Chapter Nineteen: The Eternal Return

"Do you get the feeling sometimes that nothing is really over.
You know it keeps coming back around.
It's wearing a different face, but it's the same underneath."
-Gabrielle, A Family Affair

Day broke. The rising sun's rays bounced against the wood-colored window pane and the cracked glass, casting several sharply angled shadows against the bare front wall. Her eyes fluttered open, her pupils readjusting to the sudden light. After staring at the ceiling for a few moments, she realized the silence that surrounded her. Looking around the small room, she wondered if she had been asleep long. Pushing her hair back away from her eyes, she sat up on the bed, her feet dangling off the edge. Inhaling deeply a few times, she rose from the bed cautiously and wondered why things were so quiet. The cold floorboards creaked underneath her bare feet and her body registered a bit of chill in air. Wrapping her arms around herself, she tried to stifle a yawn as she reached for the discolored brass doorknob, but before she could turn it, it started to turn on its own. Startled, the door slowly opened as she backed away.

Janice smiled as she entered the room holding a tray of food. "Hey sleepyhead, I'm sorry if I woke you up, but Stavros always keeps the pots and pans in the weirdest places. I always have to hunt for them." She set the tray on the small end table near at the foot of the bed. "Did you sleep well," she asked as she planted a feather-light on her lips.

Mel touched her mouth as a cold chill ran down her spine. The sensation caused her to step back toward the bed. She looked toward the window, and realized the sun had been swallowed up by thick, black clouds ominously touching the horizon. The thin, white drapes blew inward as a violent gust of wind hit the outer wall of the house causing the window's glass to shake. Something was wrong. She felt it. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as a thunderbolt ripped through the black sky.

Janice approached her and lightly touched her face. "Mel, are you okay? You look pale."

"Janice, I don't know." Another wave of sensations hit her body full force...a bolt of pure, unbridled fear! Her mind was having a hard time forming a coherent thought. "I just feel..." Mel looked down at the floor trying to collect her thoughts. She noticed a few drops of a red liquid collecting near her feet. She looked up and touched her face where Janice's hand had been. Blood. Immediately, she grabbed Janice's right hand, the blood trailing down her arm in a thick, red line. "Oh Janice, you're hurt. How did you..." she said cringing when she saw the deep gash across her palm, but before she could say another word, a gust of wind blew the front door open causing it to wave wildly in the wind banging against the side of the house in loud, timed thumps.

Janice took her hand away and stared blankly at the door opening. "Mel, stay here," she said evenly as she walked toward the door. Reaching its threshold, the door emitted a brilliant and blinding white light. Covering her eyes, Mel could only watch as Janice moved closer and closer towards the light as if being drawn by an unyielding, invisible force. Mel tried to move, but she couldn't. A lone figure dressed in a long, dark robe emerged from the light. Holding out an inviting hand toward Janice, the figure approached her. The room was now inundated in darkness except for the light emanating from the doorway. The hooded figure then grabbed Janice's throat bring her closer to its body, but there was no resistance. The figure's other hand emerged from the light, the slender fingers wrapped around a long, shiny object. As Mel held up her hand to the glow, the blood drained from her face when she realized the object was a dagger. The figure held the dagger close before gripping it tightly. Mel shouted trying to move forward using all the strength her muscles could muster, but she still stood frozen in place. The figure removed its hand from around Janice's neck, instead placing a flat palm firmly against her forehead pushing her head. The figure paused momentarily before running the cold, steel blade across her neck. Janice stared blankly ahead. The blood, brimming over the figure's long fingers as it held on to her, flowed down her neck and body stained the wooden floor below. A lone groan escaped Janice's lips before her eyes finally rolled back in her head. The figure unceremoniously dumping the dead weight to its side before raising its arms above its head. Mel stared at the unmoving body on the floor, the viscous, crimson fluid flowing outward from the wound and forming a large pool on the ground. A giggle rose from the figure's throat before Mel screamed....
===========================
The small, fat cigar rolled in between her fingers for a few seconds before she flicked away the excess ashes collecting on its tip. Her thoughts at peace and her body rested as she greeted the new day as she had for the past few days. The day was just breaking along the horizon. The calming breeze offering only a few degrees relief from the oppressive heat. She fanned herself with her hat before placing back on her head.

