up one of the beans and putting it my mouth. She hooted like a chimp and waved her arms up and down. I laughed. "Don't tease her," Rose chastised. "I have some baby food in the bags," I said, chuckling as I stood. I retrieved some green bean mash so we could share the same flavor. "May I?" Rose asked. I could see the desire in her eyes. "Sure," I responded as I traded her the baby-food jar for Stinky. I sat Stinky on my lap and let Rose feed her. Stinky was no less a pig with green beans than she was with carrots. Her whole body would get involved as she struggled to get as much as she could as fast as she could. Rose was having the time of her life trying to keep Stinky from swallowing the spoon. "I remember feeding Natalie when she was this small," Rose said with a smile, "always so excited. Always trying to help. Just like this one." "Natalie?" "She's my daughter," Rose said as she dodged Stinky's food coated fingers with the spoon, "she lives in Phoenix now. A bigshot lawyer." Rose laughed when Stinky caught the spoon and tried to stick more than necessary in her mouth. Stinky seemed so pleased she got control and kicked with her legs to let us all know her success. "Do you see her often?" "Thanksgiving and Christmas," Rose said as she reloaded the spoon, "If she ever gets married, I suspect I will see even less." I saw the hurt in her face even while she smiled for Stinky. I thought of my mother and wondered what she was doing at that moment. I hadn't seen her in years and wasn't planning too. Of course, she was rarely motherly or sober, unlike Rose. Never knew my father and hadn't seen any of my extended family since I was a child. "You could visit her," I suggested. I don't know where it came from, but I felt I needed to provide an option. I wanted to help. "Yes," Rose replied, "I suppose I could." Rose fought through Stinky's grabby hands to put another spoonful of beans in Stinky's mouth. I think there was more on Stinky's face then had found its way into her tummy. Rose competently corralled the mess around Stinky's face with the spoon and fed it back to her as if it was normal to eat food off one's face. I watched and learned. "You don't like your life," Rose said, matter-of-factly, as she reloaded the spoon. Stinky was grunting with excitement, her eyes following the spoon intently. Stinky must have shown Rose a lot about me. "I'm not..." I stuttered, then decided to change to past tense, "I wasn't a good person." Rose chuckled. I wasn't sure if it was because of Stinky or the change in my words. "None of us are always good," Rose said, fighting Stinky for control of the spoon, "I flattened my husband's tire just to make him notice me. Well, he wasn't my husband yet, but I was determined." This time, I chuckled. "I'm surprised he would speak to you after that," I said. "Oh, he never knew it was me, and I never told him." Rose was smiling as the memory came back to her. "He ran a delivery route at the time, and I would order things just to get him to the house. My mother would get so angry at all money I wasted." Rose continued slowly feeding Stinky, ignoring Stinky's grunts demanding she speed up. "One day, I figured I would get him to stay longer. Sam was delivering to the front door, and I ran from the back yard and stabbed his tire with a knife." Rose looked up at me. "It's a lot harder than your think to stab a tire. It had taken a few tries before I heard the air escaping." "You have a devious mind, Rose," I said with a smile. "It worked," Rose shrugged, "he had to borrow the phone to call for a repair truck. I got an uninterrupted two hours with him. I had a date by the time he left." Rose's smile grew as more memories I wouldn't hear emerged. "That was for a good cause," I said, ashamed at my past, "I have done selfish things. Hurt people just because I wanted things." "Stabbing Sam's tire was selfish," Rose added, "I wasn't thinking of what was best for him. I was only thinking of myself." She refilled the spoon, gathering what little green goop was left in the jar. "That we ended up in love, was luck." "Or fate," I said. Stinky lurched forward and I firmed up my grip around her waist. Stinky's gooey hand covered mine, and my mind expanded. I saw something in Rose. Something bad I didn't want to see. I've known Rose for less than an hour, and the pain of it surged through me. "Fate - Luck. They're just terms for the same thing." Rose said as she fed Stinky the last spoonful. "Did you ever regret it?" I asked. I knew a tear was leaking. I tried not to think about what I had seen. She wouldn't want me to know. It was the first time I regretted bonding with Stinky. It wasn't something I needed, but it was the only thing I saw. "Never...what's wrong?" Rose said as she saw my face. I couldn't help it. Tears backed up and flooded from my eyes. I never felt so weak in my life. "I don't want you to die," I said slowly. Rose watched Stinky let go of my hand. The tears didn't stop. Rose smiled and raised her hand to my cheek. "Your tears are more lovely than you know," Rose whispered. The loneliness I felt in her made more sense. "the cancer is just more of my luck," she quipped. I tried to smile though it must have looked strange mixed with watery eyes. "I don't know why she showed me that," I said, "she only showed me what I needed before." I secured Stinky with one hand and wiped my eyes with the other. I knew Rose had maybe a year left on this world. "Maybe I needed it," Rose said as she sat back into the chair, "Maybe I needed to know that someone cared." "You have Natalie...," I said. Rose's face shifted, and she looked away, "you haven't told her," I added knowing it was the truth. It was amazing that I could see it in her face so easily. I had never been able to read people before. "I don't want her to come because I'm dying," Rose said with a small thread of anger. She stood to put the spoon in the sink and throw the empty jar away. I had to reset my hold on Stinky as she surged forward and tried to follow her, or maybe it was the jar. "We're here," I said with determination. I couldn't believe it came out of my mouth. I didn't want to leave this woman alone. A day ago, I would have run in the other direction and not given it a second thought. I looked down at Stinky, wondering what kind of drug she was. When I looked up, Rose was staring at me with her own tears. "I'm not leaving," I reworded. "Yes, you are," Rose stuttered, "you need to get her to Portland." I thought about it and decided that going to Portland could wait. I didn't even know what waited for Stinky there. It could be a wasted trip, but staying here was not. Rose had a short time left on this planet, and she wasn't spending them alone. "We are just more of your luck," I said, shaking my head, "we aren't going anywhere unless you kick us out." "I might just have to kick then," Rose acknowledged, her eyes widening. "We're staying. Someone needs to show me how to take care of Stinky," I said, adding an upbeat tone to my words, "I have no idea what's in Portland, but I know what's here. I need your help, Rose." "I could use a pleasant diversion," Rose said. I stood with Stinky and did something I hadn't done in a long time. I hugged someone. Stinky helped. I should have washed her up first. The doorbell rang and broke up the group hug. Rose wiped her eyes and straightened her robe. I handed her the towel by the sink, and she wiped off some of the green stuff that Stinky had spread around.

next

So said.

Who is at the door

Episode 6- Sam "Stay here," Rose said as she moved out of the kitchen with her confidence restored. I wished my mother was like her. Mine would trade me for a bottle of Jack at the drop of a hat. I wondered what kind of person Natalie was. How could she just ignore such a perfect mother? I looked at Stinky and wondered how Rose became wonderful in only an hour. I should fear the change. It could only cause me problems. Stinky smiled at me with green lips. I wasn't sure I was choosing the problems of my own free will. Maybe, Stinky chose them for me. I hoped it was me. I wanted it to be me. "Good evening, Ma'am." I heard a male voice after Rose opened the door. "Good evening, officer," Rose returned, "I hope everything is alright. I heard a loud bang a little awhile ago, and it's got me a little frightened." Her acting abilities, at least, her voice, was very convincing. It's always good to point out the obvious to preempt questions. "It was just a dumpster fire, Ma'am. It's been taken care of." "Thank goodness," Rose exclaimed with relief, "I thought it was something more serious." "We are looking for two people," the officer said, "a man and a child. The child is less than a year old. Did you happen to see anything tonight." "No, goodness me, a baby?" Rose asked. "Yes, ma'am." "No, I haven't seen anyone." Rose chuckled a little before continuing. "I heard that explosion and locked all my doors and windows. Loud noises are frightening for someone who lives alone." I was shocked at her ability to deflect the questions so easily. "I have to say, it really puts me at ease to see you here." "I'm glad I could ease your concern," the officer sounded a little uncomfortable, "here is my card. If you see the two I mentioned, I would appreciate a call. It's best if you don't approach them." "Are they dangerous?" Rose asked. I could hear some fear in her voice. It made me smile. "They may be. We don't have all the information yet, but we're told they may be infectious. It's best if you stay clear and call us immediately." "Oh, that sounds terrible," Rose continued her performance, "I hope the baby is okay. I have a daughter you know..." "Thank you, ma'am," the officer cut in, "I have to talk with the rest of the neighborhood so I must move on." "Of course," Rose said, disappointment in her voice. I almost laughed and had to cover my mouth, "You have a nice night, and please be careful." "I will, ma'am." I heard the door close and waited for Rose to return. "Flat tires aren't your only deviousness," I said when she returned. Her smile matched mine. She enjoyed playing with the cop. "Young men usually don't want to talk to old women," Rose said, "start telling them about my life and off they go." She lost her smile. "There's a lot of them out there, Sam. I saw three officers going door-to-door and a lot of spinning lights. They were all wearing gloves." "Hopefully, they will think I moved on," I said, "they are certainly moving quickly. Someone knows about Stinky and has enough power to pull in the police without them questioning it." "The disease story makes it easy," Rose surmised, "Maybe, someone connected to the CDC." "Well, they can't quarantine a whole city," I added, "I suspect they will spend a few days looking around then the interest will fade away. I don't like the idea of Stinky getting into the hands of someone who can wield this kind of power. She needs good people." "I thought you weren't good people," Rose said with a smile. "I wasn't," I smiled back while looking at Stinky, "she has a way of changing that." "I think she builds on what is already there," Rose said. I liked the sound of that. Maybe, I only needed a reason to be someone I didn't hate. I did hold the hand of a dying woman before I linked with Stinky. Stinky laughed at my smile. "Time to learn how to give her a bath," Rose added, taking Stinky from my arms. Rose had two bedrooms, hers and a spare that doubled as an office. The spare held a pull out couch with a thin mattress. It would suit me fine. Using the pillows from the couch, we created a small corral atop a blanket on the floor. Stinky wasn't crawling yet, so it would do as a crib. A clean Stinky and I slept soundly that night. The day had been life changing and frankly, exhausting. My eyes stayed open just long enough to watch Stinky close hers. She was quite beautiful as babies went. I woke to the smell of coffee. It was a domestic odor, and I found it pleasing. I had no idea why it pleased me. Maybe, because I didn't have to brew it myself. I sat up and found Stinky gone and a brown robe laid at the end of the bed. Rose must have been up for a while. I donned the robe and followed the heavenly smell to the kitchen. "Good morning," Rose said brightly as I entered. She was holding Stinky on her hip in a practiced manner and melting butter in a pan with the other. "Morning," I returned. Stinky smiled at me but looked too comfortable to retrieve. "I see you found the robe. It used to be Sam's," Rose chuckled, "I guess it is again." I wasn't sure how I felt wearing a dead man's clothes. It didn't seem to upset Rose, so I squashed the feelings and moved toward the coffee. "Nope," Rose said and blocked my way, "clean first, and then you may join us for breakfast." I stuttered something as I looked at her determined eyes. "There are fresh towels in the hall bathroom, shampoo, and soap in the shower. I couldn't find a razor in your bag, so I put one of Sam's disposables on the sink." I was about to argue when I caught Stinky's eyes. Her eyes held the same determination. I looked at the two and smiled. Stinky gave me a breathless laugh, and Rose smiled back. "Clean first," I repeated my instructions as I drifted backward, "shower, shave, and then breakfast." Rose nodded agreement before I turned and headed for the bathroom. I wasn't good with orders, but these were different. They came calmly with a smile, not the terse demands I was used too. It was Rose's house, and it was her rules. I wondered why I was playing by the rules as I stripped and climbed into the shower. "You clean up nicely," Rose said when I reentered to the kitchen. She handed me a cup of coffee, "cream or sugar?" "Black, thank you," I said, surprised at my politeness as I took the coffee. I sat down at the table, and Rose placed Stinky in my lap. "I like your face without the hair," Rose said, "it's more intelligent and strengthens the jawline." I smiled at the compliment. In a mere second, she had made sure I would shave every morning from that day forward. Rose was not a woman you wanted to disappoint. "How would you like your eggs?" Rose asked as she moved back to the stove. "Scrambled, please," I responded. Stinky was watching Rose intently as she moved to the refrigerator, retrieved some eggs, and returned to a metal bowl to scramble them. "It feels good to cook for someone," Rose commented, "I have missed the normalcy of it." I held Stinky in one hand and sipped my coffee with the other. It was a rich brew. The first sip was almost bitter, swamping my taste buds. The second mellowed nicely as the flavor came through. Rose began slaughtering the eggs with a metal whisk. Stinky found the sound very exciting and waved her arms. I set the coffee down and brought Stinky to the bowl to watch. Rose smiled at Stinky's concentration. "I think she likes to sound," I said. "She's all baby on the outside," Rose added, speeding up the whisking which widened Stinky's eyes. "I've never heard her cry," I mentioned. "You haven't had her long enough," Rose said, "all babies cry." I couldn't disagree, but I thought Stinky might prove the exception. "Maybe she doesn't need too," I surmised, "Maybe she sees what she needs as well." Rose stopped whisking and looked at Stinky. Then she shook her head and returned to scrambling the eggs. "Babies don't know what they want," Rose stated. I nodded my head and decided not to argue. It seemed pointless, especially since I couldn't support my argument. This was the first baby I have tried to care for. Rose was the expert having had one of her own. "I know she can see minds a long way off," I said, "four blocks away in Charlie's case." I wondered what happened to Charlie. I hope they just questioned him then let him go. Hopefully, they believed him and were looking for Stinky and me in Winslow as well. Confusion was always a good helper. "Do you think she always sees minds or only when we touch her?" Rose asked as she poured the yellow eggs into the hot pan. She shooed me out of the way to get to the sink with the dirty bowl. I sat back down with my coffee. "I'm not sure she sees them at all," I said, shrugging my shoulders, "she may only be a conduit. I don't think I have ever seen her mind." "Good thing," Rose laughed, "she probably only thinks of breasts and strained peas." I sipped my coffee and refrained from the smart ass comment that came to my mind. I was gaining an inner voice, the one that tells me to shut up and not be rude. "I wonder how they know about her gift?" I asked aimlessly. "How do you know it's a gift?" Rose returned as she loaded the toaster with bread. "You felt it," I said, "what would you call it?" "Something beautiful, something wonderful and precious," Rose said. She turned to me, and I saw intelligence I hadn't noticed before. "they say some drugs are like that." I looked down at Stinky, and she smiled at me. She was a drug. "I'm addicted," I admitted, smiling back at Stinky. "Me too," Rose agreed, "it's amazing how quickly she bonds. I sense only goodness, but it could be an illusion." I thought about it and decided it didn't matter. My previous life was crap. Now I had a purpose and liked myself. I tried to think how far I would go for Stinky. To protect her, I saw no limits. "I think I would die for her." I shuddered. Rose nodded. We would die for her. At least 10 comment to unlock next episode

