Devlin and Sinclair sat in front of the Lieutenant's desk. They had just disclosed the reason Devlin had been able to find her, the suitcase of cocaine. Somehow though they had failed to mention the chains and the torture with the electrical outlet. There were officers several doors away that could hear his deep, booming voice as it reverberated through the hallways. It was certainly no secret any longer that Sinclair had failed to book a suitcase of coke into evidence, the whole squad knew it by now.

Karla sort of slumped down in the chair as Walker's wrath fell on her burning ears. Devlin felt a tremendous amount of empathy for her but couldn't think of a thing to say in her defense. Without a doubt she had been wrong in police procedure when it came to evidence, on the other hand, if it hadn't been for the cocaine Menzmer would probably have killed her like the others and been on his way to God knows where.

Walker never let up. "I hope you two have some sort of a plan in mind for Christ's sake. Goddamn fortune in cocaine floating around out there and a crazed killer still on the loose. I'd sure as hell like to know how you plan on fixing this Goddamn mess you've gotten us in to."

Devlin glanced over at her as Walker finally grew quiet and sank back into his chair. She had the faintest hint of a smile on her face and Devlin wondered why. Karla shoved herself forward and sat up in her chair. "He's going to be easy to find," she said.

"Just what in hell makes you think he's going to be so easy to find now?" Walker ranted.

"It's powdered sugar," she said in a low voice.

"Huh?" Walker grunted. "What's powdered sugar?"

"The stuff in the suitcase. The bastard is trying to sell a suitcase full of powdered sugar."

Walker turned slightly red in the face and began to sputter and stutter. "Wha . . . how . . ., what are you talkin about, Sinclair?"

"I switched the coke for sugar, that's what I'm talking about. If you'd have called the evidence room before you started your tirade, they'd have told you I booked the coke in last week."

In his booming voice, Walker raised up in his chair. "Why in the hell would you fill a suitcase with powdered sugar?"

"Because I had a scam going down in the Northbeach area and I was going to set up a dealer with it, that's why. When Menzmer was getting ready to kill me I came up with the idea he might be greedy enough to go for it."

Devlin leaned back in his chair and stared at her for a second. "Well I'll be damned. Well done, Karla, well done, but why in the hell didn't you tell me."

"You might have said something to make him suspicious. I thought he'd just take the stuff and run, but obviously he's nuttier than a fruitcake."

"Well, anyway, great job. I'd like to be there when he tries to sell it to someone."

"While you two are congratulating each other, what makes you think he's going to be so easy to find?"

"Look at it this way, Lieutenant," she hissed. "Wouldn't you think someone trying to peddle a suitcase full of sugar is going to cause some talk among the street people?"

Walker sputtered somemore and then agreed she might be right. "You have any stoolies down there?" he asked.

"Of course. Believe me, it's not going to be long before the streets start to hum."

"All right, you two. Get the hell outta my office. Devlin, don't get any ideas about getting away from this one. I'm making arrangements for Sinclair to stay with homicide until you get this bastard."

"Yessir, understood," Devlin chided.

Out on the street finally, Devlin stopped and turned toward her. "Why in hell didn't you tell him about the coke switch in the first place?"

"Because he's such an ass sometime. I knew he was going to go off the deep end, sure enough, I was right."

"I'm certainly glad you were right," Devlin said with humor in his tone. "Now what kind of caper you have in mind. We just going to wait at the bus stop for something to turn up?"

"Not exactly. One of my stoolies tipped me off over an hour ago that Menzmer had tried to sell the suitcase. He's out and around and probably mad as hell at you."

"Me? Why me?"

"You're the one that gave him the sugar."

"Jesus, I didn't know it wasn't the real thing."

"Of course not but he don't know that. I have a strange feeling you just might hear from our elusive Mister Menzmer before too long."

"Why do you say that?"

"Just a hunch, that's all."

A week went by and still nothing from the elusive Delford Menzmer. It was late in the afternoon and Karla was sitting next to Devlin's desk at the homicide bureau. They had just returned from talking with one of Karla's informants and had learned Menzmer had tried to palm off nearly a hundred pounds of sugar on one of the underworld's biggest dealers over in Oakland. It seems the dealer hadn't been amused when he found out the stuff wasn't coke. In fact, there was word they'd given Menzmer quite a bad time about the deal.

They were just about to leave the office and get a bite to eat when Devlin's phone rang. Picking it up he listened a second and then motioned her to pick up the other phone. It was a call from Seattle with information that Menzmer had been spotted by another informant heading north toward Canada.

She looked at Jim after the call and then shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't expect something like that," she said. "I half way expected him to stay around the bay area and keep playing his games. Better get Vancouver on the line and let em know he's heading their direction."

Finished for the day, Karla and Jim stopped into a local cop's hangout for a couple drinks and bite to eat before going to their respective apartments. "Sure you don't want company tonight?" he asked her.

"Not tonight. I'm still furious about that creep and what he's going to do next. It just doesn't figure. He was a rich pervert with his own estate and built in dungeon. He could have remained that way for years if he hadn't turned to killing his victims. Now he's just a sicko on the loose and going to continue his nasty lifestyle of torture and murder and there's not a damn thing we can do about it."

"He's insane, Karla. Simple as that. We don't give up, just put it on hold for a while. If I know my serial killers, he'll be back. Somehow, someway, he'll be back. Now then, since I still can't convince you to let me spend the night, I'm outta here. I'll see you tomorrow. I imagine you'll be going back to the vice squad about the first thing in the morning."

"Probably, it was kind of fun though. Maybe I'll put in a transfer request to homicide."

"Do that, Sinclair. I'll vouch for ya."

Karla lay back in the huge bathtub and let the hot water soak the pain and stiffness out of her abused body. For a while at least she felt safe. Menzmer might be completely crazy and insane but he wasn't stupid. Leaving the country for a while was probably the best move he could have made under the conditions.

She soaked until her skin began to pucker and then stepped out of the tub and wrapped a large white towel around her body. Rubbing her skin softly, she turned to see herself in a full length mirror on the wall. Feeling a warm glow from the tub she opened the towel to look at her body. The ugly black and blue marks were nearly gone around her uptilted breasts. Damn, she thought to herself as she gently caressed first one and then the other.

The feeling sent shivers down her spine for a few seconds and then began to make her feel wickedly sexual. Her thoughts again turned to the events of the past few weeks and suddenly she felt the heat of passion flushing through her body. Visions of their several ordeals together made her begin thinking again of how she was changing. She began to wish she'd let him stay the night with her. How she could have persuaded him to tie her to the bed or something and then had his way with her. She heard herself moaning slightly as her hand trailed down between her legs, her fingers gently slipping up and down between her now wet lips.