Her body was still on "dig time." She would have been dressed and ready for another day's work at this hour if she was on site, but instead she found herself sitting on the steps of Stavros' small, one-floor house with Melinda fast asleep inside and she couldn't be happier. She smiled at the thought of the last few days. Janice was contented settling into domestic bliss with Mel by her side. She cooked, she cleaned, she cared for her every whim and she was not complaining. On the contrary, she rather enjoyed playing nursemaid. She considered it long, overdue payback for Mel's kindness back in Charleston.

She knew Stavros was happy to have a couple of bodies in his normally lonely home. He was content telling embarrassing stories of Janice's childhood, but restrained himself from telling some of the more sorted details of her recent escapades. Janice was thankful. Stavros, however, was needed at the dig to help with the workers to ease their fears about more raids and the disappearance of their presumed dead colleague.

The dig-site itself had been quiet for almost two weeks. There were no more odd occurrences or items reported missing. The university had almost decided to pull the plug upon hearing the loss of a worker's life, but Professor Levy had convinced them with the raiders behind bars the site was now safe again. And once Melinda was ready and healthy enough, Janice would resume her duties, but for now she knew the dig was in the capable hands of Martin and Jonathan. But truthfully, Janice was in no rush to return. She liked having Mel all to herself for a while without the intrusion of the outside world to spoil their fun. No bullets, no blood, and no artifacts. Just the one thing that Janice valued most...the other half of her soul.

The wound was healing at a steady pace with Mel gaining more mobility in her left arm every day. Upon check-out, she was advised by Doctor Nikolas that the dressing should be removed sometime in the week, but if any discoloration occurred around the wound, Mel should be admitted back into the hospital immediately.

Janice looked over at her old pickup truck now sitting idle in the driveway. It had not started in a couple of days. She hoped that Mel's health continued to improve because if she had to be rushed back to the hospital, she would have to run two miles to the nearest neighbor with a car.

She took one more puff of her cigar before stamping it out on the porch step. She breathed in deeply watching the sun rise again and wondering how long Mel would sleep this morning. She had been in the habit of rising in the late morning or the early afternoon. She should get started on breakfast though. She could definitely go for a cup of coffee. She rubbed her hands over her face before grabbing the screen door handle.

Opening the refrigerator, she moved the milk out of the way and reached in for the last two eggs. Eggs and other perishable foods were hard to come by in these times of war, but Stavros managed to keep a steady supply. Janice knew not to ask any questions. Placing them on the counter, she looked around for a frying pan and found it in the sink along with a mountain of dirty dishes from last night's dinner. Leaning back against the sink and setting her hat on the counter, she closed her eyes to take in the silence of the morning. Crossing her arms over her chest, she started to hum an old tune her father used to play on the phonograph during their days here many years ago.

Her rapture was broken by the sound of a loud, pained scream which echoed and bounced through the small interior of the house. Janice opened in her eyes and bolted toward the back bedroom, a wave of panic washing over her body. "Mel!" she called as she opened the door.

Sitting upright in bed, Mel was breathing rapidly, her chest rising up and down in violent thrust, a thin sheet of sweat covering her face, arms and legs. The wool covers were lying in a mess on the wooden floor. Her eyes stared straight ahead as if she had not heard Janice enter the room. "Mel?" Janice ran to the bed placing her hands on her shoulder and face.