Pls come and comment o

alright.....one comment in

Unlock am na

Gift

Episode 7 - Sam "It's probably best we don't let her bond with too many people," Rose surmised. If we were wrong about her and she was something bad that we couldn't see, it was best to isolate the effect. It was a powerful drug. "As few as possible," I agreed. Rose stirred the eggs, and they began to gather into their fluffy bundles. "I think she's good," I added, more to myself than to Rose. "There's butter and jelly in the fridge," Rose said, pointing with her elbow. I rose with Stinky and retrieved the butter and jelly. "Silverware in the drawer," Rose continued, tilting her head toward the drawer next to the dishwasher. I moved without question and pulled forks and knives from the drawer and set the table. "Thank you," Rose added when I was done. I wasn't sure why that felt so good. It was only a simple thank-you. Breakfast went down well. I was hungry, and the eggs were good. The grape jelly sweetened the toast, and I washed it all down with a second cup of coffee. Rose enjoyed watching me eat. I liked her cooking, so it worked out well. Uncharacteristically, I handed Stinky to Rose and began clearing the table when we finished. Rose and Stinky smiled as I cleaned up. We talked about Rose's past life as a teacher while I rinsed off the dishes and loaded the dishwasher. She had taught history in high school and was an assistant principal as well. I didn't know why I hadn't sensed it earlier. No wonder why I acted quickly to fulfill her demands. She had that teacher voice that disallowed dissent. "I wasn't a good student," I admitted, smiling at the trouble I used to cause. School and I had different goals. "Everyone learns differently," Rose said. "Learning and I never got along," I clarified, "facts never settle in my brain. I just don't have that type of smarts." "Nonsense." "No. It's true," I continued, "even if I tried to study, I would forget everything when it came to the test." A shiver ran through me as I remembered some of the tests. It was the black feeling I remembered. That horrible stupidity almost made me drop out. Stinky reached out to me from Rose's lap. I took her, and the feeling dissipated in her smile. She was a wonderful drug. "What's one plus one?" Rose asked. I looked at her funny. "Two, but what's that..." "See," Rose interjected, "you have no trouble with facts. You just never learned how to study." "Everyone knows one plus one," I said a little harsher than necessary. "Stinky doesn't," Rose continued, "where was the Magna Carta originally enacted?" "I'm not sure I know what the Magna Carta is," I said, my anger growing. I had felt this way before. I wasn't sure I wanted to feel stupid again. "It was enacted in a place called Runnymede," Rose said, "say it out loud a few times." My anger surged. I didn't want to feel like her student. I didn't like being the dumbest person in the room. "Please, Sam," Rose added softly. "Runnymede, Runnymede, Runnymede," I said, feeling more foolish than stupid. If she hadn't said please, I would have walked out of the room in a huff. Rose smiled and grabbed the notepad and pen that rested at the end of the table. She wrote out Runnymede and handed it to me. It was spelled differently than I would have guessed. I thought it was two words. She traded me the pen for Stinky. "Write it out once," she said, her smile making me comply. I felt like an idiot as I copied the word letter for letter just below her handwriting. My handwriting wasn't as legible. She retrieved the paper after I finished, and threw it in the wastebasket under the sink. "Where was the Magna Carta enacted?" She repeated her question. "Runnymede," I replied, "but you just told me." "And you won't forget anytime soon, will you?" Rose said confidently. "How could I," I said as if she was dull, "you made me say it and write it." "You're a physical learner, Sam," Rose continued, "you need to feel the fact, not just see it in a book. I bet you had no trouble in shop or art." Art and shop were fun. I ditched most of my other classes. "Well, they don't take much brain work," I qualified. "More than you know," Rose continued, "I've seen straight-A students struggle with tasks that don't have a manual. They have trouble with the 'doing' of things. You are the opposite." I tried not to smile. For some reason, I didn't want her to know I found the idea pleasant. I failed and my lips curled. "Where is Runnymede and what is Magna Carta?" I asked with my silly grin. It seemed important to know. My brain would take years to forget Runnymede, so I might as well have some context with it. Stinky and I listened as Rose filled in the blanks. She was in teacher mode and seemed to enjoy the lesson. I enjoyed her enjoyment. I was on the couch, holding a bottle for Stinky when the news came on. She didn't need help, but I liked holding it, and her. The formula smelled bad, not milk-like at all. A moldy wet cardboard smell. Rose assured me it was fine, and Stinky thought it was delicious. I would have preferred juice. A fuzzy picture of me, holding Stinky flipped onto the upper right corner of the TV screen. Underneath it was 'Health Alert' in white block letters on a red background. Rose sucked in a breath as we listened to a reporter standing in front of the mini-mart. "A warning has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control. This man and the child in his arms are suspected to be carriers of a deadly form of Ebola. Though they may be immune, all who come in contact with them are at risk. The Typhoid Mary of our times." The reporter, a woman, likely chosen more for looks than skill, pointed behind her to the mini-mart. "They were seen last night at this Vee Mart, on the corner of First and Wilkerson streets. The police have released the security photo we are showing you now. They are asking for the public's help in locating these two." The picture faded then reformed on a news conference filmed earlier. A policeman in a crisp blue uniform addressed a series of microphones on a podium. 'Chief Lockerson' was titled across the bottom of the screen. "We would like the public's help in locating Mr. Samuel Donaldson and the child known only as 'Jane Doe.' Do not attempt to approach or detain them. Call the authorities immediately and let us do our jobs." Lockerson coughed into his hand briefly, then looked back at the cameras. "Mr. Donaldson, if you can hear this message. Please contact us immediately. We have medical personnel and facilities waiting. We can help the both of you." The image faded and returned to a split screen between the anchor and the reporter. "Mary, is this the same Ebola that caused so many deaths in Africa recently?" the Anchor asked. "Jim, the authorities have told me it may be more virulent." Mary replied, "the police have set up roadblocks and are inspecting all vehicles leaving the area. The first course of action is containment and quick isolation of infected." The conversation deteriorated into speculation of how Stinky and I were exposed to Ebola. Rose stood and began closing curtains on all the windows. "They'll start a panic," I said, "everyone will want out of the city." "And they will gain public support for a house to house search," Rose added, "Hitler tactics." I Iooked down at Stinky sucking on her bottle. Someone wanted her badly. So much so, they didn't care how. They just wanted her as quickly as possible. "What would you do if Stinky left?" I asked. Maybe it was someone else who had bonded with her. The drug they must have back. "If I thought her safe," Rose replied, seeing where my thinking was going, "I would be fine with it. You told me Charlie practically shoved her into your arms and pushed you away." I nodded. "What if it was someone who had bonded more deeply?" I continued. "Maybe, but would they want it so public?" Rose reasoned. "The lie would make it difficult for more to bond." "Do you feel jealous that Stinky bonded with me?" Rose asked. "No," I thought for a moment, "in fact it was nice, except for the..." "Cancer," Rose finished my sentence for me. "Maybe other bonds are different. Maybe some people get possessive." "I'm afraid Stinky is in danger," I said, watching Stinky drain the last of the formula from the bottle. I took the nipple from her lips and smiled at the audible pop it made. "Whoever is after her, wants everyone else far away, and it looks like they can do it." "Maybe it's the government," Rose said, thinking aloud, "the CDC and the large police presence. It would be easy for them to orchestrate this." "I would expect men in suits running around," I surmised. "Maybe they are," Rose added. I lifted Stinky to my shoulder, and she promptly burped, discharging some of what she had drunk on my shirt. It smelled foul. "Give me your shirt," Rose said while laughing. I put the smiling stink factory back on the couch and pulled off my shirt. Rose started rinsing off the shirt while I took Stinky with me to retrieve another shirt. We spent the rest of the day talking, interspersed with watching the news and changing diapers. Rose was trying to convince me to go to college. To me, that choice was made over ten years ago, and I didn't want to rethink it. She insisted I was more than smart enough and easily countered all of my arguments. I wondered what life would have been like with her my corner long ago. I quizzed Rose on her daughter to change the subject. Natalie was obviously brilliant. That, and she had Rose backing her all the way. I laughed when Rose remembered Natalie's antics from childhood. I got a picture of an independent girl that disliked rules, at least, when she was young. Rose harped on Natalie's law degree. She graduated third in her class and was heavily recruited. She accepted work at a prestigious firm in Phoenix and was on track to becoming their youngest partner. I could see the pride in Rose's eyes. I could also see that she missed her daughter greatly. I wanted to interfere and sneak a note to Natalie about her mother's illness. The breach of trust was the only thing that stalled me. It wouldn't have stopped me a few days ago. Actually, I wouldn't have cared two days ago. I was thinking differently. My mind was nicer. The news after lunch changed. Stinky and I were still on, but the grand exodus of Flagstaff was the main story. I had been correct. Suddenly, a lot of people were taking vacations. The Ebola scare had families in a panic. The roads out of the city were bumper to bumper with the authorities checking every vehicle. "This is insane," I said, "how will they undo this. Even if they catch us, the world will find out we don't have Ebola. It will all come crashing down on them." "Sam," Rose said slowly, shaking her head, "these people are powerful. I don't think they'll let you talk to anyone. Ever." She was correct. The best scenario for them would be for Stinky and me to disappear. For me, the one with the adult mind, it would likely be permanent. A report of our demise to the disease would be easier than our capture. "What if we went to the press now?" I brainstormed out loud. "We would have to prove ourselves disease free," Rose replied. "That would involve the CDC and the government," I continued, "easily falsified tests would have us quarantined from the public." Rose nodded. "I don't want these people to have Stinky. We need to get her out of the city, away from search," I continued, "somewhere she can live in peace." The phone rang and interrupted our thoughts. Rose's smile grew when she saw the caller ID. I had known before she picked up; it would be Natalie. "Hello sweetie," Rose said, her voice rising an octave. "No, I'm not too frightened," Rose continued, responding to Natalie, "I'm staying inside, well away from everything that is going on." Natalie spoke for a while. "I think I will be fine right here, but thank you for offering," Rose said, "Besides, I saw it was 110 in Phoenix today. This is one old lady who hates the heat." "No, I think coming up here would be a waste of time," Rose continued after a pause, "I think they are blowing it all out of proportion. If it were really that contagious, there would be sick people filling the hospitals." "Well, I guess," Rose said, shrugging her shoulders, "if the gestation period is that long then maybe they are right." Rose shook her head in frustration and rolled her eyes. "No," Rose continued, "even if you come up here, I'm not leaving. Just stay in Phoenix and we'll see each other during Thanksgiving." I cringed at her words. Cancer could claim Rose before Thanksgiving. She was putting Stinky ahead of seeing her daughter. I looked at Stinky, and she smiled at me. A most potent drug. I wondered if there were withdraws. Is Charlie rolled in a ball and screaming for her return? "I truly love your concern, sweetie," Rose continued, her voice lowering, "but I'm old, not senile. I can make my own decisions." "Maybe you should go," I whispered. Rose shook her head vehemently. "How is work going?" Rose asked, trying to change the subject. It worked. They spoke for twenty minutes about life's minutiae. Rose became animated during the conversation, talking with her free hand as well as her words. There was so much love in her face as they discussed Natalie's redecorating of her house. They laughed as they discussed colors using memories from their shared past. Natalie made one more weak attempt at coming to get Rose at the close of the call. It failed, but they both expressed their love at the end. "You just chose Stinky over your daughter," I pointed out.

cntinue

Who could want stinky badly.. I hope they don't get her

ride on

I really hope dey didn't get her

Next plz

They ar doin et by al means

Episode 8- Sam "I chose someone who needed help," Rose said, "Natalie isn't being hunted." Rose was a strong woman. She drew a line in the sand and defended it with sheer will. I still wondered if would have been the same reaction if Stinky was normal. "How do we get her out of the city? We can't walk out, and all the vehicles are being searched." We spent the afternoon tossing about ideas. They were all discounted. I knew where to hide drugs in a car, but a baby needed air. I didn't even have her car seat anymore. We were no closer to a solution at dinner. Stinky made a mess with sweet potato. She continued to be a challenge to feed with her excitement and demands to help. Rose loved it and laughed at Stinky's antics. I think she was reliving Natalie youth. I was bathing Stinky when I decided to ask her about our predicament. Instead of the swift touching I had learned to deploy, I held her upright in the water and let her fill my mind. Rose was correct. College would be no more difficult for me, than any other student. A simple change in study habits and I could conquer it. I smiled as I saw myself on the podium receiving a well-earned degree. Stinky slapped the water, splashing it all over. Still I hung on. My mind wandered, snaking through the neighborhood, following roads as if on a map. A map I had never seen before. I saw the roadblocks and felt the minds of the police searching. They were practiced, bored, but thorough. They were acting for the greater good, and it had been ingrained in them at an assembly location. My mind moved, following the trail of thoughts, toward where the police assembled and received their instructions. I began to feel less sure the farther away I went. I relaxed my shoulders as Stinky continued splashing. I forced myself toward the assembly area, a large building, Bridgeton Elementary. I traveled the halls and found the gym. Tables were set up with maps spread across them. Men in suits, some with badges hanging from their belts. The image was fading as I struggled to stay. Something pulled me back hard. Seven houses down from Rose's the police had gathered. There were others posted about the neighborhood, some in plain clothes. A house to house search had begun. "Sam!" Rose yelled. I broke contact with Stinky and a sharp pain pierced my brain above my eyes. Rose moved quickly, steading Stinky so she wouldn't slip. "Sam," Rose repeated quietly, "your nose is bleeding." "They're coming," I said as I pointed to the south, "a house to house search." I had a horrible headache, and the light in the bathroom was too bright. "Can we get away?" Rose asked. I shielded my eyes and shook my head. "They have set up a headquarters. I saw grid maps with search areas," I said as I fully closed my eyes, "it's massive. It has to be the government." I slumped against the wall and slowed my breathing. "It hurts to go far." "I can stall for time," Rose said, pulling Stinky from the tub. She quickly set Stinky on a towel so she could let go. "I don't think her power is meant to be used in such a way. I had to yell your name to bring you back." Rose wrapped Stinky in the towel and began drying her off. "I thought I could find a way out," I said, The light was becoming less oppressive. "It's a well-coordinated search. The police don't know the truth, but they are protecting the public. They think they are part of something important." I looked at Rose feeling defeated, "I think it's over." Rose let her hand find Stinky's foot. She grasped it, then took mine. An image formed of a child, a little older than Stinky, with soft blonde hair half-combed sitting in a highchair. Her face, below her nose, was covered with chocolate cake, and she was laughing uncontrollably, waving chocolate fingers around. Stinky started laughing, as did Rose. My headache washed away, and I joined the laughter. Rose let go. "Natalie," I said, a chuckle still in my voice. "Her first birthday," Rose said, her smile spreading across the room, "a happy memory." "How did you know I would see that?" "She shares feelings," Rose said, "things we need to feel. We needed laughter." Rose handed me the box of tissues that were sitting on the toilet. "Clean up your nose and let's try and figure this out." I had already seen enough. "Stinky is a weapon," I said as I wiped my nose, surprised at the amount of blood, "think of the interrogation possibilities and she could invade meetings without leaving a trace." "They wouldn't want that to get out," Rose said as she dried Stinky's hair, "and they can't let anyone else have her. Ebola was their best option." "Where do you come from, Stinky?" I asked rhetorically. We waited for the police to reach the house. I put a fresh diaper on Stinky and dressed her in a jumper for travel. I saw no way out of giving her up. I suspected I would find a dark prison cell or maybe something worse. I did what I could and made Stinky laugh. I saw a miserable life of government slavery ahead and decided that I would give her as much happiness as I could for as long as I could. She loved my funny faces, and her side was especially ticklish. I jumped when the doorbell rang. "I'm sorry Stinky," I whispered, hiding with her in the kitchen. Rose went to the door. "Yes," Rose yelled through the door. "Flagstaff Police ma'am," A man called back, "we have a public health emergency and need to search all the houses." "You are not bringing the Ebola in here," Rose said in an unstable voice that didn't fit her personality. I smiled. I doubt it would work, but I liked the fight. "No, ma'am. We are trying to prevent an outbreak." "I'm not letting anyone in, and I'm not leaving," Rose continued, "Ebola isn't going to get me. No sir! I heard the news reports." "Ma'am, we just need to check the house for your safety," "I am safe," Rose stuttered, "go away." "I can't do that ma'am." "And why not?" This was spoken by a woman on the other side of the door. It was loud and held an authoritative tone. "Please return to your car, ma'am," "No," the woman continued, "not while you are harassing my client. May I see your warrant officer?" "Ah, this is a public health emergency," the officer stumbled, "we expect the citizens to cooperate." "I'm sure you do," the woman continued, "and I expect you to follow the law. If my client does not wish you to search her home, then a search warrant is required to compel her to do so. As an officer of the court, I would be more than happy to explain the law to your supervisor if necessary." My smile grew. I assumed that the woman I heard was Natalie. She projected the same strength as her mother. She had ignored Rose and came anyway. Chapter 7 - Sam "Ma'am, it's just a quick inspection. We're not going through drawers, just looking for two people," the officer pleaded. "I'm sure your intentions are altruistic, officer. That doesn't make them legal," Natalie continued, "you will need a search warrant as the law prescribes, and my client will comply. Until then, I believe you need to leave the property." "Yes," shouted Rose, her Oscar performance still in high gear, "and take your Ebola with you. I don't want it anywhere near my house." "We will be back ma'am," The officer said, his voice retreating. A few moments later, the door opened, and I heard clothes rustling in what must have been a hug. "You shouldn't have come, sweetie," Rose said, "but I'm glad you came when you did." "What the hell is going on?" Natalie asked, "the surrounding states are wondering why the CDC is letting people leave the city if it is so dangerous. They are thinking of closing off their borders to anyone that has been to Flagstaff." "There's no Ebola," Rose said, "they made it up. They are just trying to find a child." I heard them approaching and left it to Rose to break the news. "What? Why? How would you know?" "Because the child is here, dear" Rose said. I heard Natalie suck in her breath. "What have you done, mother?" Natalie said, her voice deepening, "why would you get in the middle of this?" "'This', found me," Rose continued as she directed Natalie into the kitchen. A slender woman with caramel colored short hair parted over her left eye, entered. She had her mother's intelligent hazel eyes but was missing Rose's smile. I could see some of her father in her cheeks. Thankfully, she had her mother's nose. Natalie took a step back, the Ebola still on her mind. "Hi Natalie," I said, rising with Stinky in my arms. Natalie looked quickly at Rose and me. "Mother?" Natalie asked with apprehension. "For god's sake, Natalie," Rose said, "do you think I would let you in here if Ebola were running rampant?" Natalie shook her head but didn't approach. "The child is special. Very special. We think the government wants her, and we don't believe it's best for her to go." "What? Shouldn't her parents decide?" Natalie stuttered, "and what would the government want with a baby?" "We don't know who her parents are," I replied, "I'm Sam by the way." Natalie ignored my outstretched hand and turned to her mother. I think I was the last person in the world she wanted to meet. She was one of those women who finds guys like me useless and in the way. My defenses kicked in. I began to dislike her in return. So much easier that way. "They will be back, mother," Natalie chastised, "this time with a search warrant. You will be prosecuted for hindering an investigation. And for what?" She waved her hand at us, "people you don't even know." The way she said people hurt. She could have changed it to scum, and it would have sounded better. Stinky didn't deserve being lumped in with me. I squared my shoulders and lost my false smile. She was a judgemental bitch. "Your manners need improvement, Natalie," Rose said in her teacher's voice. The look in her eyes gave Natalie pause. I could see Natalie considering a response, then shoving it aside. Her mother had that way about her. "I'm sorry," Natalie said calmly, then she turned to me and repeated it. There was no more anger in her eyes. "Of course," I stuttered out forgiveness. I wasn't used to a woman of her caliber apologizing to me. It sucked the strength from me. "I'm sure we took you by surprise," I added as an out for Natalie. She gave me half a smile which I returned in kind. "That's better," Rose said lightly, "why don't you sit down and I'll make us all some tea." Natalie sat as instructed and I retook my seat, Stinky in my lap. Natalie smiled at Stinky and Stinky returned one of her patented breathless laughs. I could see Natalie's smile lose its falseness as more teeth began to show. Stinky knew how to please a crowd. "Stinky, this is Natalie," I said, introducing the two. "Stinky?" Natalie chuckled, "what kind of name is that?" I explained about first meeting Stinky, the dead woman and the dirty diaper. I left out the bonding, not knowing how to explain it. "This woman," Natalie said, "she could have stolen her, and now you're an accomplice. You should have brought her to the police immediately." "That was my intent, at first," I said, then hedged, "then I found out how special she is. I don't think the government wants good things for her." "She's a baby, how special can she be?" Natalie asked, "is she royalty or something?" I looked at Rose. Natalie was her daughter, and I needed Rose's permission. "Feel how soft her skin is," Rose said nonchalantly. Natalie reached out and carefully grabbed Stinky's left arm. "I doubt they are interested in soft..." Natalie's expression changed to one of awe as Stinky bonded with her, "Oh my," Natalie whispered. Her face shifted to something quite beautiful as her self-imposed weaknesses disappeared. I remembered too late when her eyes began to flood. I pulled Stinky away, thinking I could undo what I knew she saw. "Why didn't you tell me?" Natalie blubbered, her words undulating through a pain I knew too well. I stood. "We'll be in our room," I murmured, and took Stinky to the guest room. I heard the beginning of Natalie's cries and Rose trying to console her. It may not have been the best way for Natalie to find out about Rose's cancer, but Stinky thought she needed to see it. Stinky and I played with a rolled up pair of socks. She liked to try and fit in her mouth, and I tried to stop her. To her, it was a wonderful game. I greatly preferred her laughter to the pain in the kitchen. "Sam," Rose said softly. I looked up into red eyes. "the tea is ready." "It's better that she knows," I said. Rose nodded and returned silently to the kitchen. I took a deep breath and followed. I suspected it would be a quiet cup of tea. When I entered the kitchen, Stinky and I were wrapped in Natalie's arms. I stood stock still, not understanding the hug I was receiving. She held it long enough for me to relax then she whispered, "I know you love her too," and broke the embrace. I thought about it and realized I did like Rose. The mother I wished I had. Stinky was smiling, and I could swear I saw pride buried behind her infant eyes. She told Natalie too much. I looked up, probably more red in the face than I desired. Natalie smiled and held out her hands. I put Stinky in them and sat down. She took the seat next to me and began playing with Stinky as Rose set out the tea. "So," Rose started, "we still need a plan."