The thoughts of the ropes and pain was making her slightly crazy. She had felt sick at learning she was a closet S and M freak. She was discovering her needs, her desire to find that damn club up across the bridge again. The sexual pleasure was lulling her into a euphoric state as she lay back on the giant bed, her hand roving as if it had a will of its own. Damn, she thought, I wish he were here.

She suddenly stopped and sat up on the bed. Using her willpower she removed her hand and closed the towel around her body. On a whim she reached for the phone and dialed Jim's number. It rang several times and she was just about to hang up when she heard the click at the other end. "Hello."

"Jim? Its me."

"Karla? You all right?"

"No! . . . Yes! . . . I don't know. I having aftermath shakes again."

"Want me to come back?"

"No, I'm all right, really. I just wanted to talk."

"Okay. I'm here."

She didn't even know where to start. "I've been doing a lot of thinking about the last days and weeks, the episode in Sausalito, things like that."

"So have I. Maybe we should get together and talk about it."

"Perhaps you're right, but not tonight. I'm too worn out. Its just, well, its just I'm starting to find out there were parts of the past few weeks that I liked and it scares me."

"Stay put. I'm on my way over there."

"No, Jim, please. I'm not ready yet and I'm really worn out tonight."

"Not for that, silly. Just to talk. You really need it and you need it right now, not tomorrow."

Karla thought about it for a minute. "Okay, but just to talk, you promise?"

"I promise. See you in a little bit."

It was nearly an hour before Karla opened the door to his soft knock. She was dressed in her shabbiest old flannel housecoat and floppy slippers. "Come on in, I just made a fresh pot of coffee."

"Best deal I've had all night," he retorted.

Karla flopped down on the divan and pulled her legs beneath her. Devlin sat his cup on the coffee table and made himself comfortable in the chair to her front. "Okay, lets talk," he chided.

"When I was a little girl, I was sort of a tomboy. I played with a bunch of boys all the time, we use to do a lot of cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, you know?

"I know, so?"

"So there were a lot of times when we'd get captured we'd be all tied up with ropes and stuff. I didn't give it much though at the time except I remember enjoying it. We had a lot of fun."

"I think all kids do that, what was so special about all this?"

"Nothing really, until now. All of a sudden I'm starting to realize there's something wrong with me. I think I'm sick or perverted."

"Why on earth would you think that?" he asked.

She dipped her head and brought her hands up to her face. For a second she didn't say a word. "Because I enjoyed what was happening to me. Don't get me wrong. I detested that scumbag Menzmer, he scared hell out of me. It was the other. You and me when we went, well, you know."

"Yeah, I know. What makes you think you're perverted?"

"Oh, come now. Don't you think it rather strange for a grown woman to get sexually turned on at the act of being bound and gagged?"

"No, not at all. I found out a long time ago. If it doesn't hurt, causes no harm or violates the law, it's all right. Well, being among a group of people and enjoying having done to you what they did to you has to be all right, wouldn't you think?"

She thought about that for a minute or two. "I guess you're right, except for the kidnap and the rape. I was scared but it was titillating."

"Nothing in the law says you can't enjoy sexual games with consenting adults. You really wasn't harmed and neither was anyone else, so where does that leave you?"

"It leaves me confused inside. I don't know what I want anymore. I came in here and took a bath and all of a sudden I'm trying to figure a way to get back to that group up across the bridge."

"Hmmmmm. I see. We've opened Pandora's Box and suddenly you don't want to stop. You've discovered you like doing that sort of thing, right?"

"Yes, basically."

Jim got out of his chair and walked to the kitchen for more coffee. "Okay, Karla. Stop worrying about it. It turns out we both like doing the same things. I've been associated with the one group for quite a while. Of course, it looks like they resented it. I guess the old saying is true, people don't like cops getting something for nothing. Anyway, there has to be more gatherings out there someplace, I'll make a few calls."

"What then?" she asked.

"Well, if I come up with something we try and get an invite. Just two people wanting a little fun out of life. We don't even mention what we do for a living. How about it?"

The mere thought of it sent another shiver down her spine. She couldn't resist his offer. "Okay, do it. Whatever it takes."

Delford Menzmer was like a crazy man as he picked himself up from the filthy, mud and dung infested alley. His clothing, wet and dripping, wreaked of slime and stink from the hoards of street people wandering aimlessly in this area of the city. Blood, his blood, continued to seep and discolor his shirt front. He was sure his nose was broken and the taste of blood filled his mouth. Several jagged teeth reminded him of how it had felt when they shattered from the blows he had been forced to endure.

He couldn't believe he had been stupid enough to try and negotiate with an underworld gang boss without first making sure his merchandise was authentic. He soon realized how the bitch and her bastard boyfriend had set him up. How she had clung to a few more hours of life with the cocaine story. How he had fallen for the suitcase gag hook, line and sinker.

Now he wished he had stayed and watched them as they electrocuted each other. How sweet and glorious it must have been to watch two naked people go slowly insane with the electricity bursting through their bodies. Even in his pain, he felt a flush pass through his cock just thinking about it.

Making his way slowly out of the alley, he half walked and half staggered onto the sidewalk. Ahead he could see the lights of traffic on Broadway and decided to stay out of the mainstream for the time being. Reaching back to his pocked he was suddenly aware that he had no wallet. His other pockets were empty as well and he began to try and figure a way to get to his brother's home up in Marin.

Suddenly giggling like the madman he was, he began making his way through the darkness toward the rear alley of the Moulin Rouge. He needed a car and why not one of the ladies to provide it for him. He would be heading north across the bridge to the safety of his brother's home and have a little diversion while he was doing it. Sort of having his cake and eating it too.

The pain caused him to go slowly as he made his way closer to the theater. He wondered if the police had found his two playthings yet and giggled at the thought as he hobbled along. What was it, two days or three, he couldn't remember. He wasn't even sure what day it was now. He smirked and chuckled when he remembered that he hadn't called in yet to tell them where to located their missing friends. Too bad, he thought as he drew near his favorite hunting grounds.

He didn't have long to wait before one of the girls exited the rear entrance and began walking hurriedly down the short alleyway, her high heels making a loud staccato of sound against the cold concrete. She was going to walk right past him as he crouched behind one of the city's dumpsters. Like a predator of the night he moved quickly as she passed his location. One quick arm around her throat and a warning that he would snap her neck if she tried anything. "Quick now, bitch, your car. Take me to your car."

She struggled momentarily and then nodded her head as best she could. "Just lead me to where you parked it," he grunted in her ear. "Don't make any moves or try to warn anyone, just walk."

She led him across the street to one of the many parking lots and stopped next to a black and red Mustang. "Keys," he demanded.