Startled, Mel turned as if finally realizing Janice was in the room. Tears welled up in her cerulean eyes as she whispered, "Janice?" Mel grabbed onto Janice as if she were drowning, her body racked by sobs. She buried her head in the crook of the strong shoulder finding safety in the warm, familiar contact while her hands moved across the soft, blond hair Her breathing started to calm down, slowly returning to normal, but her heart still pounded in her ears as blood rushed furiously through her veins. Her entire body felt like it had just been through a marathon. Her legs feeling like two blocks of steel.

Janice let Mel settle down holding her close and placing reassuring kisses on the top of her head. "Oh sweetheart! hey, what happened?"

She inhaled deeply trying to force some of the tears from her eyes. "I had a dream. I don't remember...I..I just remember seeing blood." Her eyes closed as the horrid images flashed through her mind. "Lots of blood. Your blood. It was all over the floor. It was so real. I thought...I thought I lost you. And I..." Her shoulders began to move up and down as she was overcome by another wave of sobs.

Janice could feel how scared she really was. Her fingertips wandered over her face gently wiping away the streaks of tears she found there. She could feel Mel's heart still pounding against the side of her body. Pressing her lips against her warm forehead, she felt a wave of tranquillity wash over the raven-haired woman. She rocked her body back and forth, her head resting atop the black, satin strands. "Shhh, it's okay." Gently taking her face between her hands, she forced Mel to look into her eyes. Her thumbs stroking the warm, wet skin. "Hey, look at me. See, I'm fine. No blood."

The smaller woman touched her still trembling lips with her two fingers lightly tracing their outline before replacing it with her mouth. She wanted to kiss all of Mel's fears away. Make her believe that she was real and that she wasn't going anywhere. A surge of desire ripped through her body when she felt Mel start to kiss back. Parting her lips slightly, she continued kissing softly until Mel's lips stilled. Reluctantly, Janice broke the kiss and smiled, "you see. I'm still very much alive." She felt relieved when she saw a small smile cross Mel's lips. "Nothing is gonna happen to me sweetheart, I'm too stubborn for that." She pushed some of Mel's stray strands of hair behind her ear. She then broke from their embrace and gathered the fallen blankets off the floor. Her eyes trying to avert the sight of Mel's toned and tanned legs coming out from underneath the long shirt she used as pajamas. "Come on, you still need your rest," she said as she quickly covered her legs.

"Janice, please don't leave me." She swallowed. "Can you hold me...just a little bit longer?" she said weakly pushing back on the bed.

And for the first time in her life, she felt like someone finally needed her. Just as much as I need her I guess, she thought to herself as she wrapped her arms around her again climbing into the bed with her. Leaning back against the wall, Janice brought Mel's head to rest on her shoulder careful not to move Mel's own injured shoulder. "Shhh...It's okay. I know how real dreams can be sometimes, but Mel, you have to know that I'm not planning on leaving you anytime soon. You got that. I want to...I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you." She kissed the top of Mel's head and settled her own there. "I'll be here when you wake up." After a few moments, Janice slid down on the bed and readjusted herself so that Mel was as comfortable as possible, her head still cradled on her shoulder. "I promise."

Melinda's breathing slowed down until it became steady against Janice's body. And only then did Janice dare close her eyes. She was asleep within seconds.
===========================
Janice turned over onto her side settling her head further into the white pillow reaching out her arm. Her eyes shot wide open when she realized her arm had not wrapped around anything or anyone, but instead landed right next her on the mattress. Instantly, she turned to get up banging her elbow against the wall in the process. She grimaced as the pain shot through her body forcing her back to complete consciousness. Grabbing her arm, she ran out of the room. "Mel," she called in the rectangular living room, her fear starting to rise when there was no answer and no one in sight. She preceded down the hall toward the bathroom, but instead of stopping to knock, anxiety getting the best of her, she turned the knob and entered the white-tilled room. "Melin..." she paused midway when she realized exactly what she had done.