Episode 9- Sam "It will take them a day or so to find a cooperative judge," Natalie added, "Normally, no judge would touch such a broad warrant, but they can be persuaded and claim the greater good if challenged." "What if I still refuse to let them in?" Rose asked. "They can break down the door and arrest you." "We need transportation," I said, ignoring what we couldn't change, "and somehow get past the roadblocks. I would like to see Stinky grow up like a normal child." "She's not normal," Ruth pointed out the obvious. "They are checking every vehicle on every road," Natalie said, "trains, planes, nothing is being skipped." Stinky waved her hands up and down, excited with Natalie's play. "She sure is a happy baby." "She hasn't complained once," Rose added, "it's almost scary. She just smiles and enjoys everyone around her, except when she's eating." Natalie raised her eyebrows, "she's very intense when she eats. Full concentration." "She acts like she's starving," I added. Natalie nodded and continued playing, drawing more smiles from Stinky. "A police car could get through," I said, thinking out loud. "What?" "A police car," I repeated, "hide in plain sight and all that. We could drive right past the checkpoints if we had a police car." "And where would we get one of those?" Rose asked, "there's little chance of stealing one and I doubt they rent them out." "We could borrow one," Natalie said, not looking up from Stinky's smiles. She was enamored with the grins and worked feverishly to keep them coming. Stinky bonded quickly. Such a powerful drug. "And who would lend it?" I asked. "A police officer, of course," Natalie added with a bit of whimsy. She looked up with a smartass grin that held no judgement. She was playing with me as well. I gave her her earned smile and waited for the explanation. "We let in a single officer to search the house," Natalie explained, "we let him find Stinky." Let the bonding work for us. It was simple and probably our only option. I didn't like adding another bond not knowing the long term effects, but what choice did we have. Natalie was smart though I didn't want to admit it out loud. "Wouldn't a married officer do as well?" I asked. My smartass grin was better than hers. Rose laughed, and Natalie reached out and slapped my knee. There was a sparkle in her eyes. I had a new friend. "They wear gloves," Rose said, trying to stifle her chuckle, "how would we get an officer to touch Stinky." "One of us can touch the cop while touching Stinky," I suggested. "I could do that," Natalie offered, "should be easy if he's male," she smiled, "and single." I had to laugh at the puns being thrown around. Natalie smirked and we shared a look as Rose added to the grinning. Stinky thought we were playing with her and started laughing herself. It was a very pleasant cup of tea. "We should do it before they return with a warrant," I suggested. Everyone nodded. We had a plan.Rose and Natalie talked well into the night. I left them to it, knowing that the earlier tears were only the beginning. They needed time together, and I was the third wheel. They insisted I leave Stinky and relax. I found a radio in the guest room and located an oldies station to listen too. It wasn't long before my eyes closed and I nodded off fully clothed. "Sam." I heard Natalie softly calling my name. I realized it wasn't the first time. I opened my eyes to see her at the foot of the bed holding Stinky. "She misses you," Natalie said with a warmth I didn't expect. Natalie's eyes looked dreamy, and her smile was more than friendly. I almost looked behind me to see if it was meant for someone else. "Sure," I fumbled and held my arms out. She put Stinky carefully, almost lovingly, in my arms. I pulled Stinky close. Natalie laughed as she ran out of the room. The smell hit me hard. I looked down at what I thought was raw sewage to find Stinky smiling at me. "Chicken!" I yelled. More laughter. "Damn, Stinky. What did they feed you?" I maneuvered her off the bed and grabbed her bag. I was just tricked by a lawyer in a most childish manner. It would take time, but childish revenge was my specialty. I was breathing through my nose and laughing to myself as I cleaned up sewer butt. I returned to the kitchen with a clean baby in one arm and a filthy diaper in the other. Rose was holding back a grin and Natalie was outright laughing. I made a feint, pretending to toss the foul diaper at Natalie who panicked for a moment then returned to her laughing. "Think you're funny?" I asked. "I know I am," Natalie countered. Rose turned away, trying not to offend me by laughing. "It will come when you're not looking," I said ominously, "when you least expect it." My smile weakened the threat, but I knew I had her thinking. "It was worth it," Natalie continued, "at least she is true to her namesake." I made to throw the diaper in the waste under the sink. "Garage," Rose said, her grin no longer covered. It was worth it to see those two smiling. I could be the butt of their joke at that price. Stinky and I traveled to the garage and disposed of the foul beast. "We really should get some sleep," Rose said. "I think I was asleep," I commented. Natalie covered her mouth trying not to add to the joke, "I can take the couch," I offered. "No," Natalie disagreed, "you were here first. The bedroom is for you and Stinky. I can always sleep with mom." Rose agreed as she started the dishwasher. "Goodnight," Rose told me and leaned down to kiss Stinky's forehead. "Sorry about that," Natalie said once her mom had left. Her smile belied how sorry she was. I wasn't upset. I should have been, but I enjoyed being toyed with by her. It was done in such a sisterly manner. "I forgive you...for now," I said with a sly grin. Natalie nodded, knowing she was in for payback somewhere along the line. "Actually, I have never changed a diaper," Natalie said as she rose, "maybe you could show me tomorrow." "Sure," I said, "you have to supply your own gas mask though." That got me a small chuckle as she exited the kitchen calling out a good night. I returned it as pleasant as I could. For a judgemental bitch, she sure looked good in her jeans.

Episode 10- Sam The smell of coffee woke me again. Stinky was gone, probably being entertained by Rose. As I was trained, I went to the bathroom and cleaned up before I entered the kitchen for coffee. Rose and Stinky smiled at me. A steaming cup was already waiting on the table. I could get used to that. "Good morning," I said, remembering my manners. "Good morning, Sam," Rose replied, "Natalie will be with us soon. She sleeps late when there's no alarm clock." I nodded as I drank some coffee, warming my hands and mouth. "You two good?" I asked, curious about how things worked out. "As good as to be expected," Rose said, "I have Stinky to thank for that. I had no idea how I was going to tell her. Maybe, I wasn't going too - I don't know. It's better this way. I know that now." "I thought you teachers have all the answers," I joked. "Whoever told you that, doesn't teach," Rose snickered, "we just have to be smarter than the students. Sometimes we even fail at that." "I wish I had met you years ago," I admitted. "You probably did meet someone like me," Rose said, "you just weren't ready." "Stink has a way of making a person ready," I said, "she removes all the barriers and lets you see your potential." "We still don't know how real it is," Rose said, "there are drugs that convince people they can fly." "True," I agreed, "and there are drugs that cure diseases." "I sure hope she is a good drug," Rose said, and she caressed Stinky's back. Stinky smiled, enjoying the attention as she always did. "Good Morning," Natalie said brightly. She was wearing a summer dress and looked striking. She turned around quickly, showing it off. "Think one of Flagstaff's finest can resist?" "Not in a million years," I said with more awe than I intended. Rose choked back a laugh at my unexpected tone. I gather myself quickly. "I thought you lawyers were all suit and tie." "Only when we take you to court and clean out your life savings," Natalie said, not missing a beat. I didn't think she noticed my brief loss of control. "You want to do this before breakfast?" I said, my stomach growling. "Never, it's Sunday," Natalie said. She continued when she saw my blank look. "Sunday is pancake day at the William's household." I looked to Rose, who quickly handed me Stinky. I could see she had forgotten and thought herself remiss. "Pancakes sound good," I said. Natalie shook her head smiling. "Then you can help," Rose announced. There was something I was missing about past pancake days. Sitting on your ass and commenting must be frowned upon. I handed Stinky to the grinning Natalie and became the kitchen helper. I enjoyed watching Natalie play with Stinky as we ate. Stinky tried desperately to get a taste of the syrup. Natalie seemed at ease at keeping her mind off the food with simple tickling and some bouncing. It looked like she enjoyed it as much as Stinky did. After our meal, I washed dishes, and the ladies fed the human disposal. We put our plan into action after Stinky was fed. I watched out of the corner of the window as Natalie leaned into the Police car talking to the officer who was watching our house. I assumed they had us under surveillance because we refused a search. I was telling myself I was watching to see if she succeeded. My eyes locked on the subtle gyrations of her backside. The flowered dress flowed with her movements in a beautiful way. For a moment, I wished I was the officer. I had known before the car door opened, that she would convince him. "It took me all night to convince her," Natalie said to the cop as she entered the front door, "this Ebola thing has her scared. Is it okay if she keeps her distance?" "That shouldn't be a problem, Natalie," the cop replied. I didn't like how he said her name. I was having new reservations about the plane, "We usually require two officers, but I think we can make an exception in this case." I could almost feel the smile that must have been on his face. "Thank you, Tom," Natalie said. I disliked how she said his name. I took a slow breath and let the emotion pass. I didn't like what I was feeling. I had no idea where it was coming from. Natalie was a lawyer and way out of my league. A brief necessary friendship was all that would ever come of it. "Where would you like to start?" "Is there a basement?" "No, just a crawl space you can only access from outside," Natalie answered. "Then I just need to look in each room starting with this one," Tom instructed, "then the bedrooms." Natalie giggled when he said bedrooms. My anger flared. More slow deep breaths and self-admonishment for being an idiot cooled me back down. I sat quietly on the bed knowing if he got to this room the gig was up. I listened as footsteps walked around the living room, presumably behind the couch and other possible hiding places. "Oh!" I heard Rose exclaim from the kitchen. I knew she was peeking from behind the kitchen door, Stinky still behind the wall. "Ma'am, I'm sorry about this," Tom said, his tone changing from confident man to sympathetic, "I will only be inside for a moment. Once your house is cleared, you won't be bothered again." "He's not wearing a mask," Rose said with desperation, "he can cough it all over us." "I assure you I'm not infected," the cop said calmly. "I'm sorry, mom. I forgot to ask." Natalie said. There was a short pause as Natalie pulled out the scarf I knew she had. "Would you mind if I put this on you?" she asked the cop. I could hear the smile in her voice. Unless the cop was gay, he would allow it. "Of course, Natalie," Tom answered. I closed my eyes and prayed for divine intervention. I knew Rose was moving up, behind the cop as Natalie reached around his neck to tie the scarf around his mouth. I tried not to imagine her hands gracing the back of his neck as Stinky was secretly brought within Natalie's reach. There was a long paused filled with way too many pounding heartbeats. "Who is she?" I heard Tom ask calmly. "We don't know," Rose said, no longer acting the senile woman, "we only know the government wants her enough to dream up the Ebola scare." I walked out of the bedroom and joined everyone in the living room. I was gratified to find Tom a little out of shape, maybe carrying an extra fifty pounds. He was untying the scarf. "You must be Samuel Donaldson," Tom said, shaking his head. "Sam," I said, holding out my hand. I wasn't surprised when he didn't take it. "Is this some kind of trick?" Tom asked Natalie. "Only to get you in the house," Natalie said, "I'm sorry about that, but we need help." She looked over to Stinky, "she is for real." "I knew something was wrong," Tom said, "they were letting people leave, in fact encouraging it." "I think they figured it would be easier to catch us in a car," I surmised, "we need to get past the roadblocks." "Why shouldn't the government have her?" Tom asked. I looked between Rose and Natalie. It wasn't a question I was prepared to answer. Everyone else who bonded just naturally wanted to protect her from everyone. "I think they plan to use her as a weapon," I replied, "spying and interrogation. Things like that. We believe she needs a childhood." Sam reached out and grabbed Stinky's barefoot. Stinky gave him one of her laughs, and he smiled as the bond took hold again. "Damn, she's powerful," Tom said, "somehow I know you're not lying," he turned to Natalie with a friendly smile, "and I know you're not interested...in me." "Sorry," Natalie said. I thought I saw her cheeks redden. I guess leading a man on embarrassed her. "Sam," Tom said, holding out his hand, "how can I help?" I smiled and shook his hand. We all sat down and spent the next ten minutes filling him in on what has happened and our observations and reservations about Stinky. "So, we need you to drive us through a road block," I said when the explanations were through. "I better make a call," Tom said, ignoring the radio clipped to his breast and using his mobile phone. "Hey, Gabby," Tom greeted when his call was answered, "I'm at 23 Madison. The owner is pretty freaked out, but the daughter got me in, and I searched the place." "I know, but the Feds will have to be satisfied," Tom continued after a short pause, "the lady is senile and near a nervous breakdown." He smiled at Ruth, "you bring in anyone else, you'll need an ambulance as well." "Yea," Tom continued, "I just need to use your name on the write up so the Feds won't go postal on me for doing it alone." "Yes," Tom laughed as he spoke, "she is a nine. Would be a ten, but I couldn't get a phone number." There were a few more jibes that made Natalie blush. The call ended to Tom's satisfaction. "Sorry," Tom apologized to Natalie, "he knew why I went in alone in the first place. We don't usually break protocol." Natalie just nodded with her speechless blush. "Luckily, a lot of homes refused the initial search so it doesn't look that suspicious." Tom grabbed his radio and reported that Rose's house had been cleared using Gabby as his second. He was rather efficient for a police officer who was essentially breaking the law. Stinky was an incredibly powerful drug. "So," Tom said when he was through, "you guys got a plan." "Not really," I said, shrugging my shoulders, "I just figured you would drive us past the checkpoint, and we would handle it from there." "What? Drop you in the desert and you hitchhike or something," Tom said, shaking his head, "I can't go too far past the checkpoint without raising suspicion. All our cars are tracked by GPS. Dispatch will be checking up as soon as I leave my jurisdiction." "What if I drive out first," Natalie offered, "after they search my car, I can drive ahead and wait for you to catch up." I liked how she thought, always a devious second before me. Simple solutions for simple problems. "I can find another car," I added, "and be out of your hair in no time." Natalie gave me a look I wasn't expecting, almost angry. I looked away, toward Tom, trying to give myself some time to figure it out. Rose shifted Stinky in her lap. I saw curiosity in her eyes. She was perplexed by Natalie's reaction as well. "You know, you and her," Tom continued, pointing at Stinky," will have to ride in the trunk. They won't search my car, but they will look inside as I go through." I just became the drugs I used to carry. I was contraband. "Will need some pillows or something," I said, looking at Rose, "I think Stinky will be alright as long as I'm holding her." Rose nodded her agreement. "We can do it tonight," Tom said, "I'll pull into the garage and load where no one can see us. Where are you headed?" "I guess west on 40," I replied, figuring it was the quickest way to Portland. "There's a Pilot Travel Center about 15 minutes outside of the city," Tom said, "we could meet there, near the Day's Inn. At night, we should be able to get you out of the trunk without anyone noticing." I nodded. No one would look twice at an open trunk near a motel. "You're taking a big risk," Rose said to Tom, "I hope you don't lose your job over this, or worse." "My real love is the sax," Tom said, his smile growing, "police work was my low-risk alternative. I'm beginning to think I might change professions." "Stinky does make you rethink things," I said. "She does at that." Tom laughed. "I know I'd be damn good at it too." Chapter 9 - Sam Natalie and Rose spent a long time talking before Natalie headed out to the Travel Center. I heard some tears though I stayed away not wanting to intrude. It was a good time to give Stinky a bath since I had no idea when she would get another. I intentionally avoided bonding with Stinky. Rose and Natalie wouldn't want me interfering though I could only imagine what they were discussing. I assumed it was Rose's unwillingness to fight the cancer aggressively. Stinky had shown me her determination not to spend her last days sick in a hospital. She had done that with her husband and wished not to go through it again. I guessed it was the real reason she hadn't told Natalie. I was relieved she now had her daughter at her side. It would be trying, but loneliness shouldn't be part of anyone's last days. I had suspected it would encompass my end in the past, but Stinky had shown me another way. In time, I too might have a family that would see me through. A dream of a legacy, though it would most likely require a name change. I doubted the Feds would stop looking for Samuel Donaldson. There were more tears and hugs when Natalie left for the Travel Center. It affected me more than it should or, at least, more than it would have pre-Stinky. I wanted to say something to make it go away. What that something would be eluded me. I stood back and let it run its course. "Natalie acts like she won't see you again," I said as Rose relieved me of Stinky. Rose ignored my statement and began tickling Stinky, making her smile and then laugh. It's hard to pry into a personal conversation when there is a laughing baby. I let it go and moved to the kitchen. Rose wanted to feed me one more time, and I wasn't going to miss it. "I'm sorry I'm leaving you," I said as dinner wound down, "I don't see any way of staying without risking Stinky." The realization of my leaving was coming home to roost. It was most likely the last time I would ever see Rose. She would become a memory. A memory that would drive my future decisions. "Stinky needs a new name," Rose laughed. "She likes it," I said, knowing that Rose was changing the subject. "Even Smelly would be better," Rose continued. "She'll always be Stinky to me," I countered her control, "I don't want to leave." Rose sighed. She shifted Stinky on her lap and pushed her plate away.