Shaking and beginning to cry, she fumbled through her small purse trying to find the keys. He grabbed it from her hands and poured the contents out on the hood of the car. Spotting the key ring, he picked it up and unlocked the passenger door. Then without warning he administered a quick and brutal blow to the base of her neck, knocking her to her knees like a fallen tree. Working fast, he managed to get her under the arms and shove her into the seat. A minute later he pulled the car out of the lot and headed toward Van Ness as fast as he could without attracting the attention of a local cop car.

The girl was out cold, her head lolling back on the rear of the seat. Her long blonde hair and skimpy attire set his blood to heating up once again. She was of course very pretty as were all the dancers along the strip. He wished he had the time and the place to take care of her for a while. It felt like a lifetime ago that he had satisfied himself with a woman. His beautiful house with the well equipped dungeon was gone forever as was his access to his money. The police would by now have everything he owned tied up or under surveillance. His only hope was to get to his brother's home north of Novatto, but he'd have to get rid of the girl first.

Just then he spotted the turn off to Fort Point coming up and made a quick exit down the darkened roadway. Turning right at the fork in the road leading down to the fort, he headed out along the open ocean and the old gun emplacements. Plenty of deserted spots out there to enjoy himself with the girl.

Pulling into a clump of coastal brush and trees he shut off the engine. The girl was making soft mewing sounds in her throat and he knew she was coming to. He wasn't about to give her time to struggle or fight him off. He quickly unfastened his still wet and dirty pants and shoved them down over his knees. Reaching across the seat he buried his fingers in the hair at the back of her neck. Gripping tightly he pulled her head into his crotch and shoved her down onto his rising cock.

He felt a magnificent lift as she began to gag and struggle. He relished the ghastly noises she emitted as his swelling shaft filled her mouth and slid deeper, cutting off her supply of oxygen. The answer to his problem suddenly made itself known. He used his other hand to pinch her nostrils, making sure she wouldn't be able to breathe. Terror struck her and she began to buck and thrash like a crazed animal as he forced her down harder onto his throbbing bludgeon. Her quivering body made him insane with pleasure and brought the gristly tableau to a quick culmination. His deluge of cum exploded into her throat quickening the suffocation process.

After several long minutes he relaxed his grip on her now still head and shoved her back against the far door. Her body was like a rag doll as her head fell lifelessly to the side, his semen still drooling down her chin to spatter onto the front of her blouse. He began to giggle to himself again as he buttoned his pants and opened the door to walk around the car. Opening the right side door her body tumbled out and fell limply to the dark ground. Pulling her far enough to avoid the wheels of the car he slammed the door shut and returned to the driver's side.

Minutes later he was once again back on 101 and heading northbound across the Golden Gate. Thoughts of the golden haired dancer quickly evaporated from his mind. Just another dead harlot the world wouldn't have to deal with, he thought to himself.

The drive took nearly an hour before he reached the mansion. The mansion he had been forced to grow up in with his brother, Joseph. Joseph Menzmer was an older version of Delford. In the looks department they had suffered dearly, but their inherited wealth had made up for it. Menzmer Real Estate and Construction had provided an amazing windfall for two young children when their parents had died in a plane crash.

Raised by a sexually perverted Aunt, the boys had grown to know every cruel and sordid detail of underground sex and seduction. Mistress Jane, as she demanded they call her, had used them to satisfy her every whim. Their trust fund provided Jane a comfortable life as she used them more like slaves than innocent children. She molded their lives completely, turning Joseph into a male version of herself. Delford however had a mean streak. On the day he became an adult and inherited his share of the wealth, he ridded the world of Aunt Jane.

He still enjoyed letting his mind wander to the night she died. Joseph was deep in the basement with one of her gatherings as they called them. Delford had been ordered to satisfy her one more time before reaching his 21st birthday. He knew she would follow her usual ritual. Laughing in his face because he was unable to satisfy her, she would use her massive plug in dildo while he was forced to watch. This night she had no idea of how he had altered the thing to short out and electrocute her. He remembered vividly how she had tied him to her bed. How his cock had nearly burst while he watched her insert it and switch it on. How her eyes had momentarily widened in terror and the scream she emitted as the juice ripped into her.

It had been nearly an hour before some of the guests had wondered where Mistress Jane was and sent out a search party. Joseph had found him in the ropes with Jane still on the floor, the current continuously flowing through her long since still body. The gathering had disbanded like a puff of smoke as the guests fled the scene to avoid publicity. The investigation had been short and simple, death due to a faulty electrical device. Delford had come out smelling like a rose, Joseph never knew the real truth. Del had moved out after that leaving the house in the hands of his older brother.

After several bouts with the doorbell Joseph answered the door. His mouth dropped at the sight of his younger brother standing in filth and rags, dried blood covering several areas of his clothing and face. "Are you crazy?" he stammered. "What's gotten into you?"

"Never mind, just let me in."

Menzmer charged past him into the spacious foyer. "Anyone else staying her right now?" he asked.

"No of course not."

"There is now. I need a place for a while."

"You're going to get me involved in this mess. You've been making headlines for the past several days you know."

"Things got a little out of hand."

"A little out of hand? That's putting it rather mildly. Your sick, you're out of control, you can't just kill people."

"How many times do I have to tell you I'm not sick?"

"Come on, Del. I suppose you want to tell me that was normal behavior when we raped and strung that school girl up and you wanted to kill her to keep her quiet?" he shouted.

"Never mind that now. We got away with it, didn't we?"

"Just because Mistress Jane bought off the girls parents and the local constabulary."

"Bullshit, it wasn't that way. Besides this is different. I didn't hurt any little girls this time."

"Who did you hurt?"

"It wasn't my fault I tell you. They forced me into it."

"Who? Who forced you into it?"

"Those two cops, Sinclair and Devlin."

"The ones in the paper?

"They found the bodies, huh?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. There's no bodies, who you talking about?"

"Those two cops, they were dead."

Joseph looked at him with an odd look of disbelief. "Dead, they're not dead, they're the ones looking for you."

"Not dead? How . . . how do you know."

"Its been in the papers. Two San Francisco cops are working several serial murder cases and you're their prime suspect. You've been playing games with the girls haven't you? You always did go heavy on girls."

"Not girls, harlots and sickos around Northbeach."

"What about the ballet dancer, she was in the paper too."

"That was different. She wouldn't answer my notes or take my calls. I didn't mean to hurt her."

"You mean you didn't mean to kill her."

"Get off my back. I'm going upstairs and clean up. I've had a bad night."

"You've carried it too far this time. It was just harmless fun. Why didn't you pattern your life to go along with Jane and me?"

"I did, I even had my own dungeon. I didn't have to have a community get together like you."

"No, not my way, Del. My get togethers cause no killing, we do it for the fun and excitement. You're doing it for the pain and blood."