Mel was lying happily in a hot bath, steam rising from the warm water, when she was startled, jumping about two feet in the air, by the excited blond bursting through the door. Janice quickly turned around to face the left wall trying to hide the heat rushing to her cheeks. "Oh shit, I'm so sorry. I should have knocked... I just woke up and you weren't there. I was just scared. And after the dream...I should..." It had become a common occurrence for the normal articulate archaeologist to be at a complete loss of words when it came to Melinda Pappas. You are such an idiot, she thought to herself.

Rubbing her eyes, Janice's gaze happened to drift to the mirror, which gave a perfect reflection of an amused Mel sitting in a bathtub full of still water. Mel was simply perfection. Her vision focused its attention on a bent knee rising above the water level forming a perfect, porcelain curve. The arch sloped downward connecting to a flat stomach which connected to... Janice shook her head and decided it would be best if she just stared at the ceiling.

Mel grinned and said in a heavier accent than usual, "Well now that ya found me Dr. Covington, what are ya going do with me?"

"Ah, I just wanted to see if you were all right." Janice coughed. Her eyes now staring down at her feet. "So I guess now that I know, I'll let you get back to...it." She turned around and tried to cast her eyes on anything other than the one thing she wanted to see. "So, I'll be out...I'll be over..." she motioned toward the door and stumbled a bit as she grabbed the door handle.

Mel could not believe that anyone could have this reaction to seeing her naked form. She didn't think there was anything particular special about her body. "Janice, before you leave. Ah, if it isn't too much trouble could you help me remove these bandages? Doctor Nikolas said they should come off around today. And since my shoulder feel pretty good..."

Swallowing at the prospect of having to stay in the hot, steamy room any longer than necessary, Janice nodded and said with less control than she actually felt, "Yeah, sure." Kneeling down, her hands settled on the warm, wet skin of Mel's left shoulder which rested just above the tub's edge. Her pulse began to race the minute her hands touched the slightly damp flesh.

Mel tried to still her body from shaking, but she couldn't help the shiver that passed through her when she felt strong, soft fingertips gingerly settle along the back of her shoulder. Janice misinterpreted the shiver as pain and apologized quickly, momentarily removing her hands. "No, I'm fine. Cold hands," she remarked as she settled back into Janice's grip.

Breath, Covington breath, she thought to herself as the lack of oxygen was beginning to effect her bodily functions, but with her ebony hair up in a loose bun and the smooth arch and delicate surface of Mel's neck in prominent view, breathing was the last thing on her mind. She suppressed the urge to kiss her way down....she tried to shake those feelings from her mind and tried to focus on anything else, but every moment the woman made was driving her to distraction. Carefully, she removed the first bit of gauze making sure not to touch the newly formed scar tissue. "I take it you didn't have any more dreams."

"No. I fell right back to sleep. You make a very comfortable pillow," Mel looked back for a second and caught sea-green eyes.

Janice shook her head and smiled. "I've been called a lot of things, but that is definitely a first," she said placing the pieces of removed gauze on the floor next to her knee.

"I'm sorry I scared you with my disappearing act, but I just needed a nice warm bath." She moved causing the water to splash around the tub. "I haven't had the luxury in a while."

Keeping her eyes solely focused on the task at hand, Janice tried to restrain the growing waves of desire finding their way to every inch of her body, but she could feel the muscles in her stomach tighten. Quickly, she changed the subject. "Ah...the scar tissue seems to be coming along nicely." Cautiously touching the surface, she saw goosebumps form tracing lines where her index finger touched. She smiled inwardly when she recognized the feelings coursing through her body where finding their way through Mel as well. "I don't think the scar will even be that bad. You're one tough cookie, sweetheart."

Bending her neck, Mel's cheek touched some of Janice's fingers. "Well, I learned from the best."

Janice held her breath as she stripped away a layer of tape still sticking to the fine skin. "Sometimes it helps to talk things out. What do you remember? About the dream?"

"Not much. Just the feelings. And seeing you and your blood." She stopped as the feelings began to wash over her again. "That part was completely real to me. It was almost too real," she whispered to herself. "I remember feeling helpless. Powerless to stop it and that killed me."