Oh my goodness

Episode 11- Sam "I know," Rose said softly, "neither did Natalie." "Well, she's coming back as soon as I find a car!" "No," Rose said, shaking her head, "Natalie is going to help you with her." She bounced Stinky on her lap and made her smile. I started, for the first time, unable to enjoy that smile. It took me a moment to come up with a response. When I did, it disappointed me. "No, she's not," I insisted. "Yes, Sam," Rose said quietly, "she is." "You can't be alone," I added with more strength. "Yes, I can," Rose countered. An image formed in my mind of Rose gasping her last alone. My eyes welled up. I hated that I cared. No wonder I steered away from people before. They screwed up my insides. "You..." I started, and the tears came, and my mouth didn't want to work. "I love you too," Rose said sweetly. That made it worse. I had no experience to help me with the horrible feelings coursing through me. I covered my eyes with my hand and tried to hide behind it. My lungs decided to dance, and I lost everything I thought a man should be. Stinky had ruined me. Rose moved her chair next to mine. I felt her arm wrap around me, and Stinky moved partially on my lap. I wanted Rose to stop but leaned into her instead. Her breathing was erratic as mine. I let her hold me, thought better of it and wrapped my arms around her as well. I swore to myself that I would never again let anyone else get close. Stinky and Rose were it. At least, Stinky wasn't going to die on me. "Where was the Magna Carta enacted?" Rose whispered when her voice returned. It was a stupid question and completely out of place. "Runnymede," I replied after clearing my throat. I answered because it was Rose that asked. "You're a lovely man," Rose continued, "with a wonderful mind. You have an amazing future ahead of you and Stinky to care for." Some of my control returned. I wasn't used to praise having not experienced it much in the past. "Only because of you and Stinky," I admitted. "It was always there," Rose said, her smile evident under her red eyes, "you just never had a direction to go in." I nodded. "I do love you, Rose," I said, looking at her, "and I have never felt so horrible in my life." "It comes with the territory." Rose smiled. "Your tears, your smile, your being here right now makes me think I am better than I am. I could ask nothing more from a friend." I had no idea it went both ways. I thought she had been tolerating me, more like a teacher. At best, I wasn't the worst kid in the class. "You'll be alone," I argued. "I have other friends," Rose said, looking down toward Stinky, "and who knows, you three could be back when this blows over." She shifted Stinky over to my lap, "I have to open the garage door for Tom." She left me there, stewing in a world of grayness. I gave Stinky my finger, and she grasped it tight, smiling. I let her fill me, hoping there was a sense to my misery. Knowledge and confidence did nothing for my grief. I closed my eyes and tried to embed the memory of Ruth in my mind. Unintentionally, her thoughts flooded through. I could see her pain at her husband's slow passing, the inability to do anything but be there. My breath caught in my throat at the images she tried to forget. She wanted to remember him as he was and now the end was her first thought. I wiggled my finger free. "The door is open," Rose said as she returned, "you had better get ready." She reached out for Stinky, so I could gather our things quickly. I stood and kissed her cheek, knowing she wouldn't find it uncomfortable. "I'll always remember you as you are right now," I said. "And you tried to convince me you were dull," Ruth responded with her lovely smile. I smiled back, taking the credit. Stinky couldn't argue with it. She shooed me out of the kitchen as her eyes began to fill again. I had to wipe mine as I packed. Traveling in a trunk is a lot more uncomfortable than I imagined. I felt every bump, and there was little done to reduce the noise from the road. The pillows that Ruth gave us helped Stinky more than they did me. She fit neatly on one, and my arm kept her from moving around. I, on the other hand, had my knees cocked, and my hip was acting as a shock absorber. Had it been any other baby, I suspect there would have been crying. Though I could barely see Stinky's face in the dark, I knew there was the same calm expression that she always held when she wasn't smiling. About fifteen minutes into the trip, Stinky let loose with a bubbly rumble. I closed my nose and stifled a laugh. If someone was going to search the car, they would need a gas mask. I could almost taste the smell as my eyes began to water. We passed through the roadblock with little effort. Tom shouted out a good-natured greeting to someone who returned an insult with equal friendship. Tom retorted and sped by so he could retain the last word. "Good God," Tom yelled, once we hit highway speed," did you die back there?" "I might," I yelled back laughing, "she definitely can call some flies." I could hear Tom laughing and the sound of wind increasing. He had opened a window. It was too hard to carry on a conversation, so I settled in for the rest of the trip. "Oh, you poor man," Natalie laughed, moving backward and waving her hand in front of her face. Stinky laughed which caused Natalie to stop her retreat and take her from me. I climbed out of the trunk to find Natalie grimacing as she held Stinky as far away from her as she could. She tried to hand her back but declined with a laugh. "I'm surprised you're still with the living," Tom joked as he pulled our bags and pillows from the trunk. "You kind of get used to it after ten minutes or so," I lied. "You need to change her," Natalie begged as her arms began to tire. "I thought you wanted to learn," I reminded her. "This smells worse than last time," Natalie whined, "do all babies smell this bad?" I shrugged my shoulders. Stinky was the only kid I ever changed. "My nephews don't smell that bad," Tom informed her, "I mean they can smell, but Stinky is a whole new level of stench." I shouldered the bags znc laughed at Tom's description. Natalie looked concerned that my arms weren't free. "Let's change her in your car," I suggested. I tried not to laugh as Natalie hobbled to her car trying not to hold Stinky too close. "I have to head back," Tom said before I could move to follow Natalie, "I don't want to raise too much suspicion by being gone too long." "You risked a lot. Not sure we could have made it out without you," I admitted, freeing up one of my hands which he shook hardily. "I will be listening for your sax," I added with a smile. "You take care of her," Tom said, moving back to his car, "I'm not sure what's best, but Stinky trusts you, so I do as well." He opened the driver's door, then leaned over the hood with his arms, "You're risking a lot, you know that don't you? They won't stop looking." "I'm all she has," I replied, "I've got nothing but her." I looked at the ground for a moment, then looked back up, "I was shit before she found me. Now, I have a purpose beyond my next meal. Right or wrong, I like the feeling and will ride it to wherever it takes me." "Sam," Natalie called. There was a desperation in her voice, "this is getting gross." "Sorry to leave you outnumbered," Tom chuckled as he climbed into his car. I watched him drive off before I moved to Natalie. She had a look of disgust on her face. Stinky was lying on the back seat, obviously as stinky as ever. "Ready for you lesson," I smiled. "Here?" Natalie asked, looking around for a place to run. The expression on her face made me cave into her reluctance. I also questioned if the back seat of a car was the best place for a newbie to deal with one of Stinky's deposits. "I'll take this one," I said, adding a laugh. The relief on Natalie's face was worth the sacrifice. I liked the idea of handling this for her. I wasn't sure how changing a diaper made me feel more manly, but it did. I wasn't doing it for Stinky, I was doing it for Natalie, and I could see her appreciation. I might as well have jumped in front of a bullet by the look in her eyes. When the grossness was complete, I proudly lifted Stinky into my arms. Natalie smiled at me. It was more than a smile of gratitude and confused me for a second. There was an awkward silence that I broke by picking up the rolled up dirty diaper and wipes. "Is there a garbage can around here?" I asked as I looked around. "By the front entrance," Natalie pointed. Stinky and I headed to the garbage as Natalie began packing Stinky's supplies back up. I walked slow, trying to figure out the smile Natalie had given me. Most women smiled at me, and it never made it to their eyes. I had never figured out if it was fear or just politeness. Rose had been one of the first since grade school who smiled with friendliness. Natalie's smiles had been more at my expense in the past, especially when she had handed me a stinky Stinky the first time. The smiles had become more comfortable, but nothing like what she had just done. I tossed the diaper in the waste can and stood still for a second. The smile held warmth. I shook my head. Natalie was a lawyer, a damn good one by Rose's account. I was way off her radar. It was Stinky that had her where she was. A common interest in the welfare of a child is what she was smiling at. So she had a pretty smile that made me lose my train of thought. I would just ignore it so the trip didn't get weird for her. I was halfway back to the car when I saw them. Two men, one holding Natalie's arm the other standing on her other side. Both were large, dressed in jeans. The one on the left had gray hair that seemed premature compared to his face. The other, a was wearing a skin tight blue t-shirt with a gold chain prominently displayed. Natalie was scared. My hand found Stinky's barefoot. Perfect presence fused my mind to my body. I knew the two thugs were just that, thugs. They had been waiting for us, and I could sense every wayside oasis in many directions held the same types. They weren't government, but the gloves they wore told me they were equally informed. Both were armed, 9mm their minds told me, but they wouldn't use them. They had orders; nothing could harm the child. "Who are your friends?" I said, smiling at Natalie as I approached. Stinky flooded me with alternatives, solutions I knew would work. There was no way I was going to let go of Stinky. Both of these guys had five inches and fifty pounds on me. "Run," Natalie said as calmly as possible. The guy who was holding her arm must have tightened his grip by the way Natalie cringed. Anger filled me. Something I had not felt when bonded before. I didn't like them hurting Natalie. "What do you morons want?" I asked with a menace I knew I could support. I settled Stinky on my left hip, freeing my right leg for movement. Vital locations on their bodies began to identify themselves in my mind, and my fury began to burn hotter. "We just want the child," the idiot on the left said. Of course they did. I moved closer, wanting them within easy range. "Release her," I demanded, "and we'll talk about it." The one holding Natalie's arm moved behind her and wrapped his arm around her neck. The other took a step toward me. "The kid or her," the man said, nodding toward Natalie, "or we'll just kill you both and take her anyway." I could feel he meant it. He had a strong desire to make sure Stinky wasn't hurt. His life depended on it. I tucked Stinky closer to my body to allow me to center my weight on my left foot. "No," I repeated, "release her." The man approached as the other's arm tightened around Natalie's neck. Natalie reached up and began to pull desperately at the arm. Anger, I had never felt before, surged through me like white hot lightning. My right foot moved so quickly; I barely saw it connect with the free man's face with a sickening crunch. Without waiting for his body to hit the ground, I moved with fluidity toward the second man who was now applying all his strength to Natalie's' neck. For the first time in my life, I wanted someone dead. With the briefest thought, I dropped low on my left leg, and my right foot shot out between Natalie's legs and found gray hair's knee. It shattered backward with a power I didn't know I possessed. I returned upright as the two fell to the pavement. My foot moved quickly, finding a kidney then breaking a rib into his diaphragm. I knew it would render gray hair immobile. Natalie grabbed my offered hand, and I raised her to her feet. I dropped to my knee as the anger burned deep, I retracted my arm and aimed the heel of my hand at the base of gray hair's nose. A killing blow. "Sam!" Natalie yelled. My name seemed to echo down a long tunnel. My arm relaxed, and the anger drained away. I looked at the man I was about kill. He was struggling to breathe. The fear in his eyes was something I had never experienced before. I felt his fear coming in sickening waves before I let go of Stinky's foot. "We have to go," Natalie said, trying to help me up. My groin complained as I stood. Some muscle I didn't know I owned had been strained beyond tolerance. I handed Stinky to Natalie and hobbled painfully toward the backseat of her car. "Your nose is bleeding," Natalie commented, as I crawled into the car. My head felt like it was full of sludge. I laid on the backseat. Natalie tucked Stinky into my arms and closed the door. Natalie got behind the wheel, and we started moving. "Don't stop til we need gas," I gasped. I knew they were watching other pit stops. We had to get far away from Flagstaff. I could hear Natalie talking to me, but none of it seemed to stick in my mind. I pulled Stinky close and closed my eyes. The silent blackness of sleep found me.

I think it was stinky that gave you the power to fight

Episode 12- Sam A blinking neon light woke me. It was a motel sign, Flanigan's Roadside Inn. I was startled when I felt no baby in my arms. I sat up quickly, still in the backseat of Natalie's car. My back complained as I turned quickly trying to figure out where I was. The passenger side door opened, and a haggard Natalie ducked her head in. "Stinky?" I asked, my voice coming out raspy. "She's inside," Natalie said, waving me out of the car, "Sorry, I can't drive anymore. Thought I would fall asleep on us." I slid toward her, my groin and back lamenting the movement. "Where are we?" I asked. It was cold outside, not freezing, but not desert. Standing was a painful procedure. Whatever moves I used outside of Flagstaff had strained muscles. Natalie put her arm around me as I limped forward. "North Dakota," Natalie said, "took a right at Los Angeles and just kept going." I tried to do the mental math. She must have been driving close to twenty-four hours. I stood up straighter, ignoring the pain. She shouldn't be carrying me as well. "You need some sleep," I coughed, "I'm sorry I passed out on you." "You saved us," Natalie said. I could hear the exhaustion in her voice, "they weren't from the government and weren't going to follow any rules." I stopped walking and turned to her, letting her arms fall away. "Thank you for getting us out of there," I said. Her smile was genuine. "I need a shower and some sleep," Natalie responded, "then will talk." I nodded. I had been out for a day, and I was still tired, not to mention the way my groin felt. No wonder those martial arts guys stretch all the time. "I fed Stinky twice and changed a diaper," Natalie laughed, "no idea how you slept through that. I almost lost my lunch." "I'll watch her," I added, "you take your shower, and we'll try and keep it quiet so you can sleep." "The place is a dump, but they take cash," Natalie said as she opened the door. Smart woman, not leaving an electronic trail. Stinky was asleep in the middle of a double bed. The entire decor looked like it was modern about forty years ago. Dark browns and oranges with two ugly horse paintings on the walls. I closed and locked the door behind us. "There's only one bed," I pointed out. "We'll share," Natalie said in a tone the broached no room for argument. She grabbed a small toiletry bag and moved straight to the bathroom, closing the door. I wished I would have stopped her. I had to pee like a racehorse. "There's donuts and Snapple on the table," she shouted through the door, then I heard the water turn on. Now I really had to pee. Eating donuts and watching TV doesn't quiet one's bladder. My stomach needed the food, as unhealthy as it was, and I suspected I needed some liquid as well. The Snapple would have to wait until I had a bathroom available. I surfed until I found some news. The Ebola outbreak in Flagstaff was the third story and hardly warranted the twenty seconds they gave to it. The lack of spreading death seemed almost to disappoint the reporter on the scene. The CDC had no new updates and the house to house search had not located Stinky and I. I got the feeling the government wouldn't be able to keep up the farce for much longer. It was good news that they were still looking in Flagstaff. Natalie exited the bathroom with a towel that barely covered her torso and another wrapped like a turban on her head. Her exposed legs and the hint of cleavage was incredibly becoming. She moved over to her suitcase and began rifling through it as my eyes took in the back of her legs. They looked smooth with the cutest indent behind each knee. Her toenails were painted a soft red that had begun to flake off. They must have looked adorable in sandals. She bent slightly, and I had to look away. Her tush was too enticing, even covered as it was. I remembered my bladder too late. Natalie was back in the bathroom, doing whatever women do before they sleep. I almost groaned as the pain of holding it in came back two fold. I stood up and paced to take my mind off it. When the door finally opened again, I excused myself and burst passed her. Relief can be measured in many ways. On a scale of one to ten, that moment was a twenty. I washed my hands and left the bathroom a much happier man. "You could have asked," Natalie said laughing, standing in an oversized t-shirt as she unwound the towel from her hair. For some reason, maybe it was her smile, she looked incredibly beautiful at the moment. There was no way I should be sharing the bed with a woman like her. "Maybe I should sleep on the floor," I offered. "On this carpeting? I don't think it's been cleaned this century," Natalie countered, "I wouldn't wish that on an enemy." She continued to dry her hair as she moved back into the bathroom. I felt like sharing the bed was an insult to her. I sat at the end and wondered why I was worried if she wasn't. Images of what was under the t-shirt sent my mind to the gutter. She was smart, successful, and way too good looking to be anywhere near me. "There's supposed to be a crib in the closet," Natalie called from the bathroom. I found one there and began unfolding the ancient structure. It was as old as the decor. There were sheets for it on the closet shelf that looked clean. I rolled the crib into the little open space we had and made it up. I carefully lifted Stinky, who was dead to the world, and placed her softly in the crib. I covered her with the small blanket provided. For some reason, I leaned in and kissed her forehead. It felt like the thing to do. Sort of a you-are-safe-now message. "You love her." Natalie surprised me when I straightened up. "Well...she needs me," I stammered, "someone has to look out for her." Natalie smiled that honest smile she kept using. It was so damn confusing. Where was the humorous one, the one that told me I was, at least, entertaining. This one was too warm. It made me nervous. "The bathroom is all yours." I smiled back and dug into my bag. I didn't have any pajamas. I was wondering if I should just crawl into bed with my pants on. The floor is where I belonged. I've slept on worse. "All I have is t-shirts and boxers," I said. I was about to add that the floor was the best solution when Natalie cut in. "That's fine," she said, "panties and t-shirt are all I brought as well. Didn't figure I was going to be gone too long." I looked in my bag not seeing anything particular as the idea of her panties ran through my stupid brain. Blue, pink, white, and all other colors of the rainbow entered my mind. I heard her walk to the crib as I grabbed a t-shirt and dopp kit and headed quickly to the bathroom. With the door closed, I could think. There was crusty blood under my nose and stubble from a day without a shave. My hair was a disaster from sleeping in the back of the car. Normally, I wouldn't care, but there was a woman I had to share a bed with. I started the shower and broke out my shaving gear. I reached into the shower to test the water. It was a perfectly warm temperature. I turned it colder and climbed in and let the chill wash the thoughts of panties from my mind. Natalie lay still on the right side of the bed when I emerged from the bathroom. I almost laughed at myself for shaving and combing my hair. She was a lot easier to look at covered in sheets and a blanket. Only her angelic face was showing. So much easier on my heart. I crawled carefully into the left side of the bed, trying not to disturb her sleep. "They're blue," Natalie whispered. "What?" "My panties," she clarified, "they're baby blue." It took a moment for me to realize that Stinky had narked me out. "I'll sleep on the floor," I said as blood flooded my face. I began to rise when Natalie rolled over and reached for my arm, holding me back. "I like how you see me," Natalie stated softly. "I'm sorry," I said, "I can't help it." "Stay," Natalie said, "I feel safe with you near." I relaxed back into the pillow, shocked at her words. "I just need to get some sleep; then we can talk about it." She half pulled half scooted closer to me. Her hand released my arm, and she reached across my chest. "There, we can keep each other warm," she whispered. I lay unmoving, trying not to over-breathe or do anything that would endanger her arm moving. A moment of courage allowed me to lay my far hand over hers and lightly grasp her palm. I smiled when her fingers curled around mine. Natalie was asleep in minutes. I laid awake for over an hour staring into the darkness, loving the feel of her hand in mine. The sun had barely cracked the horizon when I woke. Natalie had rolled away from me in the night. I missed her hand but smiled that it had been there in the first place. I sat up slowly, letting her get as much sleep as possible. My groin was still sore but more uncomfortable than non-functional. The soreness in the small of my back had disappeared, and there was a smart, gorgeous woman wearing baby blue panties in my bed. Life was coming up roses. I pulled my legs up into the Indian position to stretch out my groin. It burned a little, more warm than pain. I rubbed the insides of my thighs, loosening up the rest of tightness. "Getting busy over there," Natalie chuckled, "I could leave for a moment if you need some privacy." I turned with a panicked red face to find her head cocked in her hand and wearing a cocky smile. "My legs..." I stammered, "I mean, I pulled something..." Natalie laughed at my struggles as I defended the unnecessary. "Am I that easy to tease?" I asked as my smile grew. "You're still nervous around me," Natalie said, "it makes it so easy." "I'm not good around smart women," I admitted, "I always feel a bit behind the eight ball." "What about smart men?" Natalie asked, "do they fluster you when you sleep with them?" I laughed at her attempts to dig deeper. Her mind moved so quickly, I knew I would have trouble keeping up with the banter without more practice. "Only the ones who wear baby blue panties," I replied. That got a chuckle out of her. "Have you been thinking about my panties all night?" "Pretty much," I answered truthfully, "It's Stinky's fault. The little tattle tale." I liked the way that Natalie was looking at me. Deep comfortable eyes and a warm smile. There was no fear or apprehension a woman of her caliber should be feeling with someone like me this close to her. "What has she told you about me?" Natalie smiled as she spoke. "Nothing," I said with surprise. I looked over at the crib. The little traitor has never let me see one thing about Natalie. I hadn't tried, but you think I would see what I needed to see. "It's a little unfair when you think about it." "Oh, I don't know," Natalie continued, "maybe she thinks I need an advantage." "What would I see?" I delved, not expecting an answer. I just wanted to set Natalie a little off kilter as she had me. "That I find you attractive as well," Natalie said, not missing a beat. It threw me off kilter. "Why?" I asked. The question came out of my mouth before I could stifle it. It sounded unconfident, something only an idiot would ask. Natalie's eyebrows raised as she pondered the question. "Why not?" she retorted. "You're a lawyer," I argued against myself, "I'm unemployed with no college degree." Natalie smiled, waiting patiently for me to finish. "I don't even own a suit. I wouldn't know where to take you to dinner or could afford it if I knew. I would probably embarrass you at the first party you dragged me too." I took a deep breath and let a million other reasons float away and just summed it up, "We come from different worlds." "Are you finished?" "Well...yes, I sighed, "That's the gist of it." "No suit, huh?" Her faux pondering made me rethink my argument. "It's a metaphor as well as the truth," I insisted, "it means I am not ready for your world." "Metaphor is a really big word for someone so uneducated," Natalie joked. She was toying with me again, but this time, my anger was climbing. She knew exactly what I was talking about. We could never be a we. "You know what I..." Natalie moved quicker than I thought her capable of. Just as I was reaching my boiling point, her hands wrapped around my neck and pulled me down to her. I almost pulled back when her soft lips touched mine. Luxurious lawyer lips yanked the anger from my body and replaced it with something non-thinking. Social standing disappeared as her tongue tickled my upper lip. I could feel her smile as I let myself go, my hands roaming her curves over the covers. She cocked her leg, letting me run my hand down that magnificent thigh I had seen last night. So soft with a hint of firmness that begged to be squeezed. My hand ran back up, lightly finding her baby blue encased bottom. She giggled into my mouth, enjoying my uncontrolled exploration. A grunt from the crib broke the spell. A second grunt, followed by Stinky's tell tale gurgling had me flopping onto my back.

