Page 76 of Heat of Justice

Cody came home late, tired, and a little frustrated that night. She was working a new high-profile case with her partner, and not getting anywhere fast with it. Two homeless people had recently been discovered dead at two different remote beach areas on the outskirts of town. Each was missing a different organ. The first one, his heart; the other, his right lung. The used-up, mutilated bodies were tossed into public containerslike so much trash. Not surprisingly, it did not take long for the press to get hold of the story and turn it into a sensational piece of news, spreading the idea that a vicious serial killer was at work in the area. Though the theory was sound in principle, the obsessive way it kept being reported in the media, over and over on a crazy loop, only increased public fear and paranoia. The pressure was on to catch the killer, obviously.

“We’re looking at all angles,” Cody shared that evening as she and Kim sat down to eat. It was the first time since breakfast at six A.M. for her, she only realized now. The smell of fresh warm bread almost brought her to her knees. “Did you bake this?” she asked, prompting her lover to laugh.

“I don’t bake on weekdays, darling. Just bought a loaf on my way home and stuck it in the oven.”

“It’s divine.” Cody spoke with her mouth full and promptly reached for another slice. “But of course, it takes time.”

“Baking? Oh, yeah.”

“No, I mean the investigation. Ah...” Cody shook her head, irritated at what struck her to be insensitive. “Sorry, babe. I know you had a full day at work too. The last thing you must want is to hear me moan about my job, eh!”

“It’s okay.” Kim stood behind her, tipped her head back by running her fingers through her hair, and kissed her softly on the lips. “I always like to hear about your work, so keep going.” Her eyes sparkled as she chuckled. “Besides, making you moan is my job. I’ll take care of it later.”

In a flash, Cody forgot about her empty stomach. Her lover looked like a dream in white, flowing yoga pants, and a simple tank top.

“If you like, we could skip right to that part,” she offered.

“Very tempting, Detective, but no.” Kim laughed, escaping easily when she attempted to pull her onto her lap. “You needto follow your own advice and fuel up properly. Plus, I really do want to hear about this new case of yours.”

“Missing the criminal side of lawyering, are you?” Cody prompted.

“A little bit, yes.” Kim placed a plate of steaming lasagna in front of her and granted another, albeit brief, kiss. “Go on, let’s hear it.”

“Okay. Well, another rumor started to go around that there is a new Dr Frankenstein out there, trying to build a body out of parts he’s stealing.”

“Old tales never go away, do they?”

“That’s right. And this one has a modern twist.”

“You want some extra cheese?”

“Yes, thanks.” Cody grinned as she took it, applied a liberal layer over the already cheesy lasagna, and passed it back to her. “The manufactured body is supposed to be for an AI.”

“I’m not sure I quite follow you there.”

“The rumors say the body is for an AI brain to become fully alive in it.”

“Oh…” Kim frowned, looking stunned for an instant, then she shook her head and let out an ironic chuckle. “Wow!”

“Yeah, that’s what I said. Some people actually believe this crazy stuff.”

“I guess it’s a sign of the weird and wonderful times we’re living in, isn’t it?”

“That’s for sure.”

“I assume you’re looking at the organ trade?”

“Yes, definitely.” Cody smiled again, this time with pride. Nothing crazy about her lover, for sure. Kim was on the ball, a quick and smart thinker. As far as Cody was concerned, this was beyond sexy. “We have several interesting leads related to that, and following through,” she confirmed. “There’s just not enough hours in the day to get it done all in one go.”

“I know how hard you and Ellie work, though. You’ll get there,” Kim assured confidently. “At the same time, sleep and food are not optional.”

“No, I know.” Cody squeezed her hand. “Hey, thanks for waiting up for me tonight.”

“Of course, darling.”

“And for the lasagna.”

“You’re welcome. Just not sure I like that you’re making me sound like a dutiful housewife from the 50s.”

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