Unleashed- Case of the Yorkshire Pudding Read online

  What? So I have a thing about doggies, they're cute.

  I spent the short ride home in the back seat of the cruiser with Calvin's head on my legs, wondering when this recent string of questionable events was going to end. I didn't want to start getting a complex over the thought that my marriage was cursed.

  Oh, did I show you the ring yet? Isn't it amazing? I'm a married woman now. Take that universe, I know you doubted it could ever happen.

  I thought back to the day we arrived for our three-day honeymoon. What? I have clients who need to be walked, I can't just disappear for weeks on end. And Jane has some open case files.

  Chapter 2 – Hudson Valley

  It had been an excruciating two-hour drive upstate to Hudson Valley after our wedding reception. More than once I saw Jane tempted by the switches for the lights and siren on the dashboard, making me smile inwardly knowing that despite her calm, collected, and practiced cop face, she couldn't wait to get to the bed and breakfast to consummate our marriage either.

  Calvin? He just thought it was some great new game as Jane and I said virtually nothing the whole trip. A couple times we had awkwardly tried filling the anticipatory silence with our observations of the double wedding and the reception. But my attention wasn't on the conversation, it was on the almost impossible fact that we were now tied together in the bonds of holy matrimony. I was married. And I wanted my brash, aggravating, headstrong, loving, beautiful, sexy girl more than ever.

  I do admit that the ceremony was simply perfect. I don't think in the history of Central Park, that so many dogs and dog walkers had attended a wedding like that. There were hundreds of them ringing the outdoor venue, and it had made my eyes water when they all just started arriving in an almost endless stream. And they had all cheered so loud, exciting the dogs who barked and jumped around in celebration when we were told we could kiss the brides.

  I found out from my favorite cousin, Polly, during the reception, that it had been my ex... her current beau's idea. Rafiel was sometimes full of surprises. Whenever you have him pegged as a self-serving egomaniacal poopy head, he goes and does something sweet like that. I have a grudging respect for the man since he lost most of my respect when I caught him cheating on me. Pollyanna though, may look like a pushover, but she is tough as nails and puts up with less crap than an Army Drill Sergeant, so if he values his man bits, he'll keep them in his pants.

  On paper, I'm now Finnegan Temperance McLeary-May, yes we hyphenated, but for business purposes, I'm still just Finnegan May since my name is my reputation. I'm sort of giddy adding Jane's name to mine though. It tells the world we are together, forever. Or until I kill the aggravating, smirky woman.

  When we left the reception, the only thing that kept mom's happy blubbering in check was my sneaky sis-in-law, Becky, dropping my baby niece, Alyx, in her arms for her to coo over. It was an inspired maneuver, executed with military precision.

  With the accuracy of a metronome, both Jane and my eyes flicked to each mile marker as we passed them, counting down our arrival at the Inn at Hudson. I don't think she knew she was doing it, but as we passed each, she gave my hand a little squeeze and rubbed her thumb over the back of my hand from where we had our fingers laced on the seat between us.

  When a car rocketed past us like we were sitting still, even though to my chagrin she was going five miles an hour over the limit, she tensed. I had to squeeze her hand and say, “No cop-ing. This is our honeymoon.”

  Her eyes lingered on the police band radio under the dash, which for the first time since we met was off, before nodding and relaxing with a smile. A moment later a police car, with lights flashing and siren wailing, screamed past us. She smiled and rolled her eyes at me when I said, “See? There. All good. They didn't need big bad Detective McLeary after all.”

  She growled out with a little smirk, “Fine.”

  I arched my brows in challenge. “Fine.”

  Then she did the thing that endeared her to me so much, as she let down her defenses and showed her vulnerability when she blushed and almost whispered, “And it's big bad Detective McLeary-May now, thank you very much.”

  We both had smiles on our faces as we passed the speeder, pulled over by two police vehicles under the decorative and historical 'Welcome to Hudson Valley' sign. My heart started beating faster, as I listened to the turn signal click until we exited into a nice community that felt like it had come out of colonial times. I really loved it when such an effort was made in these tourist destinations by the entire community like this. It makes your visit just that much more special in my opinion.