hmmm .. Natalie and Sam .the chemistry is strong

Nice one I really love this episode I love the way natie was teasing you

dis so quick I didn't expect such move frm both of dem

dat's so quick nt expecting such move soon

Intruder Stinky

Episode 13 "Damn," I said to the world. Natalie was laughing as the smell began to fill the room. She rolled on top of me and kissed me hard. I wrapped my arms around her, enjoying the feeling of her t-shirt encased breasts pushing into my chest. "Counselor, I wanted it noted that I tried to warn you off," I said with a grin. I had no intention of holding back anymore. She was way too desireable to be given another chance. "Duly noted," Natalie agreed and kissed me again, "I changed the last diaper," she laughed, "this one is all yours." "You crack the windows," I said, sitting up, "and I'll brave the sewer butt." It only took a few minutes to clean the smiling Stinky. It took a good fifteen minutes to clear out the smell. I donned some pants and found a dumpster to toss the diaper in. I came back into the room to find Stinky in Natalie's arms. Natalie's smile was incredibly attractive. "I love how you see me," Natalie said. Her hand was covering Stinky's bare foot. Trying not to think was impossible. I immediately imagined Natalie in various stages of undress and then beneath me in bed. I moved quickly and snatched Stinky from her arms. "She's not a toy," I said, trying to find cover for my thoughts, "and I can't stop thinking about you." Natalie stood smiling and moved into my personal space. Her hand found mine and brought it to Stinky's foot. The tingling began, and my mind opened. There was so much wonder in our shared thoughts. I could see how Natalie saw me, better than I was and oh, so much more virile. We made love in our minds, so intimate and very naughty at the same time. My breath caught in my throat as her carnal images warped into mine. I broke the connection before my body betrayed me. Natalie's eyes were all dreamy and fixed on mine. I suspected mine were no different as I caressed her lips with mine. The desire we felt was no longer hidden behind self-imposed barriers. It was Stinky's laugh that broke the spell. She thought we were playing and waved her arms at the fun. Natalie broke our kiss and laughed with Stinky, which only encouraged Stinky more. I laid Stinky on the bed and began tickling her. "Was that us, or is she doing it?" I asked as Natalie sat on the opposite side of Stinky. "Does it matter?" Natalie responded. She reached up and lovingly stroked the side of my head. I leaned into her hand. I looked into her eyes and knew I didn't care how it happened. Natalie was what I wanted in life. If it was all Stinky, then I was addicted, heart and soul. "No," I replied, "it doesn't matter at all." I leaned over Stinky and kissed Natalie. Stinky loved the kissing game. "Those guys at the truck stop," Natalie said as she sipped her coffee, "they weren't government and didn't seem to care about things like laws." I finished chewing the bite of the breakfast burrito I picked up at a drive-thru. We had already decided to stay another night in the motel to recover and get our barrings. "They knew about Stinky," I said, "they were apprehensive about hurting her, almost a fear of what would happen if they did." I took another small bite as I thought. "They were just two of many, that much Stinky showed me. It was just chance we picked the stop that they had staked out. I think every road out of Flagstaff was being watched." "So, someone with a lot of money but less political pull," Natalie surmised, "maybe criminal." "Or big business," I added, "I did sense they had little concern for our well being." "I thought you were going to kill that guy," Natalie said. There was a curiosity in her eyes as she spoke. The matter-of-fact tone she used was cover for finding out my intentions. "He was hurting you," I admitted, "Stinky and anger don't mix well." I took a sip of my coffee as Natalie watched me carefully. She deserved the truth. "If you hadn't stopped me, he would have died." "I'm glad I could stop you then," Natalie said, reaching out for my hand. I let her take it. There was forgiveness in the way she held me. "The way it drained you scared me. I guess Stinky wasn't meant for aggression." Stinky smiled in my lap at the mention of her name. She had been trying to get to my burrito, so I knew she was hungry as well. "I don't know if it is aggression or just forcing results," I pointed out, "she has a flow, and if you go outside of it, you pay a price." I absently wiped my nose, "bloody nose, headache, and exhaustion. Maybe worse if you go too far." "I don't get headaches when I see you," Natalie said with a sly grin. I smiled back remembering what was in her mind last night. I took another bite of my burrito. Stinky's eyes followed it to my mouth and reached out with gusto to try and grab it. "Someone else is hungry," Natalie pointed out. I nodded as I chewed watching what I could only describe as a jealous face on Stinky. Feeding Stinky was the usual battle. Neither Natalie or I were as skilled as Rose at getting the maximum food into Stinky's mouth. Stinky was getting quicker and becoming more insistent on helping. "Do you think she knows when we bond?" Natalie asked as she tried to get the spoon out of Stinky's grasp. "Maybe...probably," I hedged. I was following up with a washcloth trying to keep the bulk of the food off her clothes. We would have to get better at feeding or buy some bibs. "What happens when she gets older?" Natalie continued her thinking. I stopped for a moment and looked at Stinky. She was intent on eating, the one time when smiling was not in her repertoire. Her focus was on the jar of mashed carrots, a single-minded desire. What happens to those desires when she gets older. "I don't know," I admitted, "if she could control her power, she could probably rule the world if she wanted too." At that moment, her innocence didn't make it a scary thought. Thinking out into the future, it was frightening. Natalie stopped feeding and looked at me. "We don't have a clue what we're doing, do we?" Natalie asked rhetorically. "Maybe they know in Portland," I suggested. Stinky grunted at the lack of attention. Natalie smiled and began feeding again. "How do you know we wouldn't just turn her over to a cult or something," Natalie commented, "you have no idea who that lady was or why she had Stinky." "She seemed sincere," I countered, "but you could be right. I do find it hard to believe that her last words would condemn Stinky." I thought about it and the way Natalie shifted the conversation. She was trying to convince me of something. Something she had already concluded. "There's a reason we're in North Dakota and not Oregon," I observed. I said it softly, without accusation. Natalie nodded and stopped feeding Stinky again. "I wasn't sure Portland is the right place or the right people," Natalie admitted, "anymore than the government or whoever else wants her." She paused for a moment, and when I didn't speak, she continued. "I wish we had more to go on before we just hand her over." "You have a career," I reminded her, "you can't just drop everything, and I am not capable of raising Stinky alone. We have to find a more permanent solution. It's our best bet." "I quit my job," Natalie said, then quickly began feeding Stinky again. She was concentrating on Stinky, trying hard not to look at me as I absorbed the shock. "Wh...why?" "Stinky has a way of showing you things," Natalie said, "I was climbing the ladder because that's what everyone told me I should do and I was good at it." She refilled the spoon, and with excited verbal support from Stinky, weaved her way through Stinky's overactive hands. "It's not what I wanted. I love being a lawyer; I just don't want to be a starched one." She paused again and looked at me. "And I want other things. Things a sixty hour work week won't let me have." My mind was reeling. I thought I had unintentionally thrown away my life and here was a woman who purposely threw it away. Money and prestige were my hopeless dream, and she made it seem like a bad movie. I wiped off Stinky's chin and one of her hands. "Does your mother know?" I asked. Maybe Rose could talk some sense into her. "She agrees," Natalie said as she reloaded the spoon again, "she always knew I was unhappy." Natalie tried to come in high to avoid Stinky's grabby hands. Stinky looked like a starving baby bird as the spoon neared. "I would have told you yesterday," Natalie clarified, "but you were kind of out of it. Mom didn't like the idea of Portland anymore than I did." "Three against one," I chuckled. Natalie gave me a confused look. "Three girls and me," I clarified, "I'm out numbered." "I'll go to Portland if you insist," Natalie said, shaking her head, "it's you Stinky loves." "She doesn't know what love is," I said, shrugging off her statement. "Sam," Natalie said while she fished the last of the carrot out of the jar, "she loves you unconditionally. I know it, my mom knows it, and so does everyone else she bonds with." Stinky fought for control of the spoon and Natalie relented, making sure she didn't swallow the whole thing. "She trusts us because you trust us. She loves you deeply." I was staring at Stinky, trying to fathom the foolishness of someone trusting me. Of someone loving me. From what I could see, Stinky only loved food. I pushed away from the table and stood. I was breathing harder than necessary. "I...can't," I stuttered, "I'm a fuck up. I'll screw her up and make her bad or something." I'd die for her, but I didn't have the skill to raise her. I grew up with piss-poor role models. She would end up like me. "Or you could just love her back," Natalie said, "since you already do, it shouldn't be that hard." "That's your plan," I argued, "ruin a perfectly good child by leaving her in my hands. All the people in the world and you pick me." "I didn't pick you," Natalie laughed, "she did." Orange covered lips started laughing with Natalie. Stinky was taking Natalie's side and using her cuteness against me. I huffed and puffed trying to think of a new reason why it was an asinine idea. Natalie's smile was eating into my argument, making me think I was worthy. Her confidence in me was almost painful. "She needs a bath," I said, trying to retake control of the conversation. I lifted Stinky into my arms and started toward the bathroom. "You're not helping, you little stinker," I whispered. A chuckle from Natalie informed me she overheard. Stinky was sitting up pretty well on her own now. My hand was still there in case she faltered, but I let her play in the two inches of water unhindered. Splashing was her favorite, at least, before it got in her eyes. I tried not to laugh when she responded to the invasion by rapidly sucking in her breath. I cleared her eyes with a dry washcloth, and she went on playing. "Most men get nine months to work up the courage." I turned my head to find Natalie leaning against the door frame, that damn smile weakening my resolve again. "you jumped into daddy mode without warning." I turned my head back to Stinky, not wanting Natalie to know how scared the word 'daddy' made me. Dads are saps. Stinky smiled at me as she played. I was a sap. "I've never had anyone rely on me," I said, "it's terrifying." I looked back to Natalie and her confident smile. The look of a lawyer who was making her case. "What if I screw it up?" "What if you don't?" Natalie said, using my own indecisiveness against me. I had to smile at her. All that intelligence bundled into such a pretty package. "You're not going to let me weasel out of this," I observed. Natalie's smile grew as she shook her head no. Portland was shelved. I turned back to Stinky, who had just splashed water all over my t-shirt. "We're going to need some things for you," I said as I lifted warm water in my hand and let it run down her back. Stinky splashed again and thought it was funny when I flinched. I had a little water war with her, splashing her back as she proceeded to soak us both. I would have to work on her aim. "You have no idea how sexy you look right now," Natalie said. I turned in time to see her leave the bathroom. A sap playing in the tub with a baby is sexy? I smiled to myself remembering her thoughts about me. I had no idea how those visions correlated with the current soaked version of myself. Women were a damn mystery. "How do you feel about naps?" I whispered to Stinky, "I'd only need an hour or maybe two. Think of it as payment for turning my life upside down." She splashed hard and started laughing. It looked like an immediate nap was not on the agenda. Natalie went shopping while I watched Stinky. A car seat was a must. Driving for a day without one was a sin we wouldn't repeat. More food, diapers, wipes and other baby necessities were on the list. We were chewing through cash, so we decided risking Natalie's credit card We made the assumption that the thugs hadn't acquired Natalie's name. They weren't all that bright and most likely didn't even get the license plate. It was a risk, but we weren't about to start robbing banks. The car seat alone would have drained our cash resources severely.

cntinu

atlast stinky as bond both of u togeda

following

Baby Stinky,poke noser...she z lucky to av u guyz

I love stinky a lot

Episode 14 Stinky was building muscle. She would rise on her knees, her butt high in the air, and wiggle forward and backward. She was on the cusp of mobility. She could already roll over, but now, I saw a determination in her eyes. I was both proud and terrified at her progress. "She'll be crawling in a day or two," I told Natalie when she returned. Her arms were full of bags. I could tell she enjoyed herself. The lady liked to shop. "Can you tell her to hold off until we find a place?" Natalie joked. "I can't seem to tell women anything these days," I laughed. It shocked me when Natalie went on her toes and quickly kissed my cheek. It was just a peck, but it held an apology and a promise. I hadn't meant anything by my remark. Maybe she thought it best to acknowledge how things had resolved and to make sure I knew she meant the best by it. I took the bags from her arms with a smile and put them on the small table. "I found you some shirts," Natalie said, "if you don't like them, I can take them back." I wasn't sure how I should feel about that. Having her dress me seemed a little too domestic. She stilled at my expression. "Don't look to deep into it," she added, "I just didn't want you to start smelling." I immediately and self-consciously smelled my armpits. She snickered as she started to go back to the car for another load of bags. "I got it," I said, moving quickly past her. My pits didn't smell bad, at least, they didn't to me. I was out of clean shirts, but I could have washed them in the sink. I went through an internal argument about the shirts as I retrieved the other bags. By the time I returned, I had sorted it out in my head. "Thank you," I said, "for the shirts." Worst case, I could stall some laundry. I still had two clean pairs of underwear and socks. "You're welcome," Natalie said, quite proud of herself. It pleased me that she was happy. I couldn't remember the last time I was the reason someone was happy. We started shifting the baby stuff from the plastic bags to Stinky's diaper bag. Stinky gave a little grunt when she spied the food jars and raised her butt up high, almost like she was going to take off after it. "She's getting strong," Natalie commented. "We won't be able to leave her on the bed anymore," I said as I moved closer in case Stinky decided to take that first lunge. "She can't be on this carpeting," Natalie instructed, "we'll need to find someplace to rent. A medium sized town in need of a lawyer. It shouldn't take me long to get licensed in any state." I sat on the bed and stared at her as she continued to unpack. She slowed then stopped, "What?" "We?" I asked. "You think I would let you raise Stinky alone?" "But..." "I like you," Natalie continued, "you like me. Stinky let us skip all that silly courtship crap. Tell me you aren't planning something tonight." My eyes widened. "If you weren't," she shrugged, "I was going to." She went back to unpacking as if that was all the needed saying. "Are you a control freak?" I asked. My smile stalled the flash anger that appeared on her face. She looked at me a moment and laughed. "Yes, but I can compromise." "I live by the seat of my pants," I admitted, "but I can compromise." "We need each other," Natalie continued, "and Stinky needs us both." She bent over to retrieve something from a bag on the floor. I watched her curves move seductively in her jeans. A woman I never thought would give me the time of day was informing me we were moving in together. I should have been running full speed away, but my only desire was to be with her. I loved her strength and really loved how her jeans fit. She smiled when she caught me gawking. I turned back to Stinky. "Are you sure I can't interest you in a nap?" I said rubbing her back. Stinky smiled, thinking I was playing.The bed shifted as Natalie sat down next to me. A shiver ran down my spine when I felt her hands on my neck. I turned, and she let her lips prove she meant what she said. I wished Stinky would take a nap. We had sandwiches for dinner as we watched the national news. Flagstaff was unraveling for the government. The lack of an epidemic, and Stinky and my disappearance, were making the government look ineffectual. People were beginning to question the supposed outbreak. Members of the CDC were second guessing it themselves. Politicians were beginning to talk of independent investigations. "Do you think they will stop looking?" Natalie asked. "No. They'll just change their methods." "Then we just have live low," Natalie continued, "everything in my name." "I can probably build another identity," I added, "I know some people who do that sort of thing." My criminal past had some benefits. "We'll need a name for Stinky as well," Natalie said, "she can't go on as Stinky forever." We both looked at Stinky, who was sitting calmly in my lap. She realized we were paying attention, and she became lively, moving her arms up and down and grunting. The only name that fit her was Stinky. She seemed to like it. Another name would confuse her. "It has to be something pretty and special," I said, "I don't want her forgotten as a Jane or Sally." "I have a name," Natalie said, "I was saving it, but Stinky could use it. That's if you like it." "Shoot." "Teegan," Natalie replied. She paused as I pondered the name, "It's Gaelic. I think it means 'little poet'." I nodded as I let the name sound itself out in my head. I tried it out in anger and tenderly. It was a pretty name. I couldn't remember ever meeting a Teegan. "Teegan," I said out loud. Stinky jumped at the word and made with the arms. "You like that?" I asked Stinky. I think I could have called her poop, and she would have been happy. She just liked me paying attention to her. "I think she likes it," I said to Natalie, "and I think it's perfect." "Teegan," Natalie smiled. "Teegan," I agreed. We just promoted ourselves to full parent status by naming her. I gave up wondering if I would be a good father. I now had no choice.

Nice name

Ok, next plz!