Joseph Menzmer stood at the foot of the spiral staircase and watched his brother limp up the steps. He had to figure a way to get him out of here, and quick. What if his followers found out his baby brother was back and wanted for murder, and what if Del found out the two cops chasing him had been guests at the gathering? He didn't know, he just knew he had to get Delford out of his life before the law caught up with him here and learned about his clandestine sex and perversion club.

It seemed Menzmer had dropped off the face of the earth. There hadn't been a whisper since the informants tip about him trying to sell the Karpella gang a suitcase of sugar. They knew he had been quite severely beaten and dumped someplace, but where, nobody knew.

There was nothing more they could do until someone spotted him or until he made a mistake and got himself caught. Devlin in the meantime tried quietly to find a safe group he and Karla could attend with comparable safety. He found himself running into solid walls every time he made mention of sex and bondage clubs in the bay area. No one seemed to want to talk about even having knowledge of such a thing. He knew the one in Marin, but he didn't want to subject Karla to their kind of weird ideas. Running out of possibilities however, he called the secret number he'd always used in the past. Sure enough, the same voice answered. After explaining that he wanted to set up another appearance for the two of them, he was told to wait until he was contacted by phone.

The call came several hours later, it was from Joseph himself. "Mister Devlin, I'm surprised. I didn't think we'd hear from you again. What is it you want?"

"The girl and I would like another to attend another meeting of the group. Can you help us?"

"Is there an ulterior motive?" Joseph asked.

"No, of course not. Look, we enjoyed the last time and its like an addiction. Can't you understand that?"

"Yes, I'm afraid I can. Very well then. We'll be having our monthly get together in just a couple days on the full moon. I'll call you."

Devlin finished the conversation but didn't feel like calling Karla to tell her the news. Instead he decided to wait until evening and tell her in person. Night had fallen across the city when he finally took a chance and knocked at her door. They hadn't talked in a couple of days and he wasn't sure she would even be at home. He exhaled slowly when she opened the door dressed in her old housecoat. He hadn't even realized he was holding his breath. "Sorry to barge in," he stammered momentarily. "I took a chance you might be here."

"It's okay. Come in, I'll make some coffee."

Devlin entered the apartment and closed the door as she headed into the kitchen. "Any news yet on our sick friend?"

"Nope, nothing. He's gone into hiding but good. I did have a call from our other friend, Joseph, though."

"Really? What'd you find out?"

"Couple days. There'll be a full moon and they're having another meeting. Some of these groups are funny that way."

She felt her heart leap. She tried to hide how much it sent her blood coursing through her veins but wasn't sure how well she pulled it off. She had been going through hell mentally, knowing it was abnormal to feel this way but still wanting to do it again. "Jim, are we doing the right thing? What if they pull another stunt like the last time?"

"I don't know, Karla, I just don't know. I suppose there's always a chance, but you can be sure I'll take all precaution this time."

"All right. I can't wait, let's do it. " she said breathlessly.

"To tell you the truth, I feel the same way. I wasn't sure after the experience in the warehouse whether I was going to be all right but I think everything is okay now."

"Meaning what? You never said anything was worrying you."

"Yeah, I know. Its a little embarrassing to talk about. I had some ruptured veins that turned me black and blue. Worst of all I haven't had an erection for several days. It started feeling better yesterday and I think I'm going to be okay now."

Karla turned her back and smiled so that he couldn't see her. "Why don't you come over here and finish this coffee. I've got something I need to do."

As Karla left the kitchen, Jim plugged in the pot and sat down at the kitchen table. Almost half an hour went by while he consumed two cups of her coffee and he began to wonder what in hell she was doing. A noise at the doorway made him turn and look toward her bedroom. His heart thumped in his chest and he felt his throat constrict at what he saw. She was leaning against the door jamb with a smile on her sensuous lips. Gone was the housecoat and nearly everything else. She looked at him with a gleam in her eye as he drank in her beauty. Fresh makeup made her look radiant. All she was wearing now were tiny string bikini panties and black high heels. "You sure you want to drink more coffee?" she said in a laughing voice.

"You wanna tell me what you're up to, Sinclair?" he chided.

"I rather sort of thought you might be able to figure it out for yourself, Devlin."

She glided across the kitchen floor and sank easily into his lap. "I told you the other night I'd love to have you one more time. Well, it looks like I'm going to have to make good on my offer."

"Karla . . . you . . . you don't have to do . . .

"Oh, shut up, Devlin.

She bent her head slightly and covered his mouth with her soft, wet lips. He felt her tongue as it touched the inside of his mouth and it was like stars exploding in his head. He felt his cock suddenly respond within the tight confines of his slacks. Her free hand dropped to his lap and rubbed the hardening mass. Pulling back slowly she inhaled a lung full of air. "It seems to be working quite well now."

He stood with her still in his lap. Holding her across his arms he waltzed her into the bedroom and dropped her gently onto the spread. Nearly tearing his clothes off he was sure he heard a button or two dance across the floor before he fell next to her on the soft mattress.

From there they began acting more like hungry animals than human beings. He took her in his arms and covered her mouth once again with his. Their tongues fought a battle all their own as they tore at each other in a delicious fury. She started biting his tongue, sharp even teeth worrying and nipping at it. Pulling back he lowered his mouth to her breasts and worked his tongue around one of her hardened nipples. It tasted like solidified honey, sweet and intoxicating. He sucked with long, growingly ecstatic bliss on her precious protuberance. Lowering his hand to the topmost area of her slit he peeled the thick lips open to feel the hard prominence of her clit amid the copious flow of sweet nectar. A shudder passed through her body as his fingers slowly toyed with the puffy red opening of her sex wound.

His prick jerked violently as her hand closed tightly around the shaft. She caught a quick glimpse of his rigid length, the crested crown jutting from the rock-hard shaft, red-veined and angrily stiff. The blackness of the bruises didn't bother her as she felt her dripping pussy pulsate for a taste of it. Unable to control herself any longer she twisted her body up and over him. With superhuman effort she urged her body downward, forcing his prick to penetrate her with one steady, upward surging thrust. She didn't stop pushing her loins onto his cock until she could feel its entire length firmly embedded within her smoldering tunnel. Then she began twisting her hips in a circular, grinding action to make every centimeter of her pussy feel the hard weapon buried within.

She held his prick in an iron grip between her legs. Like a madwoman she was not to be denied. Her body churned violently up and down like a runaway well driller until she suddenly threw her head backwards and reached the summit of her lust. He felt his prick swamped with a long, hot flow of her precious love juices as they pumped and gushed out of her pussy in wild abandon. The screams emitting from her lungs tore at his eardrums as she hit her pinnacle. Gritting his teeth as hard as he could, he fought to stop his climax as it threatened to burst forth from within his pulsing shaft. Not yet, he thought, not yet.