"Mel, if anything ever happens to me, don't ever blame yourself. I will be the sole recipient of the consequences of my decisions," she said resuming her task.

Mel jerked her shoulder away and turned around to lock her turquoise eyes with emerald. "But you have to know that those consequences will vastly effect my life." Tracing the laugh lines near Janice's eyes, she spoke firmly, "we are in this together, Janice. Remember that. Remember our promise."

She nodded and looked down at the floor. "I just have to get used to all this, you know. I never had anyone who has really cared. Stavros and Dad sure, but sometimes they were too involved in their own lives to notice what I was doing with mine. For a long time, I was living for myself. I didn't care about anyone or anything. My heart was closed to everything. I don't think I was even really alive." She paused finally able to look Mel directly in the eye. "Until you. And sometimes I wonder if you know the person I was, the person I still can be when pushed. It's not pretty! You have made me a better person, Melinda. For that I'm forever thankful. And if I'm not yet the person you see when you look at me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to get there. The rest of my life trying to make you happy."

Mel couldn't believe the honesty and vulnerability Janice was showing her at this moment. She realized just how much Janice trusted her, how completely. Moving the blond hair out of her eyes, Mel leaned in and claimed her lips in a soft, sweet kiss.

The kiss caught Janice off guard, but she regained her composure before she fell backwards. With Mel's face only a few inches away once the kiss was broken, she whispered, "I promise. I promise everything I am, anything I have to give. It's yours."

"I'll take it," she leaned again and touched her lips with her own. She smiled when she felt Janice's pulse quicken. Blood quickly rushing through her body as well.

Janice leaned back and looked into her eyes. "Hey Mel, don't you think we should get back to it." Mel looked at her puzzled. "Your shoulder."

"Oh!" Mel turned her body back around and settled it back into its original position.

Although now very distracted, the feeling of Mel's mouth still lingering on her own, Janice turned her attention back to the shoulder. She could feel Mel's muscles relax underneath her fingers. "I'm almost done."

Mel grit her teeth, a sharp pain shooting through her shoulder, as Janice removed the last piece of bandage. A dull sensation replaced the pain as she lifted her arm above her head. It was a pain she could handle.

"How you feeling?" Janice asked as she saw Mel continuing to test out the strength and mobility of her arm.

"It feels a little tight. Like I've pulled something," she said finally resting her arm on the side of her tub.

"That's a good sign. Felt that way when I got shot a few years back." She immediately kicked herself for letting that piece of information slip when she saw the look of concern
wash over Mel's face. "Hey, I'm fine now. It was a long time ago. It was just a flesh wound."

"Well, Dr. Covington, I don't think your definition of 'flesh wound' would fit the rest of medical science!" Curious, Mel decided to broach the subject further. "So, where did you get...shot?"

Collecting the pieces of gauze and tape from the floor, she smirked. She knew that Mel was in a playful mood whenever she called her 'Doctor Covington.' "Well, Ms. Pappas," she emphasized. "That's privileged information I don't give out to just anyone. I still want to keep some secrets from you. It keeps things intere..."

Mel arched her eyebrow and splashed a good amount of water directly on Janice's face.
She laughed when Janice inhaled sharply in surprise.

Silently, Janice wiped the streaks of water pouring down her face. "Interesting," she finished as she blew some of the water away from her mouth.

"Couldn't resist," she said before settling her lips on Janice's wet cheek.

"Either can I," Janice said before she poured some water over Mel's head. Now it was her turn to laugh at Mel's mock angered expression. "I think you know by now its hard to resist you." Kissing her moist jawline, she smiled when Mel wrapped her arms around her neck. After a few extended moments of soft caresses, Janice released her hold and said, "Maybe its time for you to get outta the tub. I'll make you some breakfast. And if you play your cards right, I'll even do the dishes."