D name is cute

Episode 15 It took another two hours to get Teegan to bed. I wondered how real parents did it. The desire to get Natalie alone was building and yet, Teegan insisted on playing. Natalie took her shower first and exited the bathroom in her oversized t-shirt. I again wondered what color her panties were. It would be very satisfying to find out. Teegan eventually closed her eyes, fighting sleep all the way. I carefully placed her in the crib and gave what I knew now was her nightly kiss on the forehead. I then took the quickest shower of my life. I left the bathroom wrapped only in a towel. "What color tonight?" I asked as quietly as possible. The smile on Natalie's face grew, but she didn't answer. She looked so delicious laying on the bed, her right leg slightly cocked, and there was desire in her eyes. She reached out as I neared and pulled the towel from around my waist. There was no shyness in her movements as she caressed parts that have been lonely for way too long. I ran my hand softly along her thigh, raising the t-shirt as I went. She bit her bottom lip as I discovered she wore no panties. Soft curls met my eyes. "So beautiful," I breathed as I climbed in next to her. I reached over her and doused the last light. I slowly explored her curves, finding what generated moans and where she was ticklish. If I barely touched the back of her knees, a soft feathery caress, I could generate the most wonderful giggle. I stashed that knowledge away for future torture and continued my discovery. She loved the attention I gave her breasts. My lips found a wonderful home there, climbing from the valley and conquering the peaks. She lightly guided my lips and cooing when I found what excited her most. Her control faltered when my hand traveled between her legs. I loved how I could make her back arch, her moans caressing my ears and exciting my mind. I closed my eyes and remembered the images I had seen, her imagined first coupling. I found her lips and joined them with mine. Her breathing came in gasps, adding a fever to our kiss. I moved between her thighs and felt her smile against my lips. Her hand guided me, teasingly finding her entrance. It caused me to groan louder than I intended. "Shhh," Natalie warned with pride at the response she caused. I silently laughed into her lips causing us to lose our rhythm. She giggled as one mood was replaced by another. Both so enjoyable, I wasn't sure which I preferred. When we joined, humor was replaced by pure pleasure. Natalie wrapped me in her legs and pulled me tight. The closeness was intoxicating. My body wanted to move yet my mind found solace in her arms. I framed her head with my hands, our lips millimeters apart, I looked into the most beautiful eyes. I couldn't believe I held her there; our bodies joined and she wanting it as much as I. "Heaven," I whispered. It came unbidden and without thought. It was the only word that made sense. Natalie's smile in the dim light exploded in my eyes. Passion replaced thought as our lips met again. We traded breath and sound as our bodies found a rhythm, our song. It was so much more than the lust I had felt in the past. It was deeper, more intense, always on the verge of perfection but each peak showed me another, something higher to climb. Natalie's body began to shake as she pulled me closer. Her lips a hair's breath from my ear she whispered, "together." When her lips closed on my ear, I reached the end of my endurance. Something primal supplanted reality as we shared a perfect togetherness. An unexplainable moment that only we could understood completely. I held her; she cradled me as our bodies strained in unison. I collapsed into her laughter as reality slowly returned. "Shhh," I chuckled, kissing across her forehead. I was still trembling, trying not to crush her as my muscles struggled to regain control. "It was better," Natalie breathed with surprise. I tried to relieve her of my weight, but she held me tight, not wanting to separate. It was rather nice, so I stayed. "Better?" "I knew...well Teegan knew." Natalie regained her breath, "I just thought..." She grabbed my head with both her hands and pulled my lips to hers. The kiss was a mix of desperation and passion. She pulled my heart into that kiss. I lost all resistance as we shared what little individuality we had left. The most beautiful woman in the world ruined me at that moment. I could only be worse without her. "Better," I agreed. Natalie reached up and wiped my forehead, moving some sweaty hair to the side. "Is it us, or her?" I asked. I was overthinking, but Teegan was such a powerful drug. "I don't care," Natalie replied, her smile spreading across the room. "I've never felt so good in my life, and I know I don't want it to end." There, naked in that bed, she wasn't out of my league. We were a perfect match. Separating was no longer an option. "Family than," I said, "though you're a lot sexier than a mother ought to be." "How sexy?" Natalie asked with laughter. Her hands were moving lower, tickling what should be exhausted. "Very sexy," I whispered as my drive began to reawaken. For the first time, I had no desire to roll over and fall asleep. I wanted to see Natalie shaking and out of control again. I wanted to be the cause of it. I simply wanted more of her. It was another hour before we finally slept. The sunrise brought with it a new life. Natalie and I found reasons to touch, the distance between us was minimized, and kissing preceded and ended most conversations. Even morning breath failed to stall our affection. We just held our breath and locked lips. We kissed again once our teeth were brushed. I have crushed on women in the past, only to be disappointed once we consummated our affections. Before, the sex was the pinnacle and destroyed the rest of the relationship. With Natalie, the opposite occurred. She was better, we were better, once physicality had entered the equation. Sex was the frosting on an already tasty cake. And how I loved that cake. "Where should we go?" I asked as I finished packing. I had yet to think past Portland, and now it was time. "We're pretty close to Bismarck," Natalie suggested, "who would look for us there once winter sets in?" "We would have to keep each other warm," I added, bouncing my eyebrows. Natalie smiled, and Teegan bounced in her arms in agreement. "A big fire and a soft couch." "A little wine and a comforter," I added. I couldn't believe I was getting aroused by simple conversation. I could picture Natalie there in wooly socks and nothing else as we made love before a roaring fire. "Bismarck it is," I agreed. I lifted Teegan from Natalie's arms, so she could finish packing her things. That earned me a welcomed kiss. After I finished loading the car, I went to the office to turn in the keys and check out. The place was so old, they still used physical keys and had no in-room checkout. It would have been quaint if everything didn't look so rundown. "Checking out of 203," I said to the woman behind the counter as I fished the keys out of my pocket. When I looked back up, I saw that she was sporting a deep bruise on her left cheek that road up around her eye socket. She was about my age, long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her eyes were hollow, almost as if she hadn't eaten a good meal in months. "How was your stay?" she asked, her smile denying that anything was amiss. "Fine," I said, placing the keys on the counter. I tried not to stare, but the bruise was the foremost thing on her face. I thought it might have been a bad birthmark or maybe a skin condition. The shading to an ugly green at the edges spoke of a fist, not nature. She ignored my eyes and pulled out a card in Rolodex. No computer for this dive. "That will be 79.80 for the second night," she said sweetly. I moved for my wallet, then stalled. "I left my money in the car," I lied, "I'll be back in a moment." She nodded and turned to return the keys to one of the drawers. "All set?" Natalie asked as I poked my head into the backseat. "I think that the lady in there was beaten," I said as I unbuckled Teegan, lifting her always smiling face next to mine. "It's not our business," Natalie pointed out as she exited the car. "No," I agreed, "but I'm tired of things not being my business." Natalie leaned into me and kissed my lips. It was filled with passion and zero condemnation. It was permission and agreement. I handed her Teegan and entered the office. Inside, a large burly man in a Pittsburgh Steelers t-shirt waited next to the bruised woman. She was no longer smiling. "79.80 you said?" I asked pleasantly. "Yes," the woman said quickly. She flinched when the man next to her raised his arm and put it on her shoulder. "I thought Betty here had let you skip out," the man grunted with an uneducated tone of authority. I disliked him less every second I was there. "Always think the worst?" I asked in my most condescending voice. I enjoyed the way his face scrunched up. I knew he would wait for my eighty bucks before he dealt with any perceived disrespect. I counted out four twenties and placed them on the counter. Betty began pushing buttons on a cash register that was as old the motel. "Would you like to come with us?" Natalie asked, moving toward Betty. Natalie had Teegan's arm in her hand. I smiled knowing the truth was now evident. Betty stopped pushing the buttons and looked up in confusion. "You don't have to stay here, hell - you aren't even married to him," Natalie continued. Betty's mouth moved, but no words came out. "Ain't none of your business, bitch" the man said. He moved from around the counter quicker than I had expected such bulk could move. The word 'bitch' filled me with stupidity. He was way to big for me to take, but my hand moved of its own accord. I guess he thought me incapable of such a move. I connected with everything I had and caught him in his jaw. The results weren't impressive. It felt like my hand took the brunt of it. Betty screamed. I took a shot to the gut, followed by a flurry to the face. I had no idea how I was still standing, but there was no way he was getting to Natalie. I swung wildly, throwing my body at him to lesson his reach. I saw his lip bleeding which gave me some solace as he tossed me into the wall. It felt as if I hit a rock, but stand up I did. I looked up as a series of uncontrolled grunts seemed to explode from the man's mouth. A flurry of feet where connecting with such enraged speed, I thought they would tear him apart. He dropped to his knees, and Natalie's foot connected with his head, sending it into the counter with a sickening thud. Natalie moved forward, blood streaming from her nose, and raised her foot high. "No!" I yelled. Natalie slowed and looked at me. Her eyes lost their anger, and she lowered her foot. Her legs buckled, and she sat heavily on the ground with Teegan sitting in her lap. I moved to her side, using my shirt sleeve to clean the blood flowing from her nose. "I'm sorry," Natalie said hoarsely, "he enjoyed it. He was going to hurt you permanently." Betty came around the counter crying. She stepped over the man, without a thought and knelt next to Natalie. Natalie tried to smile, but it came off weakly. I relieved Teegan from her arms. "You have to leave," Natalie told Betty, "he'll just beat you again. He likes the power." "How do you know?" Betty said and then completely broke down. Natalie was struggling to keep her eyes open. I knew what she had gone through. I needed to get her back in the car and far away from here. "Show her," Natalie whispered. I nodded. I rose, bringing Teegan up with me. I reached down, ignoring my new bruises, and brought Betty to her feet as well. She didn't want to look at me; her tears were a mix of fear and shame. "I have to get Natalie to the car," I said softly, "can you hold my daughter for a moment." I smiled, not to sooth Betty, but because I had just called Teegan my daughter. It felt right and not the least bit strange. Betty nodded, steadied herself, and reached out. I placed Teegan in her arms. "She likes it if you hold her hand," I added. Betty did just that. I watched as the truth took her. "Oh, my!" Betty exclaimed as her possible futures flashed through her mind. "Oh... oh" Betty continued as a smile replaced her tears. She kneeled down to Natalie, "I want what you have." "He's mine," Natalie coughed with struggled humor, "find your own." "We have to leave," I said, helping Natalie up off the floor, "we can take you with us," I jerked my head toward the unconscious man, "or you can stay, maybe call the police." Betty looked at the man on the ground and then at Teegan who was smiling as usual. "It will take me about a minute to pack," Betty said, "everything I own will fit in a duffle. There are things I need to do." Betty smiled at Teegan's enthusiasm, "Lots and lots to do." "Let's get these two in the car," I said, "and we get the hell out of here." I laid Natalie down in the backseat and tried to make her comfortable. "You did good, baby," I said, kissing her sleepy lips. She smiled weakly and murmured something I could only guess at. Her eyes closed and I knew she was fast asleep. Teegan had serious kickback when she was used aggressively. I winced when I stood back up, my guts hurting like they wished to no longer be next to each other. I walked around the car and took Teegan from Betty and deftly buckled her into the car seat. "I'll be right back," Betty said and practically ran back to the office. I sat on the edge of the backseat looking at my sleeping love as I absently played with Teegan. I loved her. She would have killed that asshole to stop him, but my words broke through and ended it. I wondered if she felt the same thing when I had taken out the two goons.

I really Hope Betty won't try to steal your Man @Natie

The family is growing, now 4! Next plz!

Are you sure you're making the right decision?

Episode 16 "Is it love or you?" I asked Teegan. She laughed at my words and reached out like she wanted me to lift her out of the seat. I smiled and played with sock covered feet. "It's love," I admitted to her, "you just cut through all the crap." I bent down and kissed her little toes. Teegan found it especially ticklish and tried to retract her feet in a fit of laughter. We played a little game of tug-of-war until Betty returned with the aforementioned military green duffle filled to the top. I crammed it into the trunk with our other stuff, and we headed out. "Who is she," Betty asked, turning her head to look at Teegan. "She's Stinky," I said with as much humor as I could muster. "Actually, we call her Teegan now. And we have no idea who she is. We appointed ourselves as de facto parents." "She sure loves you," Betty said with a grin. My first thought was Natalie, but somehow I knew she meant Teegan. "She showed me things. I was so weak to stay with that bastard Gerard. I have no idea when I lost myself, but she showed me my strength. Does she do that for everyone?" "To be honest," I replied, "we don't know. Natalie said it was alright to show you, but I have no idea what would happen if someone like Gerard got a hold of her. We're not even sure if it is safe to bond with her. It's a risk," I turned my eyes from the road and looked at Betty for a second, "a risk worth taking in your case." I did the best I could, explaining what had transpired to Betty. I left out some details, such as names, to protect those that helped. I had no idea how far the government, or other interested entities, might go and it would best if our friends were protected. "So that Bruce Lee thing that Natalie did. That's all Teegan?" Betty asked. "Yep. It takes a toll on you, though," I explained, "Aggression, or forcing things, drains you pretty quickly." "But it doesn't effect Teegan?" "Not that we can tell," I replied, "we're not even sure she's aware of any of it." At least, I hoped not. I had some pretty vivid visions of Natalie that a child should never share. "We've never even seen her cry," I chuckled, "food is the only thing that distracts her from her happiness. She's like an eating machine when she gets started." "Well, whatever she does," Betty added, "it is something special. It's like instant therapy. One minute life sucks and the next, the sun is shining, and the future has vivid color." I smiled at her analogy. It is a very difficult thing to describe. "Perfect thought," I murmured as I nodded my head. "That's exactly it," Betty agreed with a smile, "and it's like I know you two. I mean, I trust you and Natalie. You've become important all in one magic moment." "Yep," I said, "she does that to you. Not sure I would trust me, but since she does, others do." Betty laughed a warm, soft laugh, almost like we were best friends. I remembered Charlie, the first person who bonded with Teegan after me. He too had total trust. I wondered if Teegan made me trustworthy or I just never had cause to exercise it in the past. "Has she told you?" Betty smiled slyly as she asked. "Who? Teegan?" "No. Natalie," she replied like I was a little slow. "Tell me what? That she trusts me?" Betty laughed that warm laugh again. Somehow it made her more open and friendly. I couldn't imagine how she ended up with Gerrard. "Are you really that dense?" Betty asked. It was done sweetly and without real acquisition. It was kind of fun to verbally spar with her. I didn't feel as outmatched. "No," I answered with a knowing smile, "and I haven't told her either. I think we both know it though." "Think and know are two different things," Betty continued, "the words are important, and she did just save your life." I laughed again, which reminded me of my sore diaphragm. Gerrard did have quite a punch. "We're one for one on that count." "You're more than good enough for her, you know," Betty said, losing her smile. I looked back at Teegan in her car seat. She smiled at me once she noticed my attention. The little nark says to much sometimes. "Sometimes Teegan shows too much," I said with a small thread of where-can-I-hide. "Sorry," Betty said, "I have a tendency to say too much. It's just that I know how Natalie sees you and I don't want you to blow it." I looked over expecting to see a grimace, but saw a large smile instead. She was both informing and teasing me. I smiled back, so she knew that I knew she was toying with me. "Thank you," I chuckled. It was good information to have and delivered in a less than insulting way. It took us a little over two hours to near Bismarck. Natalie was still sound asleep as expected. I learned about Betty's past as we traveled. She had been in the Army for three years. She worked as a diesel mechanic, pulling one tour in Afghanistan. It turned out that Gerrard was her sergeant when she returned to Fort Leonard Wood after her overseas tour. They both left service at the same time, Betty following Gerrard since he had inherited the motel from his divorced father. She had grown up in North Dakota, so it made some sense. "It seemed like a good idea at the time," Betty said, as she brought me up to the present. "We'll I'm glad we picked that motel, for your sake," I said, watching the road signs. "My uncle has a cabin near here," Betty commented, looking at the same signs as I was. "He'd rent it to you on my recommendation. It's not like he has a lot of takers this time of year." "How big?" "Kitchen, great room, two bedrooms and one bath," she looked around the car, "it's not like you have a lot of stuff." "Fireplace?" "Yes, a big woodburning one," Betty smiled, "he will charge you for wood used, but utilities will be included." I wasn't going to tell her that the fireplace sold the idea. My fantasy of staying warm with Natalie had found a permanent home in my mind. "Sounds wonderful," I said, "how much?" "I'll find out," Betty replied as she pulled out her phone. I peeked back at Teegan, her smile as lively as ever. I wondered if meeting Betty was fate or design. The coincidences were piling up, meeting exactly the right people at the right time. Granted, Tom was by choice, but Charlie, Rose, Natalie and Betty all seemed too perfect. "Uncle Dave says 750 a month plus 150 per cord," Betty said, "two months upfront." "What's a cord?" I asked. "About 4 x 8 feet of wood," Betty said, "it's got an electric furnace, so you only burn for the ambiance." There would be a fire, that much I knew. Lots and lots of fires. "Let's take a look," I said, "if it's all you say, will take it." "Take the exit right after we cross the Missouri, heading North."