He had to nearly fight her before he could roll her over onto her back. Now gaining the topmost position he felt her cunt walls clamped stickily around his cock, making slurpy sounds as he continued thrusting into her. She hurled her pelvis at him as he rammed his aching cock home into her luscious cunt again and again. He was utterly unstoppable now as he felt the first pulse building within his balls. Moving quickly he slipped his hands under her buttocks and pushed her legs up over his shoulders. His cock was buried in her so far he could feel the membrane separating her vagina and stomach wall.

His prick was like a piston as he hammered into her mercilessly and he screamed unendingly as the first burning jet blasted the length of his shaft and exploded within her gyrating pussy. He lost track of the spasms as they racked his body. Together they lunged and fought each other until from sheer exhaustion they had to roll to the side and stop the mad, crazy bout. Panting and exhausted, he withdrew his still hard cock and collapsed beside her on the spread.

Long minutes passed before they had the strength to move. She slowly sat up next to him. "I had no idea," she stammered.

"No idea about what?" he asked.

"No idea that it would be like that. It was mind blowing."

"That may be the understatement of the day. You're one fantastic lay, Karla Sinclair. Damn I'm glad I found you."

"I'm glad you found me, too. It was wonderful to know your equipment is working all right again."

"So am I, my girl, so am I.

They lay back on her bed, both flushed in the afterglow of wild and fantastic lovemaking. Devlin gently ran his finger around her nipple and aureole, watching her delicate bud harden once again as they found solace in each others arms. The silence was painfully shattered as her phone clattered to life next to the bed. "Yes," she answered.

She listened for a minute while Devlin continued running his hands over her naked, hot flesh. He heard her say she thought so and would be on her way. She hung the phone back on the cradle as she turned back to him. "Menzmer struck again. Young dancer out near the park. Guess we better get dressed and take a run out there."

"Damn, he even screws up my personal life. All right, let's get up and out of here. Duty calls."

The papers and television were busy with the latest murder victim by the serial killer, another dancer found near Fort Point in San Francisco. Joseph Menzmer was also busy as he sat at his ornate desk thinking about how he could rid himself of his killer brother without causing a major or murderous confrontation with him. He thought back to his conversation with Devlin and the fool's wishes to return for more abuse. He could understand their desire for the wonders of sexual pleasures and under normal circumstances he'd welcome their passion for continuing and becoming a part of the group. However, he had some deep and wary concern about their wish to come back after what had happened to them the last.

Without a doubt he and his followers could probably be charged with several crimes including kidnap, rape, assault, battery, maybe more. He had the feeling this might be a setup. After all, they were cops even if they were a bit kinky. What better evidence than to come back under the guise of taking part and all the while being on the inside during a police raid. He made a decision and rose from his chair.

His brother was in the rear of the house watching the news and having a drink. "Delford, I have a proposition," he stated warily. I want you to get out of here before you do anything else that can have a chance to go wrong . . ."

Delford Menzmer didn't give him a chance to finish the sentence. "Hold it, my dear older brother. I'm not going anywhere until I figure a way to get my hands on some money, find a safe place to hole up for a while, and get those two bastard cops. Why don't you just relax, nothing is going to go wrong. I didn't plan on staying here forever anyway."

"I can help you if you'll listen."

"Okay, I'm listening."

"First, give me power of attorney to your accounts. Then I can advance you all the money you need to get out of the country."

Menzmer looked at his brother with a flash of hate. "You bastard, so that's it? You get everything I have for a few paultry bucks and I'm out of the picture forever, is that it?"

"No, of course not, Del, are you crazy. What other choice is there? Besides, I can give you something else you really want."

"I can hardly wait."

"I can give you Devlin and his girlfriend."

Menzmer froze in mid air and looked closely at his brother again. "What do you mean, you can give me Devlin and his girlfriend?"

"Just what I said. I'll hand them over to you if you promise to get out and not come back."

"You can do that?"

"Trust me. I can do it."

"All right, you've got yourself a deal. I'll need clothes, all the cash you can lay your hands on, and two cops. You do that and I'll clear out of here like you've got the plague. Now, how you gonna do it?"

"Leave that to me. I need a few days to lay my hands on the money. I'll give you your two detectives Wednesday night."

"I'll hold you to that. Do we still hold the rights to that old abandoned ship yard?"

"Yeah, we still own it. I think that old ship is still on the skids. Its a wonder it hasn't broken loose and slid into the bay. I imagine the salt is beginning to eat it away by now."

"Don't worry about it. I think I have a use for the old rustbucket."

Not many miles away, Devlin and Sinclair were still busy doing the reports and follow up on Menzmer's latest kill. The girls body hadn't been mutilated like the others. No whips or ropes, not even rape as far as they could tell. The coroner took the body and told them they'd have to wait for a cause of death. Karla was downtown doing reports while Devlin was interviewing all the people at Moulin Rough trying to find someone that may have seen the girl leaving. They were convinced she was killed by Menzmer, this was just doing the follow up to make sure.

They worked through the night and early next morning found them back at headquarters together. It was still early when Devlin received the phone call from Joseph. "Tomorrow afternoon, Mister Devlin. You and the woman go to the Bay Side Motel in Marin City, room thirteen. The room is already reserved. Be there before three and wait."

"Is that all, just wait?"

"Just wait," he said and the phone went dead.

Devlin accompanied Karla back to her apartment just after lunch hour. She was nearly exhausted from the long hours of work and had vented a little hatred for the man that would kill someone that way. He did tell her of the upcoming party across the bay and wanted to make sure she still wanted it.

Karla had laughed softly just before she opened the car door."Look, Mister Devlin, let's lay it out in the open once and for all. What happened was unfortunate but it happened. I may never have learned what was boiling inside of me if you hadn't sent me undercover to that dance joint. Never the less, things took place and I found out it was something I needed, something I'd been searching for. Simply put, yes, I want to go again. You should know that by now. After all, I didn't hide it the first time we went out, now did I?"

"No, you didn't. All right then, Wednesday it is.

Time seemed to fly after that. Wednesday was upon them before they knew it and at quarter to three, the two of them waited in the shabby motel room. "Nervous?" he asked.

"No . . . yes, maybe more . . . ashamed than anything else."

"Why?"

"We've got to be nuts. There must be a better way for two grown people to seek out entertainment like this without waiting in a shoddy motel for a ride to a sex orgy."

"Your call, Karla. If you want to change your mind I think we better move fast."

The knock on the door was loud and to the point. As Devlin turned the knob he was pushed backward by the rush of four people moving quickly into the room. Karla screamed softly for a second and then gathered her wits about her. One of them, a girl, turned to Devlin. "You Devlin?"

"That's right."

"Very well then. Remove your clothing, both of you."