Mel grinned before moving her hands to Janice's face. "You really know how to romance a girl.".

"You're the only girl who will ever matter to me," Janice said with conviction.
===========================
She couldn't believe her bad luck! Grabbing the long metal socket wrench from the small red tool box next to the tire, she cursed herself for letting something this major slip her mind. Well, she had to admit that her mind was more than thoroughly occupied in the past few weeks, but she knew this was still a lame excuse. The transmission fluid on her hands made a firm grip on the wrench impossible. Wiping some of the excess oil on her formerly white tank top, she tried again to tighten the loose screw.

After a large and lingering breakfast, with Mel eating every piece of food offered to her, Janice decided to put on a new change of clothes having spent a few hours sleeping in the clothes she was wearing. Reaching deep into her bag, she found it nestled between her dig journal and a box of unopened cigars. Still wrapped in the soft material she had placed in a couple of weeks earlier, the stone was unharmed, but she almost kicked herself for letting it sit unnoticed in a place where it could have easily gotten damaged further.

She had placed it into her bag weeks earlier when the threat to the dig was imminent believing that the raiders would claim this valuable artifact as a prize. Her instincts proved correct when the leader had specifically asked for the item.

As she held the piece in her hand, the feelings it brought forth within her before were not as overwhelming. Feelings of deja vu were not something that sat well with the archaeologist, but she resisted the urge to pursue the roots of these feelings. She remembered the last time she had done that, the time she found the scrolls, and how much that experience left her drained.

Wrapping the stone back into the material, she knew she had to get the item back to Rebecca for further cleaning and inspection. She wondered why the crew had not noticed that it was missing? She believed that the excitement of all that had happened to them left them vulnerable to honest oversight.

Pushing herself back out from under the car, she arched herself into the cabin and turned the ignition. "Come on start!," she muttered as the car's engine turned and made loud noises, but it died as soon as she let go of the key. Kicking the car door closed in utter frustration, she opened the hood and peered inside looking for any visible problem with the engine. She laughed to herself. What isn't wrong with this truck, she thought to herself.

Stavros had been telling her for months that it needed new brakes, a new battery and possibly a whole new transmission. He even suggested she get rid of the car all together, but she couldn't even bare the thought. It was the only object Janice ever had any sentimental feeling for. She could clearly recall the day her father first drove into town with the bright new brown truck. It was the prettiest thing she had ever seen. She loved the way it smelled when she first took a ride in it. And when she was a good girl, her father would let her steer. Her father and her childhood were all embodied in the truck. How could she ever get rid of it?

But that this moment, her anger rising, she felt the need to beat it senseless and into submission. Lifting her hat off her head, she wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand before loosening the oil cap to check the level. Now that she fixed the leakage problem, the level had to be normal.

Mel watched as the frustration level slowly began to show itself in Janice's body language.
Standing on the porch, she enjoyed the afternoon sun shine and the brilliant, blue sky that seemed to stretch out forever. The flat, arid land went on in every direction, but she could vaguely make out the roofs of a couple of homes in the distance, due east.

In a loose shirt and long, cargo pants, Mel was the picture of comfort, which stood in direct contrast to the archaeologist, who now paced around the dusty truck with her hands firmly planted on her hips as if she was about to engage it in a fight. Leaning on the porch railing, she smiled at how cute Janice looked when annoyed, at least when the annoyance wasn't directed at her. Years on dig-sites lifting crates and carrying heavy backpacks had left their mark on Janice's body keeping her lean and fit. She found herself staring at the play of tight and well-sculpted muscles on Janice's arms as she screwed the oil cap back into place.

Mel still couldn't believe that Janice was actually hers. After everything, Janice still loved her. And she knew no one could ever make her feel half as much as Janice did just by looking into her eyes or touching her. There was something beyond description, a bond that was always there and strengthened with each passing day. This is what it felt like to be in love, to be with the person that made you feel whole. She felt fulfilled and complete when they were together, and she could never imagine willingly leaving Janice's side ever again.