So Betty also trust you now

Episode 17 The cabin was perfect for two people and one baby who wanted to hide. It was nestled in old growth forest, but only thirty minutes from Bismarck proper. Uncle Dave was an older gentleman missing most of his hair. I could see he was ecstatic that someone was interested in the cabin. I rented the place for cash, a handshake, and a promise to sign a lease when we had a chance. He piggybacked on Betty's trust without a thought. An ideal arrangement as far as I was concerned. I hoped Natalie would agree since I just sunk the bulk of our cash into the place. "You'll need to stock up," Dave said after our agreement, "when it snows out here, it can be a few days before the plows dig you out." He showed me how the well worked and suggested we pick up some bottled water as well. I assumed the well water had a heavy flavor. The wood was piled high in one-half of a carport that was built for two vehicles. "There's some neighbors down the road, about half a mile. The Smyth's are good people and will help if you run into a problem." He handed the keys over and gave his niece a kiss on her cheek before he left us there. Betty held onto Teegan as I helped a groggy Natalie into the cabin. "It's wonderful," Natalie said sleepily. She leaned on me heavily, hugging as much as needing the support. I found comfort in her reliance, adding to my self-worth. "It has a nice fireplace," I suggested. "Mmmm," Natalie hummed sensuously. I took her to the main bedroom and sat her in one of the chairs. I dug sheets and blankets out of the closet and made the bed. She didn't struggle at all when I stripped her down to her skivvies and tucked her in. Her eyes closed as soon as she hit the pillow. "I love you," I whispered softly, thinking her out for the night. She smiled, and her eyes opened again. "I thought I get that out before I forget to tell you." Tired or not, her hand had enough strength to pull my lips to hers. A soft kiss, the passion more understood than enacted. "Me too," Natalie whispered back, "remind me again in the morning." We shared a smile and another quick kiss. I let her snuggle into the blankets and kissed her forehead for good measure. I left the room the happiest man alive. It was only a few words, but they meant more than any others I had ever uttered, or heard. "Got her tucked in?" Betty asked. "Well tucked," I replied, unable to hide my joy. "You told her," Betty said, reflecting my happiness. "None of your business," I said, my smile answering for me. The 'me too' was making it hard to hold a straight face. I took Teegan from Betty's arms and did a little dance with the one that made it all possible. Betty laughed at my silliness, There is nothing that will squelch one's euphoria like easy crib assembly. I think they put the word 'easy' on the outside so you would feel like a fool calling up the manufacturer and bawling them out. Teegan was on a blanket spread out on the floor exercising her ability to roll over and almost crawl. Betty was on a supply run. Just stuff for a few days, her contribution for our helping her escape. She was going to spend the night; then we would drop her off at her sisters, who was a good two hours away, the next day. "I should just let you help me," I said rhetorically to Teegan as I tried to figure out which screws were As and which ones were Bs. Teegan surprised me by moving her knees forward as if she could crawl. Unfortunately, she neglected to move her hands and went down face first in the blanket. I began to smile at her trials, then my chin and left cheek suddenly felt as if I had dragged them along a rug. I rubbed the area with my hand, no damage, but the feeling was real. Teegan pushed herself back up on all fours and bounced her butt back and forth, seemingly unaffected by the face plant. I dropped the instructions and crawled over to my smiling girl. Her chin and cheek were slightly red, exactly where the pain had graced my face. "Sympathy pains?" I asked Teegan, who just gave me her best laugh in reply. She liked my attention, no matter what the reason. She rocked back and forth with more enthusiasm now that she had my eye. I laid next to her, watching her exercise and her aborted attempts at crawling. She didn't go down again and maintained her balance on all fours. She eventually gave up and laid down and rolled to her back. I played tickle the belly for a few minutes before I went back to the crib assembly. Betty returned with six bags of groceries, more than I was expecting, enough to get us through a week or so. I checked on Natalie before we made a late lunch. She was still sleeping soundly, recovering from the stress of the aggressive bonding. I gave her a light kiss on her forehead noting how peaceful she looked. I could only hope that there was no lasting damage from such use of Teegan. For her sake and mine. As usual, Teegan was starving. I gave up trying to dodge her ever quickening hands and learned to work with her help. If you time it right, she would grab the handle of the spoon instead of the bowl, allowing most of the food into her mouth. Betty thought the whole operation was hilarious. Teegan acted like we never fed her. Afterwards, I gave the little monster a bath that she seemed to enjoy. Hard to tell, since she was always smiling. "Good morning," a sleepy Natalie said as she strolled from the bedroom adding a yawn. She was back in her jeans and shirt from the morning. "Actually, it's night," I responded with a smile. Betty and I were watching an old TV that could only pick up three channels. Uncle Dave had jury-rigged some makeshift digital antenna into a converter box, not wanting to absorb the monthly for satellite. It was reasonable since the cabin was expected to be empty a good portion of the year. "Anything good on?" Natalie asked as I scooted over to make room for her on the couch. Teegan smiled in my lap and pumped her arms at Natalie's return. Natalie bent her head down and gave Teegan a peck on the cheek. Her lips moved higher, and I received much more than a peck. Betty looked away with a blush as Natalie lingered longer than appropriate for public consumption. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the brief interlude. "It looks like they gave up on Flagstaff," I said when Natalie cosied into me, "not even a mention on the news." "Is that good or bad?" Betty asked. "Who knows," Natalie replied, "I doubt they'll give up. It may just mean they weren't fooling anyone anymore. Maybe they think we're still there." "Or they know we left," I added, shrugging my shoulders, "you hungry?" I asked Natalie. "Mmm," Natalie responded with a smile. For Betty's sake, I tried not to respond to the double meaning in Natalie's eyes. I shifted Teegan onto Natalie's lap and stood. "Spaghetti?" I asked. Natalie nodded, her smile and eyes holding the same promise of her desires. I moved off to make the meal. I was just adding the noodles to boiling water when I caught Betty and Natalie sharing a chuckle that I thought was at my expense. They had moved closer and were In a deep discussion that obviously pleased them both. It was nice thinking that I was, at least, a small part of the discourse. I couldn't remember the last time two women discussed me in a positive way. I shook head. They could have been discussing hairstyles for all I knew. Natalie called her mother while the noodles boiled. I could hear the concern in her voice as she told Rose where we were and the events that transpired. She skipped the altercation at the motel, which I thought was done to save Rose concern. I liked having a kick-ass girlfriend and would have told Rose if Natalie would have let me. Later that night, after two bottles of wine, Betty wheeled the crib into the second bedroom. I raised my eyebrows to Natalie who returned a sultry smile. Things had been discussed between the two of them. Teegan would spend the night with Betty, leaving Natalie and me alone. Teegan was calmly lying on her back, looking up at the both of us. I reached out and caressed her tummy making her giggle. "Are there plans I don't know about?" I whispered to Natalie, my eyes and smile on Teegan. "She offered," Natalie answered, her hand softly running down my arm to Teegan's belly, "I simply agreed. Did you want me to decline?" My eyes shifted quickly to Natalie's in fear she thought my desires weaker than her own. Her smile instantly convinced me she was teasing. Didn't matter, I couldn't have her living with any doubts. "Absolutely not," I responded as I leaned in. My fingers wrapped in her hair at the nape of her neck as I pulled her lips to mine. The softness of her lips sent a warmth coursing through my blood. Our desire was shared, and want grew as lips parted and our tongues became intimate. "Jeez," Betty interrupted as she reentered the room, "way to contribute to the delinquency of a minor." Natalie laughed into my mouth before our lips separated. "At least, let me get her out of the room and protect those innocent eyes from such debauchery." "Sorry," I said, not meaning it. "Teegan and I are going to retire," Betty said with fake formality, "we intend to spend the night talking scandalously about the two of you." "Thank you," Natalie said sincerely. I could hear the gratefulness in her tone. It was still so alien to me, the way the desire went both ways. Here was a successful woman, beautiful, with a life well above anything I had envisioned, wanting me alone. Love was such a brutal uneven thing, slanted so heavily toward me. "Make good use of it," Betty said without any shame, "After tomorrow, you'll be at her mercy," She picked up Teegan off the floor who smiled at the attention. Betty turned Teegan to us, grabbed her arm and made her wave goodnight. Teegan added a laugh to the game. "Goodnight, sweetie," I said, unthinking. Damn if I wasn't getting more fatherly by the moment. Natalie tried to hide her smile at my unbidden honorific. Betty was smiling as she headed to her bedroom. "I thought I was your sweetie," Natalie stated, her eyes alight with humor. "You're one of my sweeties," I joked back, "sometimes it's hard to keep them all straight." I moved closer, trying to pull her into my arms. "Light a fire, Casanova," Natalie said, pushing me away lightly, "I'll be right back." I laughed then sucked it back as I watched the cute butt slink away in those jeans. Again, she was teasing, her hips promising me things I didn't deserve, but desperately wanted. I did what any man in my position would do; I lit a fire as instructed. The flames were just beginning to take on a life of their own when the lights went out. I turned to find Natalie in a robe, a couple of blankets in her arms and a smile on her face. She tossed me a blanket that I instinctively knew needed to be spread out on the floor in front of the fire. She walked around the couch, flipping me the other blanket which I spread out as well. When I looked back up, Natalie had opened her robe and had dropped it off her shoulders. Underneath the robe, she wore nothing but a pair of socks that climbed nearly to her knees. "You're cheating," I breathed, barely able to contain the lust that was building. She had seen the visions in my head through Teegan. I kicked off my shoes and moved forward, my hands not knowing where to touch first. She was like fine art that I couldn't afford to touch. "You told me something earlier," Natalie whispered as I neared. Her robe dropping further. I ran my hand gently down the side of her neck, across her shoulder, and along the side of her perfect breast. My eyes were feverously trying to take all of her in. A feeling of complete relief invaded my mind. It was so sudden and its meaning so apparent. I laughed at the absolutely wrong time. Natalie eye's went wide, and she began closing her robe. A mix of anger and shame crossed her face and my heart sank. "No," I said quickly, almost begging "it's not you." Thankfully, Betty came to my rescue. "Oh dear God!" Betty yelled from the bedroom. Natalie looked at me then at Betty's bedroom door. I tried not to laugh, but I couldn't help it. We could hear windows being slammed open and four letter words emanating from Betty. Natalie squinted her eyes at me, trying to understand. "Uhm," I stuttered, "I felt that...I mean I knew she pooped." Natalie's head slanted as she considered me, "it's getting stronger," I added, remembering the carpet burn. Betty burst through the bedroom door. "I can't breathe," Betty said, gasping for breath. The smell followed her out of the room and thankfully, Natalie smiled as she lifted her finger to block her nostrils. "I'm sorry," I said to Natalie as I reached for the bag that contained the diapers. The real meaning of love is sacrificing everything for the target of that love. Natalie followed me into the gas chamber without a thought. Love could ask for nothing more. Together we cleaned up the sewage and wrapped Teegan in a fresh diaper after a liberal powdering. I walked outside, barefoot, and tossed the offending diaper into the trash can that was thankfully well away from the cabin.

Hmmmm continue @ two love birds

Dirty Teegan

Next please!

Sorry I haven't been able to post something in a while would try today Pls bear with me

"She loves you so much," Natalie said quietly when we were finally alone again. My idiocy fed my doubts, filling my head with things that shouldn't be considered. Teegan was such a powerful drug, and I knew what drugs did to people. "Is what we have real?" I asked. I feared how much was just a fantasy imposed by a small child. I was losing what I was, not that it was worth keeping. "It is to me," Natalie stated, moving closer. I looked at her, my heart wanting to explode at what it saw as the most perfect women in the world. She was everything I ever wanted or would ever need. Selfishly, I ignored what could be a warped sense of reality. "I love you," I said with pure honesty. The robe hit the floor in the flickering shadowy flames of the fire I had seen before in a dream . A fantasy, dressed in nothing but socks, became my world. Natalie was my reality. A blinding pain woke me from a dream I would never remember. I squinted my eyes as I sat up, quickly trying to decide what part of my brain someone just drove a nail through. "You poor thing," Natalie said from the other side of the room. I blinked my eyes, trying to adjust to the sudden light. The sun had obviously been up for a while. "That has got to hurt," Betty added. I opened one eye as Natalie scooped up Teegan in her arms. Betty moved close, her hands moving Teegan's hair about on the back of her head, looking for an injury. I lifted my hand to the back of my head and couldn't feel the bump I expected. "Barely a bump," Betty continued, "sounded worse than it was I guess." Natalie cuddled Teegan close in sympathy, kissing the back of her head, exactly where the pain was growing on mine. Where was my kiss? I tried to stand up but lost my balance and landed on my ass before I even found my feet. Betty laughed and turned away quickly. Natalie, laughing as well, moved quickly to my side with Teegan in her arms. She pulled the blanket back over my naked body. "Sorry," Betty announced as she moved toward the bedroom to give me a few minutes. The humor in her tone told me she wasn't that sorry. I suspected it was more the comedy than my physique that made her un-sorry. "I should have woken you," Natalie said smiling, "you looked so comfortable I didn't want to disturb you." A soft good morning kiss accented her words. Memories of falling asleep in front of the fire came back to me. I tried to smile at the virility I displayed the night before. I winced at the pain in the back of my head. "She bumped her head?' I asked. "Yes," Natalie said with curiosity in her voice, "she crawled under the table and tried to sit up." "She's crawling?" I asked, somewhat sad I didn't see it begin. I wasn't sure why it was important to me. "Yep," Natalie replied as she sat down next to me. Teegan reached out to me in the most endearing manner. I had no choice but to take her in my arms. She wrapped her arms around my neck, her cheek against mine. The world shifted as the bond became strongly evident. Teegan apologized. Not in words, but in feelings. I could feel her distress at the pain I felt. "It's okay, honey," I whispered, "It's not that bad." I caressed her back as I absorbed her remorse at causing me pain. Love overwhelmed me. I was a father who could do what every father had desired since the beginning of time. I could take her pain onto myself. Natalie, as smart as she was, searched the back of my head. I winced at the pressure. Her hand retracted quickly, and she moved slightly away in shock. "She...she's projecting," Natalie stammered, "you feel her." I nodded. I no longer cared if I was being manipulated. As far as I was concerned, I was Teegan's father. Come hell or high water, I was there for her. Through my child, I saw into Natalie. I could see the love she felt for me and her joy at the night before. I had never been someone's joy before. I smiled as her fantasies became apparent. Some were better left as dreams, others...well...I could cheat as well as her. My growing smile gave me away. "Stop," Natalie said, her face blushing, "it's only fair if I do it." I now knew how she had seemed so attuned to my needs last night. I kissed Teegan's cheek before Natalie practically tore her from my arms. "Don't you dare," I warned Natalie. I was smiling with as much malevolence as I could conjure into my eyes. "Tonight is mine." Natalie sucked in her breath and retracted her hand from Teegan's skin. "Tonight is many hours away," Natalie stated. She had a hint of what I now knew. The thought of her under my passionate control was intoxicating. I wrapped one of the blankets around my waist and rose from the floor. "Let me love you tonight," I negotiated, "last night was my dream. Tonight will be yours." I loved how her smile grew. I leaned forward and kissed her soft neck, then moved my lips next to her ear and whispered, "I have such devious plans." I loved the shudder that ran visibly down her body. I walked off, wrapped in the blanket, to get dressed. I knew she was watching me leave. I just wish I had the ability to wiggle my hips like she could. We drove Betty to her sister's in Steele. The two-hour drive didn't seem long enough, goodbyes demanded more time. The people who bonded with Teegan were like family. They knew intimate things about us, feelings mostly, but intimate nonetheless. We knew the same of them, causing grief at separation, siblings at heart. I was able to get by with a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. Natalie and Betty embraced for a lot longer. They shared something stronger, a knowledge that only sisters would understand. It was understandable although we only knew her for a couple of days. Drugs are like that, instantly friendly and world changing. Natalie raided a portion of her savings while she was in town. I was lucky to have a ten bucks in my account. She, on the other hand, had been saving for years. She had to open a local account and execute an electronic transfer to change some to cash. It was not exactly a normal transaction these days and the bank was justified in their concern. ATM limits were just too small. I felt rather domesticated when we stopped at the small grocery store in Steele. I pushed the cart, Teegan seated happily in the back facing me as we traveled the aisles. Natalie pulled things down from the shelves, comparing prices and quality, and loaded her choices into the cart. A situation I would have gagged at a few weeks ago. That day, it felt comfortable. Daddy pushing daughter and wife making decisions. I was the muscle and Natalie the brains. Teegan was fun to tease. I would wheel the cart close to the colorful products on the shelves, just out of her reach. She would grunt as she strained to reach for them. I would drift away if she got close, slightly frustrating her until another product caught her eye. "Stop teasing her," Natalie said with a smile. She meant it, though she said it in a kindly manner. I, being an obstinant male, moved Teegan close to the shelves of cereal. The boxes glowed with colorful cartoon characters begging for small hands. When she reached out this time, I let her get a hold of them as instructed. Unfortunately, I didn't consider her strength or the domino effect. Teegan pushed sideways in her attempt to grab a box of Cap'n Crunch. I watched in surprise as a line of different brands of cereals began tumbling off the shelves. Teegan and Natalie laughed as I ran down the aisle putting boxes back on the shelf and knocking off more in the process. "I'll take care of it, sir," a young pimply faced kid said as he jogged forward. "I don't know him," Natalie said with a straight face as she pushed the cart farther down the aisle. I tried and failed to put another box on the shelf before I let the kid take over. "Sorry, my kid got a hold of them," I said, handing one of the boxes to the kid. He rolled his eyes and put the box back on the shelf.. I turned, red-faced, and quickly caught back up to Natalie. "Don't know me, huh?" I questioned Natalie. "See what happens when you tease women," Natalie replied. She leaned down and smiled at Teegan who naturally laughed back. They traded some funny sounds before we continued. "You just abandoned me," I joked. "Tease my girl and yes," Natalie struck back, "I'll drop you like hot potato." "Your girl?" "Our girl." "That would make you my wife," I bantered back. Natalie stopped, encircled my head with her hands and kissed the cockiness right out of me. "And I don't even need the paper to prove it," Natalie said, before turning back to the cart. I stood there, in the middle of aisle, and watched my two girls head slowly down the aisle. Father, husband? Didn't I already know it? A warmth surge through my body, a comfortable feeling mixed with an unknown future. I smiled at the thought of sharing the unknown with those two. I stepped forward with a purpose and relieved Natalie of the cart. "Knock anything else off the shelves," I scolded Teegan, "and I'll have to spank your mother's bottom." "Promises, promises," Natalie sighed with that smile I was really beginning to love.

Real love in the air

Continue :b

Love this family! Next please!