"Wait a minute," Devlin growled. "Give us one good reason."

The girl lashed out with her hand and caught Devlin full across the cheek with a loud splat. "You asked, remember. We didn't approach you, you came to us. You want to play in our party then you play our way. Understood?"

Karla began loosening her clothes. "Jim, do as they say. She's right, we asked."

"Good girl," the woman said. "You're learning fast."

Once they were naked, their hands were cuffed behind their backs and they were covered with large laundry type bags. Unable to see, they were guided out of the apartment and shoved into the rear seat of a waiting car. The ride seemed to last a long time and Jim tried to get an idea of where they might be heading, but it was impossible.

They finally stopped and several more hands pulled them from the vehicle. They couldn't tell what was taking place until they were picked up bodily one at a time and thrown into the trunk of a car. Hearing the lid slam Karla called out softly. "Jim, what's happening?"

"I haven't the foggiest idea. They transferred us to the trunk of a car."

The vehicle began to move and bounce. They could tell it was moving at high speed from the way Karla was bounced and squeezed against Jim's body. It lasted for nearly half an hour before the car slid to a stop. Jim could hear a mournful foghorn well off in the distance.

Devlin heard the trunk open and Karla cry out as her body was pulled away from him and out of the car. The lid slammed down leaving him alone and in the darkness. His thoughts were very mixed and he suddenly knew he shouldn't have gotten mixed up with Joseph or his following again. He should have known better than to trust someone who'd double crossed him before. It felt damp and cold as he lay in the trunk. He could smell salt air and hear the sound of water. He figured they were close to the bay or ocean.

The lid was opened again and he was pulled up and out onto the ground. Looking down at the bottom of the sack he could see the sand and shore grasses proving his theory he was near the coast. Pulled along he was led for some distance until they entered a cold, dank and smelly enclosure that echoed like a giant steel drum. He stumbled several times on heavy junk and debris.

He couldn't see anything with the black bag over his head but was suddenly pushed and tied tightly to some sort of upright beam. It was freezing cold and made of steel by the feel of it through the cloth. Then he heard someone moving about the enclosure and heard something sliding across a floor, like a wooden workbench or other wooden structure.

His heart jumped to his throat when he heard a heavy metal door open and close and then Karla crying out his name as if she were in pain.

Cold sweat broke out on his body at the next sound he heard. A horror of horrors washed over him as he recognized Menzmer's voice laughing in his high, nearly squeaky voice. "Don't worry about him, sweetness, worry about what's about to happen to you."

"You murderous scum? How long you think you can carry this on?" she cried.

"Oh, not much longer. You won't be making anymore miracle escapes this time. You can bet on that."

Devlin heard her cry out and from the sounds in the room could only guess that she was being pulled or dragged across the floor. He screamed out himself calling her name. Menzmer was doing something to her and he trembled with rage that he couldn't help her.

Karla made a strangled noise in her throat and began to scream out. "No! Oh, God, don't do this to me."

Devlin heard the ghastly sound of something hitting soft flesh and heard her scream again. Time seemed to stand still as he listened to the noises and tried to figure out what was happening. Finally, he heard Menzmer once again. "There, now I have to fix it so your lover can watch."

"No!" she screamed, "no, no."

The dim light hurt his eyes for a second as the black bag was cut and ripped away from his head. His eyes slowly adjusted to the light. They were in an old rusty shipwreck, probably in one of the old boatworks along the northern peninsula. He saw Karla then, face down on an old wooden table. Her arms hung down and were tied tightly with heavy nylon rope to the table legs. Her legs and ankles were tied similarly to the other legs leaving her beautifully molded ass open and spread wide.

Menzmer danced around her like an ugly gnome, his hands trailing along her nude skin. "Now then, shall we get down to business?" he chortled like a madman. "I'm going to let you watch me fuck her in the ass, Devlin. How would that make you feel right now?"

"You dirty bastard. Just pray I don't get loose because your a dead man if I do."

"Oh, I don't think so. We're going to play for a while then I'm going to kill you both. Only this time, I'm going to do it first hand so there's no mistake.

Menzmer produced a tube of jelly and began rubbing it into Karla's cheeks. Once he was satisfied he stripped off his pants and squeezed several dollops onto his cock. Then he quite simply walked up behind her as Devlin bellowed at him like an enraged bull.

Menzmer took his now bludgeoning cock in hand and worked it between her cheeks. Karla let out hideous, blood curdling screams as Devlin closed his eyes refusing to watch. On and on until she was hoarse but it did little good. Menzmer was enjoying himself so much he was beyond hearing or caring. Devlin struggled within his bonds like a madman but could not loosen the knots. For what seemed like an eternity Menzmer pounded away in her until he began convulsing in the throes of climax. As he finally withdrew his cock, Devlin was horrified to see the blood. It covered his pubic area and ran freely down the back of Karla's legs. "Just like popping a cherry," Menzmer cried in delight, "just like popping her cherry. He looked directly at Devlin while he waved his still hard shaft, "Now its your turn to do her while I watch."

Devlin couldn't believe what he heard. "You've got to be out of your fucking mind," he gasped.

"I'm going to turn you loose, detective. Then I'm going to hold a straight razor next to her throat and if you don't fuck her in the ass, I'll simply slit it. How's that grab ya you miserable fuck??

Devlin was powerless, he had no choice, but neither did he have a hard cock. Menzmer released him from the ropes and cuffed his hands behind his back. Then like a perverted psychopath he produced a tight metal cock ring and slid it onto Devlin's shaft. Once he had it seated he stepped back. "You'll get hard when the little lady sucks on it for a minute."

Devlin's cock hung limply between his legs as Menzmer put the blade of the razor close to her throat. "All right, big man, let's see a little action. Stick it in her mouth, she'll know what to do, won't you, bitch?"

"Devlin moved close to her but without hands couldn't raise it near her mouth. Karla strained her neck toward him. "Lift it to me," she gasped.

Raising his hips toward her she somehow managed to get her mouth on it and began sucking on it slowly. The suction brought him to a state erection within seconds and the metal band encircling it forced it to grow beyond all proportion. Menzmer pulled him backward from her and shoved him to her rear. "Don't waste any more time, do it now."

He had no choice. He could see the blade of the razor touching her throat. His now bludgeoning cock stood straight away and he was able to guide it to the entrance of her bleeding rectum. Gritting his teeth he slowly shoved forward. He was so gigantic there was no way he could fit in a hole the size of a dime. He pushed against her several times with no result. Menzmer watched for a couple seconds and then walked behind him. Placing his right palm against Devlin's buttocks, he held the distended prick against her rectum and shoved with one gigantic push. A horrendous scream exploded from their throats.