  I smiled and sighed as we descended into the town, the leaves turning vibrant shades of yellows, oranges, and reds just punctuated the beauty of the area. I love fall! I always look forward to the Central Park trees brightening up like this. And we only had a couple more weeks before they lost these leaves. Which is why October first was the perfect date for our wedding.

  Before I knew it, we were pulling up to the gorgeous mansion that was now one of the most sought after bed and breakfasts in upstate New York. I smiled at the young man in a vintage uniform when he opened the door for me. He rushed around to hold the door for Jane who was already getting out. Then he handed her a claim ticket as I got Calvin out of the back seat of the SUV while the valet pulled our bags out of the trunk.

  I reached for mine, but Jane just slapped my hand, making Calvin huff at the new game. She smiled in victory at me as the boy closed the trunk then hopped into the driver's seat and drove away.

  I smiled at the obstinate cop and lifted my chin to look down my nose. “Fine.” I spun on a heel, making the white sundress, which I had changed into at the reception, flair. I started to march up the walkway to the doors, only to trip on all the nothing in front of me, or perhaps a stray air molecule, landing on my giggling butt as Calvin took the opportunity to give me a wet, slurping kiss.

  As my detective walked past without offering a hand as the luggage rolled behind her, she said through a crooked smirk as she moved past, “Smooth.”

  Hey! I popped up onto my feet and smothered a smile as I rushed to catch up with her. The tips of my ears and my cheeks warmed as I reached her side, and she had her free hand already waiting for me to take. “Gleep!” She dragged us faster to our destination.

  I may or may not have been giggling as she towed us along. An older gentleman opened the doors when we arrived and took the bags from Jane as we introduced ourselves. The man was welcoming and didn't even blink when my girl told him that this was our honeymoon.

  I always look for the narrowing of eyes or tightening of the lips that indicates someone is just being polite even if they don't approve of our pairing. Especially in the older generations, but this man, who introduced himself as the innkeeper, Terrance, seemed genuinely happy for us.

  I hadn't realized how some people look at same-sex couples differently until I found I was in love with the most frustrating woman in the world. Then a very small percentage of people I had known for years, started looking at me differently and became a little standoffish. They were few and far between, but it told me a lot about the people I kept around my orbit, most of them genuinely didn't care, and I loved them all.

  He gave us a quick basic tour and offered up some literature on the historic mansion as well as maps of the grounds and the town, and some handbills on local events. Jane smirked as he offered the informational welcome packet and nudged her chin toward me, and I accepted them with barely restrained excitement. My girl probably wouldn't even read one of them.

  Then he showed us to the room, and pointed out the amenities and the phone, telling us not to hesitate to call if we needed anything. I thanked him profusely, slipping him a twenty as I clasped his hand between both of mine. “Thank you, Terrance.”

  He inclined his head, a kind smile on his face as he backed out of the double doors and closed them behind him.

  I took just a moment to take in the splendor of the space as I absently straightened the other informational pamphlets on the entry table with my free hand while I dropped Calvin's leash so he could go explore.

  I mouthed 'wow' as I looked around at the high ceilinged room. The colonial craftsmanship was evident everywhere. From the wainscoting to the tiered ceiling with the decorative hand-carved trim, to the hand-leaded glass insets above the larger eight-foot windows of the turret style room. All of the furniture would have any antiquer drooling, with so much of the polished dark woods, accenting cushions with subdued paisleys and muted colors.

  But what dominated the space was the huge four post bed done up with gossamer lace and fluted, dark hardwood posts and a hand carved headboard that looked to be made for royalty. I barely had a moment to notice the antique area rug over the rustic oak floors, before I was squealing and giggling as I was swept up into my wife's arms. Not for the first time, her raw strength got my motor purring as she walked me to the bed like I weighed nothing to her.

