Page 61 of Fighting for Tawny

“Um, a football team who rose above tragedy and racism?” Ronette replied.

“I was thinking of the gods who battled the Olympians, but okay. We’re the Titans who are rising above our current circumstances and becoming triumphant. We’re winners!” She stuck out her hand. “Who’s with me?”

They stacked their hands on top of hers and cried in unison, “Titans!”

Finnigan’s chest swelled proudly at how Tawny dealt with the women. She was a natural-born leader, and her huge heart fueled her empathy and compassion for others. But the reality of the situation tempered his pride. He feared the women would hate her when they learned the truth—resent her for leaving them behind.

During the weekend, Finnigan spent his time cooking, cleaning, and putting things in better working condition. He fixed a couple of bunkbeds that needed to be stabilized and stopped leaky faucets in both bathrooms. He rehung loose shutters on the windows and repaired the basketball net. In between chores, he participated in card games and board games, and he challenged them to a basketball tournament, one-on-one with him. He lost to Yolanda and accepted their good-natured teasing. Finnigan and Tawny also led the Titans through their daily workout routine.

At night, after everyone fell asleep, he and Tawny rendezvoused in the toolshed for hours of hot lovemaking. Earlier, he had filched a blanket off an empty bunkbed in Bunkhouse B and laid it on the ground. If the women needed anything from the toolshed, Finnigan would volunteer to fetch it so they wouldn’t discover his and Tawny’s love nest.

After a robust bout of lovemaking, Finnigan traced a lazy path down Tawny’s body with a finger. “How do you do it, Red?”

“Do what?”

Her husky voice, filled with sexual satisfaction, excited him. He bent over and sucked on a rosy nipple.

“Make me fall even more deeply in love with you.”

Finnigan turned her face toward his and devoured her mouth in a savage kiss. With a slight shifting of his body, he slid easily into her. His slow, rhythmic movements gradually increased their pleasure until Tawny cried, “Now, Finn! Oh God, now!”

“Not yet.”

Finnigan maintained his rhythm, making Tawny whimper with need. When they finally reached the summit, they free-fell into a swirling mass of passion.

“That was incredible.” Tawny let out a contented sigh as she snuggled next to him. “You’ve never made love to me like that before.”

“It’s a matter of urgency. I have to leave in a few hours.” Finnigan fell silent. One hand idly caressed her arm, which was flung over his chest.

“Why are you so quiet?”

“Our cover is blown. To be honest, I’m worried about Yolanda and Terrin betraying us. Or, more importantly, you.”

“I’ve thought about nothing else. About how many mistakes I’ve made. But Yolanda and I are blood sisters. I believe she has my back. No. I know she has it. And so far, Terrin has proven herself trustworthy. Have faith, Finn.”

“I do. In you. Wholeheartedly. But desperate people often make deals with the Devil. Just don’t let your guard down.”

“I won’t.”

“Now, back to more pleasant matters…” He rolled her beneath him and ravaged her mouth with his.

They made love twice more before Finnigan had to leave. He kissed Tawny long and hard, then pressed his forehead against hers.

“The next few days are going to be rough, Red. Whitcomb and Macintosh are going to force you to swallow drug-filled balloons like the one I showed you. Your instinct will be to resist, but don’t. Do what they say. Just one run, baby. That’s all we’ll need to bring them down. Remember, we have Tex tracking you.”

Tawny gripped his forearms. “Yes, I know.”

“Be tough, sweetheart. Stay strong.”

“I will.”

He kissed her one last time, told her he loved her, and watched her disappear into the main bunkhouse.

The women rose early on Monday. They went about their typical routine as if nothing unusual happened over the weekend. Finnigan had inspired a sense of comfort and normalcy through his helpful and respectful attitude. As a SWAT officer, he’d seen the worst of humanity, and though these women were guilty of the crimes they’d been incarcerated for, he hated the way they’d been railroaded and used by even worse criminals. He admired and appreciated their effort to work hard toward redemption. That morning, Finnigan’s absence created a void felt by everyone, especially Tawny.

A loud commotion in the yard drew their attention away from breakfast. Dishes clattered, and chairs scraped against the floor in their haste to dash outside. Moira stood toe to toe with Macintosh and Whitcomb in a heated argument.

“They’re under your command!” Whitcomb shouted. Spittle flew from his mouth. Veins popped out on his forehead and neck in an apoplectic fit. “How could you let this happen?”

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