The tight ring had made his cock harder than he'd ever experienced before. It had turned a nasty purplish color with veins distended along the length of it. The pain of being forced that way into her tiny canal was excruciating. "Fuck her good, detective. I want to hear her scream more just like that."

Like a mechanical man now, Devlin went through the motions. Each thrust into her was a throbbing, burning blast of pure fire along the length of his shaft. Tears flowed down his cheeks from the pain and he was no longer sure how much of the blood was his. He was able to perform for only a few more thrusts before his knees buckled and he collapsed to the floor.

Menzmer hopped and danced around them spitting and sputtering words of humiliation. "Two great cops you turned out to be. Nothing more than a couple whackos just as sick as those filthy harlots on the street, how's that make you feel you sick bastards? You wouldn't even be here if you hadn't wanted to go to to another bondage party. Well, assholes, I hope you enjoyed."

Devlin lay in a near stupor hearing Menzmer's words and knowing the indignity of the truth. The warped puke was right and Devlin had to live with it, which might not be to much longer unless he could come up with a near miracle soon. In his fogged mind he knew their chances were next to none. Karla was tied nude and bleeding across a wooden table and he was in much the same condition on the floor. The pain between his legs was now a throbbing unbearable nightmare, coming in waves with each beat of his heart.

Far off in the recess of his mind he could hear her still screaming. Louder it grew until he cracked one eyelid. Menzmer was standing next to Karla flailing her naked buttocks with a short riding crop. Each swish of the leather brought an involuntary tightening of her muscles and a scream of pure terror. Devlin could see her hands as they clenched tight with each blow and he felt the urge to sob at the sight of her.

As he lay on the freezing cold deck he formulated a wishful plan to get to his feet while Menzmer was occupied with Karla. Maybe he could catch him off guard and use his still free legs on him. Anything but lay here and watch her being slowly whipped to death. Gritting his teeth he began to sit up when by chance he looked to the far end of the cabin, to the bulkhead hatchway. He didn't believe his eyes and had to blink several times. Coming down the passageway toward them were two figures, both wearing some sort of uniforms. As the figures drew close enough to see them he heard one of them call out. "Hold it right there, what in hell do you thing you're doing?"

Jim recognized them as sheriff deputies as they rushed into the chamber. He also saw Menzmer as he fled out the other hatchway. "Get him!" he managed to scream out.

"Jesus Christ!" he heard one of the deputies grunt. "What a dog and pony show this looks like."

"Never mind what it looks like, deputy, get me loose and get after that maniac you just saw run out the back."

"Calm down, Buddy, just calm down. We'll get you loose. Your girl friend there looks like she needs medical attention."

"We probably both do. Just get us loose, we've got to catch him before he gets completely away."

"Okay, okay, hang on. What's your name, Buddy?"

"It's sure as hell not, Buddy. James Devlin, San Francisco PD. That's officer Sinclair on the table."

"Oh, Christ! Okay, okay. We've got an ambulance on the way. Where in hell are your clothes?" the deputy said as he uncuffed Devlin.

Devlin clawed at the ring on his cock and managed to get it off before he rushed to Karla's side. "Bay Side Motel in Marin City," Devlin said. " Hand me that sack over there."

Devlin untied her hands and legs and placed the sack over her nudity. Finding the other one he made himself a makeshift wrap and tied it around his midsection.

Karla moaned as she sat up on the table and pulled the sack over her head. "How you feel?" Devlin consoled her.

"Don't ask, just let me sit here."

They jumped at a sudden noise and then the other deputy came back in from the rear. "No sign of the other guy. I think he's still on the boat though, I never saw or heard anyone jump off or get by me."

Devlin heard more noises and voices as other deputies began arriving. Two medics wearing white coats came in carrying a stretcher. They tended to Karla first before loading her on the stretcher and carrying her out to the waiting ambulance. One of the deputies handed Devlin a jacket so it would be easier for him to walk out with her. Menzmer would have to wait just a little bit longer he was afraid.

The ride to the hospital had been made with considerable embarrassment and humiliation. It had been difficult to make a plausible story for the reports but Devlin felt he had pulled it off. The cover story that they had been set up by a stoolie and taken by surprise seemed to satisfy the on scene detective as he scribbled in his notebook. Devlin neglected the gory details of what had taken place prior to their rescue.

Their clothing had been found in the stolen Mustang near the scene of the incident and at least they had something to wear on the ride back to San Francisco courtesy of the Marin County Sheriff. Once they arrived back at police headquarters, Karla had quickly locked herself in with the Lieutenant for nearly an hour and then disappeared like a ghost in the night. Devlin didn't see or hear from her for several days and then began to get worried. She didn't answer his calls or his knocks at her door. The Lieutenant wasn't talking and there was nothing Devlin could say to get him to change his mind.

It was several days later he finished putting the package together and submitted it through channels on Delford Menzmer. Now all they could hope for would be a hit on their nation wide bulletin. He was just getting ready to leave when he looked up and saw Karla crossing the squad room coming in his direction. Rising quickly from his desk he stepped around and met her in the center of the room. "Where in hell have you been?" he asked in a voice of relief. "I've been going nuts trying to find you."

"I had to get away for a while. I took a leave of absence and went to visit my folks."

"You could at least have let me know."

"I know, I'm sorry. I just didn't want to talk about it, especially with you."

"Me? Why me?"

"Never mind. You probably wouldn't understand. Anything more on Menzmer?"

"No. He's disappeared like a puff of smoke. I've got bulletins out all over the country."

"He'll show up," she grunted. "When he does, I'll be ready."

"Karla, what do you mean by that?"

"Just what it sounded like. "I'll take care of Delford Menzmer and its not going to be by using his constitutional rights or any other crap. No more getting caught by surprise. One way or the other, he has to be taken care of."

"I agree, honey, but not your way. That's not the way a good cop operates."

"What makes you think I'm a good cop? I tried the good cop way and look what it got me. My insides are so badly torn apart I may never have sex again. I can't even pee without discharging blood. You tell me, Devlin, what would you do?"

"Oh, God, Karla. I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I got you into this."

"You didn't hold a gun to my head. I've just had enough of it. No more, Devlin, no more."

"We need to talk, Karla. You're changed and I'm not sure I like what I'm hearing."

"Then I guess we don't have anything more to say to each other do we, Devlin?

Karla spun on her heel and glided across the room into the Lieutenant's office. Devlin sat with his mouth open not knowing what to think or do. Ten minutes later he saw Karla exit the office and hurry out the squad room door. As he tried to catch her the lieutenant headed him off at the door. "Devlin, wait. Come in here and close the door."

Devlin hesitated a second and then followed him into his office. "Sit down, Devlin. You can quit worrying about Sinclair if that's what you've been doing. She turned in her gun and badge. She's outta here, kaput, resigned, done."

"She quit? How in the hell could you let her do that?"