Facinating

Episode 19 We left Steele and headed back toward Bismarck and our cabin. Except for perishables, we were good for a while, a few weeks if we had too. The snow probably wouldn't arrive in force until the next month anyway. "We can't spend your life savings," I observed as we traveled along 94. "We can if we have too," Natalie said, "what's mine is yours." She meant it with the best intentions. I wasn't sure I liked the idea. "It doesn't feel right," I continued, "I need to contribute." Natalie smiled, undid her seatbelt, and laid her head in my lap. "Then you drive and I'll nap," she said, closing her eyes. It wasn't quite what I had in mind. I did like the idea of her laying there and I wasn't going to ruin it with a silly argument. I dropped my right hand down and absently played with hair. I let it go and drove while she napped. It was an argument for a time when I wasn't so comfortable. Natalie made dinner that night. A chicken casserole that smelled delicious while it cooked. The smell was driving Teegan crazy, so I fed her first with Natalie's help. We should have picked up a highchair to make it easier. I put that on my mental list for the next trip. It was an interminable wait for Teegan to sleep. I played with her in the bath and out. I followed her around, letting her crawl between my legs as she explored the cabin. It was amazing how quickly she became fully mobile. Natalie was busy putting everything small or dangerous above waist high. Cleaning chemicals above the sink, paper towels below the sink. We were novice parents, but not completely stupid. Finally, Teegan's eyes got heavy. I cradled her in my arms and lightly rocked her to sleep. As a man, I would like to say it was a chore, but honestly, it had a special type of wonderful. A little life, depending on me for safety and comfort. She was so trusting and curled into me as if I had been there her whole life. I felt the love without the bond. I laid her in her crib as gently as possible. "You are a good daddy," Natalie whispered, her arms circling my waist from behind. The words didn't bother me like they should. I turned in her arms to find her soft endearing smile. The kind of smile I thought I would never deserve. Her eyes weren't shying away from mine. I promised the world with a kiss. In the past, I had to guess what a woman wanted. The exploration was always fun, but at times frustrating when they didn't respond as expected. That night was different. I took Natalie's hand and led her to the fire. I deployed blankets and made her stand still as I undressed her. I don't pretend to know all women, but with Natalie, timing was everything. I knew exactly where to touch, exactly what to kiss and nibble. I deviated to keep the caresses fresh and exciting, growing in intensity. Natalie struggled to gain some control, soft laughter and the proper pressure melted her back to my will. The power I held to bring her joy was amazing. I could feel her body respond to me, my lips and fingers playing her like a precious instrument. Her scent, her movements, and her sounds were music to my senses. I learned things she didn't even know she desired. My greatest joy was watching her tighten, breasts thrusting upward to the sky, as she lost all composure. I teased her as she returned to the world, my tongue turning from pleasure to ticklish torture in mere moments. I loved the laughter as she struggled with weak muscles to remove me from between her soft thighs. "You did cheat," Natalie sighed with a wicked smile, pulling me up her body. The sated look in her eyes was my reward. She looked so beautiful and I felt incredibly powerful. A naked woman in my arms and my only desire was to share hers. Somehow, I forgotten my own obvious arousal. "You did things...it was so beautiful," she told me. Those words were all the orgasm I needed. Natalie thought otherwise, then proved it. The first week in the cabin was an absolute joy. I had Natalie and Teegan all to myself. We would go for walks in the woods, something I was sure the impending winter would limit, and spend our nights in front of the fire. Teegan was crawling like she never knew any different. I felt every bump and nearly screamed when she closed her fingers in the drawer. I somehow absorbed it all. I was her personal pin cushion. Still, she learned. I knew she didn't like me feeling pain anymore then she would have liked it herself. It did encourage me to spend more time baby proofing the cabin. There was no way I would allow her to find an exposed electrical socket. Whether it was Teegan's doing or not, I was deeply in love with the both of them. They had become my world, two people who mattered more than I. Most drugs would become weaker in time, destroy themselves while they destroyed the host. I felt stronger with a growing determination to see that nothing untoward would happen to lessen our family. That is what it was, a family. My family. Natalie was equally committed. The woman could love like no other. I still had no idea what she saw in me. I just knew I had hit the jackpot. Smart, gorgeous, and so very comfortable to be around. She would smile and a rainy day became sunshine. Except for her new found mobility, Teegan was the same happy child. Nothing ever bothered her. She was our main entertainment, her bouncing diapered butt our laughter. She was working hard trying to stand and was teething hard, which produced copious amounts of slobber. I could feel the ache in my gums as more teeth began to find air. Soft chewy things made it feel better, so I kept her well supplied. Natalie was worried about the transfer of Teegan's pains. The power Teegan had over me was growing, and she wondered where it would end. It grew slowly enough that I found it almost natural. I liked that I could save her from pain. I also found it efficient that I knew when she was in pain. It was like a second set of eyes. An unexpected knock at the door surprised both of us. My first thought was of Betty or her uncle. No one else knew we were here. I ended Teegan's crawling, picking her up protectively as Natalie peeked out the window. "A man," she mouthed, shrugging her shoulders. "Neighbor?" I whispered. "Maybe," Natalie whispered back, "it looks like he's alone." "Who is it?" I called from behind the door. I tried to make it sound nonchalant like I was otherwise engaged in something that couldn't be interrupted. "Dr. Hank Gunderson," the man called back, "I'm looking for Sam Donaldson and Natalie Williams." My eyes went wide at our names. Natalie moved quickly to my side with the same apprehension. "No one here by that name," I said with less conviction than I should have. The knowledge of our names caught me off guard. "What about Runnymede?" The man asked, "are you familiar with that?" He knew Rose. I immediately found Teegan's skin with my hand. I had been avoiding direct bonding, not knowing the long term effects. In this case, fear for Rose overshadowed the risk. Dr. Gunderson held no animosity toward us. Teegan smiled at me as I drifted into his mind. Rose trusted him, and he was alone. I felt him smile, almost sensing what I was doing. He had bonded with Teegan in the past. I let go of Tegan's arm and opened the door. "Sam Donaldson," I said, holding out my free hand. Hank smiled and shook it. "And you must be Natalie," Hank said, holding his hand out to her. Natalie nodded, adding her smile as she shook his hand. She saw me bond and knew I thought everything was okay. "Esmeralda!" Hank said, looking at Teegan, "You've grown so big." Teegan's mouth opened into a breathy laugh. She pumped her arms up and down with excitement. No apprehension at all. "Esmeralda?" I asked, "is that her real name?" "We called her Emma for short," Hank said. He made no attempt to touch Teegan or enter further into the cabin. He was purposely trying to be non-aggressive. "Come in," Natalie said, her interest was as piqued as mine, "It's starting to get cold out there. We were about to have lunch. Would you like to join us?" "Please," Hank replied as I closed the door, "anything without peanuts...pretty allergic to those." "Ham and cheese," Natalie decided and moved toward the small kitchen that shared space with the main cabin area. We followed her to the kitchen table and took seats. Hank seemed less of a stranger having bonded with Teegan in the past. "How is Rose doing?" I asked. "Just fine when I left a few days ago," Hank replied. I suspected he didn't know about her condition. There was nothing in his tone that indicated she would be anything but fine. "You saw my mother?" Natalie asked, immediately stopping sandwich construction to sit next to Hank. She hadn't understood the Runnymede reference. "Yes," Hank responded, a little surprised at her vehemence, "I guess it was a few days after you left Flagstaff. I assure you, she was just fine." He began again when he saw her eyes relax, "She was a very difficult woman to convince of my intentions." He chuckled a bit, "I think the CIA could learn a thing or two about interrogations from her." Natalie laughed, obviously relieved that Rose's sickness hadn't affected her overtly as of yet. "How did you find us?" I asked, then added, "will anyone else find us?" "I think you're well hidden for now. They are looking for you," Hank said, pointing at me, "not Natalie. They don't understand Esmeralda as I do. They would have found you by now if they did." "Who are you?" Natalie interjected, then covered the unintentionally rude tone by rising to finish the sandwiches. "I guess I'm her father, or something close to that," Hank answered. I was about to say something when Natalie jumped in with a fierceness I was expecting. "Sam's her father!" "I assure you," Hank said, looking at the way Natalie was holding the butter knife. It was dripping mayonnaise on the floor as her knuckles turned white. "I did not mean in a nurturing way." Natalie smiled at his words and placed the knife on the counter. She tore off a paper towel and proceeded to wipe the mess off the floor. I could only stare at her. I had no idea her convictions were so strong. Teegan was indeed a powerful drug. "I meant only that I...well..." Hank paused, "I wish you two no offense." We said nothing, which he took as our wish that he continue. "I made her, or better, my team made her." Under the table, my hands formed fists. I am sure my face was fist-like as well. Natalie was still, not turning to look at either of us. "I don't mean to imply she is less human," Hank said, looking between the two of us, "I love her as well." "Are you trying to tell us she's some kind of Frankenstein," I said. I tried not to grit my teeth as I spoke. "No, no," Hank tried to regain the conversation. Natalie turned slowly. I saw the same anger in her eyes when she kicked the crap out of Gerrard. I may be the father, but Natalie was the mother, all lioness. "Please," Hank said, standing and backing away, "she had a surrogate mother and a natural birth. She's what we will all be in 50,000 years or so." I relaxed my hands as his words tried to make their way through my logic centers. Natalie was obviously as confused as I was. Hank still looked concerned. "Have either of you had adverse reactions," Hank said, again looking quickly, back and forth, between Natalie and me, "headaches or sleepiness." "Nosebleeds," I said without thinking. "Pretty much passed out," Natalie added, "both of us." "First, let me assure you I have no intention of breaking you three up," Hank said, looking mostly at Natalie, "I'm here to explain things and make sure nothing bad happens to Esmerelda. I want her nowhere near the government as well." "Teegan," Natalie said, her face softening, "we call her Teegan." "That's a pretty name," Hank said, "Teegan it is." "It's better than Stinky," Natalie said, almost laughing. Hank looked confused. "It made sense at the time," I defended myself, "and she was...and still is." Hank looked at us like we were crazy. Maybe he was rethinking our ability to care for Teegan. So I took some time to give him the necessary context. By then, Natalie had brought sandwiches to the table. "The woman in the car was Dr. Jane Forrester," Hank said sadly, "She was the second person ever to link with Esmer...Teegan." He shook his head slowly, "A fine obstetrician and a good friend." "Who was the first to link with her?" I asked. "The surrogate, of course," Hank smiled, "to this day Debbie thinks it is the finest thing she has ever done. She knew before the rest of us that Teegan was special. She only gave her up because it was in Teegan's best interest. Like the rest of us, she didn't want to lose her to...other interested parties." "I have a million questions," I admitted, "maybe you should just start at the beginning and save us some time." Natalie quickly agreed. Hank took a bite of his sandwich, complementing Natalie's kitchen skills with a small hum of satisfaction. We waited for him to swallow. "I'm a genetic anthropologist," Hank began, "I specialized in breaking down ancient DNA, comparing it through the years to the DNA that exists today. A few years ago, I teamed up with a mathematician, and we postulated, using my data and his probability equations, what human DNA would look like 50,000 years from now." Hank bit his bottom lip in a guilty manner as he watched our eyes. I was stunned, knowing what was coming. "We knew the chromosomes that needed to remain intact and the ones that could fluctuate and had been fluctuating for thousands of years. It was all on paper, well a computer simulation." "You played God," I sighed, pulling Teegan closer to my chest. Hank nodded. "The government saw the research and consulted with third parties. It was thought that knowledge of future man was of strategic importance to the country. If you know what's coming, you know better how to keep the country, and its government, viable. There was strong military interest as well." I nodded, hugging my child closer. I didn't care how she came into the world. "You can imagine the ethical boundaries that had to be crossed. The government wanted to know, but no politician would allow their name to be attached to it." He paused for a moment and sighed, "it was decided that private funding would be used. Patriots I was told. They may have been, but they were businesspeople first." Hank shook his head, "I was an arrogant fool - so excited that see what science would bring." "After many failures, Teegan was our first and only success," Hank said, "Debbie was seven months into the pregnancy when she became aware of Teegan's gift. It was weak at first; then it grew rapidly. Unlike us, she couldn't turn it off, not that she wanted too." "We all thought Debbie was losing her mind. She described the link as a perfect bond, Teegan drawing her deeply inward. Debbie became obsessive about her care, desiring nothing but a perfect birth. The only one she initially allowed near was Dr. Forrester. That's when we learned the link was real and could be passed through another. As you well know, it's triggered by touch." "That's changing," I added. Hanked looked at me with surprise. "She projects to Sam," Natalie added. Somehow we had both come to trust Hank. It was probably Ruth's acceptance that led to it. "How far?" Hank asked. "I don't know," I admitted. "Sam was in here the last time," Natalie said. She pointed to the second bedroom, "and Teegan was in there, behind a closed door." "Amazing," Hank said, "is it like the normal link?" "No," I replied, shaking my head, "It's only extreme things. Pain, great relief," I chuckled, "there was one time when she pooped. I guess her tummy was tight, and the relief was so great, I felt it as well." I tickled Teegan's stomach, and she laughed for me, almost as if in agreement. "May I?" Hank asked, holding out his hand toward Teegan. I could see the science behind his eyes. His curiosity was as strong as his commitment to Teegan. Natalie, who was sitting between us, took my hand with her right and nodded to me. I encircled Teegan's foot with my palm as Natalie took Hank's hand in her left. The perfect world emerged, and we shared. "Whoa!" Hank said, the first to disconnect, "she has gotten so much more powerful." His smile spanned the cabin; curiosity replaced with knowledge. Somehow, I sensed a pulse of what I could only call as love from Natalie, almost like she sent it, deliberately targeted at me. We shared a smile when I sent my own back. Natalie released my hand before things that should remain private became public. I let go of Teegan's foot thinking I could never be any happier. "She loves you so incredibly," Hank said, looking at me. I wondered why I never felt it like that. I knew it and had felt her love, but not to the degree everyone else had claimed. "He's her father," Natalie insisted as if it were set in stone. "I do believe he is," Hank agreed, "I think she chose you." "A poor choice," I said, "but she's grown on me." "We have a theory that the link is a survival mechanism," Hank continued, "kind of an intellectual cuteness. Something that ensures caregivers are at their best and willing to protect and serve her needs." "Drugged slaves?" I asked and instantly regretted my choice of words. "Drugs are not a bad analogy," Hank said, his eyes finding the ceiling as he thought, "but that's not wholly accurate. She enhances desire, be that for good or evil. If I could be so bold, and trust me when I say it, I don't mean to be insulting." I nodded when he paused for my consent. "you needed someone to love...and to be loved...badly." It almost hurt to hear it. I knew it was true. I looked at Natalie expecting to see her run from the needy man who loved her so. Only her hand moved and it covered mine. "Teegan's instincts are to be attracted to that. Food, shelter, she could get that from a catalog of people. It's the nurturing that makes her whole. She loves you because you love her back." Natalie smiled and nodded in agreement. I almost cried at the thought, but fathers don't cry, so I didn't. Fathers protect. "How did you find us?" I asked. Suddenly aware that Teegan's hiding place was in jeopardy. "A little detective work," Hank said with a wise grin, "don't worry, the authorities and others don't fully understand Teegan. They are looking for you and you're well hidden behind Natalie. I was following Teegan's trail." "Is that how you found Rose?" "There were just under a hundred homes that demanded a search warrant," Hank said, "but only one that reneged and was suddenly cleared, " he smiled, "I have some contacts in the government who have Teegan's best interest at heart. They tell me they are searching for you in New Mexico." "Santa Fe is my home," I said, "or it was before all of this." "They saw no connection to your mother," Hank said to Natalie, "you're completely unknown to them, so I suggest all electronic transactions be in your name." "Someone may know of her," I interrupted, "we had a run in with a couple of thug types just outside of Flagstaff. I think they were waiting there on the off chance we would pass through." "No badges?" Hank asked. "Not government," I replied, "wearing gloves and under instructions to get Teegan at all costs. They tried to trade Natalie for her." "Sam almost killed one," Natalie said. "You must be a lot tougher than you look," Hank said with surprise. Natalie and I looked at each other. Hank wasn't aware of Teegan's other abilities. "I'm not," I said holding Teegan up, "she is." "I don't understand." "When you bond with her, and you're in need," Natalie said, "information and the skill to use it just comes to you. It's what causes the nose bleeds and exhaustion." "Natalie took down a guy twice my size," I added, "like me, she was out for about twelve hours after. I pulled muscles I didn't know I owned when I did it." "She projected this?" Hank asked. "No, at least not yet," I replied. "You mean you beat up two guys with Teegan in your arms?" Hank gasped. The idea of it seemed wrong when he said it. "You have to understand," I clarified, "your confidence in success is all encompassing. There is no anticipation of failure. The path forward is crystal clear, and you take it without a second's thought." "It takes a toll, "Natalie added, "when it's over you feel like a rag doll." "Is she affected?" Hank asked, pointed at Teegan. "It's like it never happened," I replied, "still the same smiling girl." I snuggled into Teegan's cheek and gave her a quick peck. It made her laugh. I stopped before the bond could take. Drugs should be taken in moderation. Tickling her belly was satisfying enough. "You two ever have self-defense classes or something?" Hank continued his questioning. We both shook our heads no. "Then she must be accessing other minds. Or allowing you too. Hell, this is well beyond anything we experienced." "It's more frightening to consider than experience," I added, "It can't be her knowledge, and it isn't ours, so it must be our need accessing someone else. Once, she showed me the complete schematics of a Colt .45. I know nothing about guns, usually avoid the things." "Why would she do that?" "I stopped a desperate kid from robbing a grocery store," I said, shrugging my shoulders, "the kid linked in the process and suddenly he saw a better future," I chuckled, "he thought she was an angel." "It must be part of her survival mechanism," Hank pointed out, "just be aware that our minds aren't like hers. Parents in 50,000 years would have evolved minds capable of dealing with her. Unfortunately, it is we who are the infants here." "Won't the government just make more like her?" I asked. "Not without the research," Hank said, "we destroyed everything once she was born. The whole team, including myself, thought of her as an 'it', until we linked with her. It was a horrible mistake with a precious outcome. None of us will do it again." "Can't they just reproduce it in time?" "Maybe, given enough years," Hank admitted, "I think they will have to wait until we all die off or face exposure," he pointed to Teegan, "I believe that they have calculated that breeding her is their best chance for success." "She's not a cow!" Natalie shouted, moving closer to me. "I couldn't agree more," Hank said, "I'm just applying logic. What's better than one super human? Two super humans. The math is simplistic and increases geometrically with each generation." "They are not turning Teegan into cattle," I said strongly. "They'll never take her from us," Natalie added. Hank smiled at our determination. He took another bite of his sandwich and grinned as he chewed. "We were hoping you would say that," Hank said, his mouth still chewing, "we can't take care of her. It was a risk for me to come out here at all." He finished chewing, "My house in Portland is under constant watch." "See," Natalie said proudly. I loved how she looked, all smart and sassy. I still had trouble believing she enjoyed impressing me. She had no idea that she impressed me just by being in the room. "138 North Packard?" I asked Hank, my smile growing to match Natalie's. "How in hell?" "Dr. Forrester asked me to bring Teegan there," I said, "Natalie thought it best not to go, too big of a risk. I was passed out in a backseat at the time, so I couldn't argue the point." "Smart woman," Hank praised, "and can make one hell of sandwich. Don't let go of this one, Sam." He bit deep into the second half of his ham and cheese. "Damn smart," I agreed. Natalie cheeks filled with the most adorable color. It was almost like she thought I didn't see her that way. We talked more after lunch. Hank explained some of the gene splicing techniques his team used. I listened, half understanding, as I walked around the room with Teegan crawling between my legs. She was exploring as if the conversation had nothing to do with her. Natalie seemed to be grasping more of the conversation, asking intelligent questions and nodding her head. Hank was both proud and ashamed of what he had accomplished. He loved the science of it all, but now thought it was in a direction science should never go. There were people who thought Teegan was property. Something to be used, not nurtured. Teegan found her diaper bag in the corner and tried unsuccessfully to unzip it. She was smart, knowing where the zipper was and how it worked. Her fingers just weren't dextrous enough to grab the tab and drag it along. I could see her frustration, mostly in the lack of her smile. I reached down and unzipped it for her. I felt her joy wash through me. It's hard to explain how wonderful it felt. "She's happy," Natalie said from across the room. I Iooked over to Natalie as Teegan began pulling diapers from the bag. Natalie was surprised, and Hank was looking at the both of us. "You felt that too?" I asked. Natalie nodded. "It feels pretty good." Natalie smiled as Teegan dug deeper, trying to pull the plastic wet-wipe cylinder from the bag. You could almost see her brain working as she sat back and tried again with two hands. I sat down next to her and watched as she slowly maneuvered it out of the bag and let it roll off to the side. Removing it was her only concern. She went diving right back in and found more loose diapers to pull out. "I'm not sure this is a good thing," Hank commented. I felt the concern on his face was out of place. Teegan's happiness was never a bad thing. "It can't be bad," Natalie said with excitement, "I can feel her joy. She's so happy." I laughed. Teegan paused for a moment to laugh with me, then went back to her task. "But it's her happiness," Hank argued, "can you separate it from yours? What will happen when she gets older?" "How is it different from any other child's smile?" I retorted. "A smile is filtered through your eyes," Hanks stated, "what happens if her power gets stronger? Want happens when you don't give her what she wants?" "She doesn't project need, she projects feelings," I said, not fully confident that that would not change. "Today," Hanks sighed, "I'm speaking of tomorrow." "She loves us," Natalie insisted, "and we love her." Hank nodded. I could see he wasn't satisfied. The argument was speculation in the first place. Maybe he thought it a waste of time to continue it any longer. For whatever reason, he let it drop.