  All the papers fell from my fingers to the floor, and she smiled and heaved, tossing me onto my back onto the sinfully plush bedspread before she started crawling up onto the mattress like a jungle cat on the hunt. By all that was good and fluffy in the world, if the look in her eyes hadn't ignited me, then seeing her in her dress uniform would have.

  Neither of us had let the other know what we'd be wearing to the ceremony, and I had been endlessly curious as to what kind of dress she would wear. Neither of my evil besties would give me a hint, but they didn't snitch on me either, so they were equal opportunity buttheads.

  I've never seen my girl in a dress, so I had been anticipating it with a carnal hunger, but when the day came, and I saw her waiting at the altar as my twin brother, Garrett, walked me down the aisle. I
had to catch my breath as my heart pounded faster in my chest while I stared at her in want and desire, standing there looking like a goddess in her NYPD dress uniform.

  I hear that Kerry was in her Air Force dress uniform too, but I wouldn't know, I only saw Jane. Well fine, whatever, Kerry was hot as hell in her uniform too, and Jess? She looked like some redheaded pinup model from the fifties wrapped in a form-hugging red dress with a short train.

  Me? A simple white sleeveless satin wedding dress with a wide white sash that trailed behind me like a train, and matching satin gloves and veil.

  But enough about me, Calvin was quite dashing with his black silk bowtie carrying our rings. Oh, come on, like you're surprised we had a ring bearer dog. I'd strike a pose if the sexiest woman in the world wasn't crawling up the bed to devour me.

  As she pulled herself up over me, she hovered there, propped on her arms as she took me in, her face inches from mine. I held my hand up, pointed to the ring, and whispered with wide eyes, “I'm married.”

  Her hungry smile turned into her signature smirk as she whispered back, “Me too, now shush, there's ravaging to be had.”

  And there was.

  I thought I knew what it was to give yourself over completely to the person you trusted most in this world to hold your heart and treat it like the most important thing in this world. I was so very wrong until just then. I don't know why, but as she showed me that and more, a tear rolled down my cheek.

  You don't need the details, but it was both carnal, and sensual, and she proved she is the one who could make me feel complete... a woman.

  A couple hours later I was grinning like a loon as I shimmied my way on wobbly legs to the restroom, her badge clipped to the hip of my panties. I giggled at it, knowing I had given up my right to remain silent, and I hoped the occupants of the other rooms hadn't complained about us.

  I glanced back over my shoulder, pushing some hair over it to see Jane laying on the bed, propping her head up with one elbow on the pillow with a satisfied, smug look on her cop face. I gave her a little shimmy and turned back just to run into the doorjamb. “Ow.” By the seven canine lords of Nebula B, I'm not clumsy!

  Blushing profusely, I ignored the restrained snort from behind me and just held up my middle finger as I padded into the restroom. This got another snort that made me grin to have elicited, then my eyes snapped wide in delight when I saw there was a huge, clawfoot, slipper soaking tub in the bathroom.

  I cooed out, “Ooooo.” I rushed over and started drawing a hot bath then went and, well, did my thing. Oh, poor Calvin, he was probably crossing his legs about now.

  Jane wandered in while I, well you know... and asked, “Ooo what?” Then her eyes widened as she smiled when she saw it. “Ooooo.”

  I nodded with a grin. “I know, right? But I better bring Calvin out before I...”

  She kissed the top of my head and shook hers. “No, you soak, I'll take our boy out. But I will be wanting one of those later tonight.”

  I nodded emphatically and then pinched my nose at her. We both stank of sex.

  She rolled her eyes as I moved to sink. Then I turned back to ask her the time just to, “Gleep,” when I found myself face to chest with her. “Stop sneaking up on me!” Not that I minded just then as I ran my hands up her sides in a proprietary way. She was my wife, and I found that endlessly amazing and fascinating.

  She sighed and said in a patient tone, “I didn't sneak, runt, it's called walking. You're just not very cognoscente of your own surroundings. I swear, I don't know how someone as OCD as you, who can notice the smallest detail about things they see, isn't aware of the people moving around her.”