"It was her idea. I tried to talk her out of it. She said she'd had it with this shit and you'd know why she was doing it."

"Jesus!" Devlin gasped. "She's going after him alone for Christ's sake."

"Who? Menzmer? Whatta you talking about, Devlin? She'd have to be crazy. How's she going to find one individual who could be anyplace in the country?"

"Goddamn it, Lieut. She just told me before she came in here. One way or the other she said."

"Oh shit! Are you sure?"

"No other way. We've got to do something or she's going to get herself killed."

"Get outta here, Devlin. Go after her. Anything, but don't let her get hurt for one puss bag like that."

Devlin found himself propped up in the corner of his favorite cop hangout just before midnight. He'd been pounding pavement for hours trying to find Karla. No one had seen her and this was his last resort. If he was lucky, she just might drop in here.

He was just tilting his glass back when he glanced upward to see her beautiful face looking down at him from the television set located above the bar. Choking and sputtering he called the bartender down to his end of the bar. "Joe, turn that up. What in hell is she doing up there?"

"Who? Oh, Karla. She's been on there all evening. Every news blurb. She's suppose to be your partner, don't you know anything about it?"

"Just turn it up, Damnit."

Too late, whatever she was saying was over for the moment. Paying his bill, Devlin rushed out the door and headed downtown to the television station. He had to find out what in hell she was trying to do.

It was nearly an hour later that Devlin sat in a private screening room watching the full text of Karla's press interview. She had somehow convinced the network to tape a news blurb about the serial killer on the loose in this country and as it unfolded before him, he grasped exactly what she was doing. She named him publicly and never missed a chance to tell the world what a sick, impotent, low life creep he really was. By the time she finished, and if Menzmer had seen the interview, he would be going nearly insane with his desire for revenge on someone who would publicly deface him like that. She had attacked his manhood and he was afraid she had gone too far.

Devlin knew in an instant she was setting herself up as a target for the perverted scumbag. He was going to come after her and Devlin knew he better be close when he did. Devlin thanked the station manager for the help and hurried out into the night.

He didn't have a clue as to where to go from here. She would probably go home and wait for Menzmer if her scheme was what he thought it was. Driving as fast as he could he headed back toward her apartment. He didn't know why, he'd already been there a couple of times. Then the cold chill hit him between the shoulder blades and he screeched to a stop. What if she wasn't home because he was too late? What if Menzmer had seen the newscast and made his move right away? Where would he take her if he did?

Devlin thought a minute and then slammed his foot down on the accelerator. The damn warehouse. Why hadn't he thought of it before? Why not? Who would think he'd return to the scene of one of his nearly completed crimes? Like a madman, Devlin sped through the city hoping he was wrong but not wanting to take any chances.

Fifteen minutes later he roared down the back street and slid to a halt half a block from the warehouse. This time he wasn't going to get taken in like before. Walking cautiously through the shadows, he made his way to the infamous dark building. He gritted his teeth as he opened the door and slipped inside. Somehow he wasn't surprised to see a dim glow at the far end where they had been nearly electrocuted once before.

With gun in hand he slowly made his way along the wall. As he grew nearer he could hear the telltale mewing sound of a female in pain and knew he had hit the jackpot. Somehow, Menzmer had once again been able to take her by surprise and he had her now, just as sure as God made little green apples.

As Devlin made his way to the doorway of the cubicle, he felt his hatred grow as he heard Karla's groans of pain and terror. Cautiously he reached a place where he could see into the makeshift torture room. He felt anguish at first and then a rush of thankfulness. She was there but so was Menzmer. He had caught him completely off guard.

Menzmer was so busy with Karla he had grown careless. It was going to be his downfall. Her clothing had been removed of course and he had secured her to one of the upright support beams of the ceiling. Her wrists were tied above her head and Menzmer was busy working on her lower extremities. She let out one hideous scream before her head flopped down onto her bare chest. Devlin had used her scream to move into a better position to see what was happening.

Sickness gripped his stomach as he saw why she had screamed. Menzmer had her impaled on what appeared to be a large wooden stake and was attempting to force it deeper into her vagina. The blood was profuse making him look like a ghoulish vampire as it splattered onto his hands and arms. He was completely oblivious to his surroundings. "One move and your heads gone," Devlin grunted.

Menzmer spun around her body, his hand on the stake. His eyes were wild as he looked directly at Devlin. Then a smile appeared on his bloody face. "What took you so long, Detective? I half way expected you several hours ago."

"Just give me a reason, any reason," Devlin said.

"I don't think so, dear boy. Drop the gun or I jamb this up her twat until it comes out the top of her head. You want to watch her die like that?"

"No dice, scumbag. I know your style. I give up my gun and we both die."

Devlin raised the sights toward where he hid behind her naked body hoping to get a shot at him. Menzmer broke into a run away from him keeping her between them so Devlin couldn't get a clear shot. He hated leaving her hanging like that but he wasn't going to let this slimy bastard get away this time.

Running full out he caught a glimpse of Menzmer as he crashed through the doorway and out onto the dock. Closing in behind him, Devlin gave chase as Menzmer cut down the wooden platform and headed for the street side of the building. Devlin could see Menzmer was going to have to jump across a narrow opening in the dock to reach the safety of the sidewalk. As Menzmer jumped and was stretched out in midair Devlin squeezed off one round. He saw him double up from the shock of the bullet and fall limply toward the water making a loud splat as he struck the waves some 40 feet below.

It was over. He knew the shot had been a good one. It had caught him dead center from the way he had crumpled when he fell. His concern now was to get back to Karla. They could worry about Menzmer's body later.

She was nearly unconscious as he rushed back to her side and began to loosen the knots. "Don't touch it," he heard her croak as he reached for the stake protruding from her body. "Its the only thing holding my insides from falling out."

He gasped in shock at her words. "Jesus, darling, Jesus, hold on. Don't die on me now."

She was out cold now. Picking her up in his arms he tried to hurry out of the warehouse and to his parked car. If he could get her to the hospital, maybe she had a chance. "Goddamn it, Karla," he blurted out loud. "Goddamn it!"

Karla had sustained devistating internal injuries. Her life lay in a balance between critical and terminal for two days. Devlin never left her side. On the third day while he was cat napping in a chair next to her bed he was jolted suddenly awake. She had moaned and turned her head on the pillow to look at him. People in the hallway must have thought he had gone berserk as he rushed out screaming for a nurse or a doctor.

He felt moisture build in his eyes when they told him she was going to make it. It was doubtful if she would ever have children but she would live. He was grateful. Whether she would ever talk to him again, whether she would ever make love with him again, whether she would ever even work with him again, it didn't matter. He was grateful and thankful and he let his tears flow as he looked at her laying peaceful in the bed for the first time.

The End