  I started to warm as her hand slid down my side, then... boo, she was only going for her badge. “I'll just take this, I don't want to think about the trouble you'd get into with it, love.”

  I pouted. “Fine.”

  She mimicked me. “Fine.” Then she smirked. “Don't try to rile me up, I know how much you like makeup sex, but Calvin is about to burst. God, you're insatiable.”

  I shrugged as I shot her smirk back at her as I pointed out, “You made the monster, now live with it.”

  She didn't seem to mind. I got a quick peck on the lips, then she simply tussled her dark locks in the mirror, and headed back out to get dressed and save Calvin. How unfair was it that that was all she had to do to look fabulous? I looked in the mirror at my sex tangled mass of hair. Somewhere in that nest were loose light brown curls.

  From the doorway, I watched the show as she quickly donned a tight black tee and some torn jeans. Then as an afterthought, she unzipped the side pocket on one of her bags and pulled out her service weapon; why did she even have that thing on our honeymoon? And she placed it in the room safe, pocketing the key. Then she leashed up Cal, and they slipped out the door.

  I loved how she treated our border collie like our kid. Surprisingly, the Ice Queen of the 19th Precinct was so very good with Calvin from the first day she arrested me... I mean the first day we met. As strange as this may sound, if she hadn't been a dog lover, things never would have worked out for us.

  I felt a blush on my cheeks just thinking of her then shook it out of my mind and turned. Just then, I had important things to do. I smiled at the tub, which was a work of art, seeing it already over halfway filled, and dipped a toe in and sighed. Stripping down I moaned in pleasure as I slipped into the lavishly warm water. It was almost as sinfully delicious as sex.

  This was going to be a perfect honeymoon.

  Chapter 3 – Activities

  The next morning, Saturday, we woke to Calvin standing on us, making excited sounds over at the big windows. I could hear a couple dogs out there barking somewhere. I turned my head back from my little spoon position to see Jane already awake, head propped up on a hand as she watched me.

  At one point in my life I would have thought someone watching me sleep was a little creepy, but since it was her, I found myself feeling ten kinds of bashful as my cheeks heated. I whispered, “Hey wifey.”

  She responded in kind, “Wifey.” Then she started poking me, causing me to screech and giggle as I tried to frantically get away from her, she knew I was almost terminally ticklish. “Time to get up sleepy head. The day awaits. I was watching you make that list of things to do with all those fliers last night.”

  I shot her the stink eye, wondering if it were another crack at my fastidious organization skills. I'm not OCD... ish. An organized mind is a... shut up.

  Calvin was there to greet me as I slid off the bed, his tail swishing in excitement over the, 'let's poke Finnegan' game Jane was playing. I looked over to the list and itinerary I had made. After solidifying my choices, I rewrote it neatly, twice so that Jane could have a copy. I just wish I had thought to ask if they had a laminator in the public business office that Terrance said was available for use on the main floor.

  Today was my day to pick our activities, Sunday was Jane's. I feared some sort of extreme survival camp or a firing range. Those were the sorts of things she used to do with Jess when they had been dating. I was always afraid I was putting a kink in her style, but she's never complained even once. And when she needed to get her adventure on, she'd just tag along with Kerry and Jessie to their latest adrenaline rush activity.

  Though I do admit, the one time I went with them, when Becky invited them to the indoor rock climbing gym she worked at, that I had fun. Even though I spent more time swinging on the rope after falling off the wall than climbing.

  And I did surprise my Detective by beating her in the little indoor obstacle course there. Running down escaped dogs, and keeping up with my fuzzy clients has me in top physical shape. I may not be as strong as my three amazons, but I'm quick.

  She asked, “So what sort of maple syrup tasting or napkin folding are we in for first?”

  I shot her the finger that I may as well just label as hers as she chuckled at my bristling over the tease. “I'm not that bad, woman. And I think you'll like the first one.” I handed her a flier.