Focusing her attention on the rather irritated blond now kicking the front tire, Mel noticed how much the unrelenting, mid-afternoon sun made perspiration coat Janice's skin causing the white cotton tank top to stick to every curve of her upper body. For the first time, Mel noticed the contours normally hidden underneath loose khaki shirts and the bulky leather jacket. Inwardly excited at seeing the slopes of her breasts, Mel began to wonder what another woman's body felt like. Would it be different than her own? Mel had never been one to be drawn to the physical, but with Janice she made an exception. Mesmerized by each movement, Mel noticed her breath quicken, her pulse race, and a tightening feeling settling near her lower abdomen.

Finally settling down a bit after a few hard and swift kicks to the car's two front tires, Janice wiped some of the sweat collecting above her upper lip with the clean part of now oil-stained shirt. In a display that was overwhelmingly erotic and most definitely sensual, Janice slowly lifted the shirt away from her body, and Mel saw how chiseled and fit Janice's stomach was. A little bit weak in the knees, she leaned against the porch and continued to amaze at the feelings washing through her body, a response only Janice Covington could elicit.

Janice, oblivious to how much her every action was affecting the woman only a few feet away, instead centered all of her attention on the rusty truck. Climbing into the cabin, she sat still for a few moments in the driver's seat. Crossing her dirty fingers, she turned the ignition, but it died again. She tried a few more times before finally giving up and banging her head against the steering wheel in complete defeat. Suddenly, the engine came alive. Looking up in disbelief, she pumped the gas petal and moved a few feet before she put it in park. She shut off the engine and hoped that whatever problem was, it had been corrected by her "gentle" prodding.

Walking toward the house, she watched as Mel's eyes followed her movement. Glancing down at herself, she knew it was probably due to the fact that she looked like a complete mess.

Before she could speak, Mel removed the dusty fedora from her head letting loose the long, golden hair hidden underneath. Placing it on her head, Mel smiled closing the space between them. "So, when do we leave?"

"We?" Janice said mildly distracted by the proximity of Mel's body. "Listen, I was just going to drop the artifact off and come right back. So, I thought you could get some more rest while..."

"Rest," she breathed out. "I've had more rest in the past two weeks than I've had in my entire life. I'm fine, Janice. You said so yourself. My scar tissue is coming along nicely."

"Yes, but you aren't completely healed! The doctors said..."

Rolling her eyes, Mel insisted, "Since when do you ever listen to doctors?"

"Since I came about this close to losing you," she said flatly.

"Janice, I know how much you've given up to be here with me. I know that you would much rather be on that dig-site. That's what makes you happy."

"You're wrong. You make me happy."

"But I don't want you to put your life on hold any longer. That's not why I came here. Besides, with the raiders behind bars, I'm sure life at the site has been much less," she paused searching for the right word "...hectic." Janice began to protest, but Mel quickly cut off her words. "I just want us to start our life together as partners both off and on-site. Put the past behind us. Look toward the future. Do you understand?"

Janice was about to disagree, but the look in Mel's eyes spoke of how much she wanted this. "I understand," she said softly. "But the first sign of anything wrong with you, we are taking you back to the hospital even if I have to carry you."

Grabbing Janice's hands from above the wrist, Mel quickly guided them around her waist pulling the smaller woman close to her. Looking up in surprise, Janice noticed that Mel's eyes were filled with desire. A look she had seen once before, the night back in Charleston when they has almost made love. Janice tried to pull away, but Mel's hands did not let go of her arms. "I'm filthy. I don't want to get you dirty."

"I don't care," Mel said as she ran her hands up and down the soft curves of her arms. She let her hands finally settle on Janice's shoulders before looking into her warm, green eyes. Leaning down, she let her lips touch the warm, flushed cheeks leaving a trail before she finally found her way to Janice's mouth. Slowly, she kissed and claimed her lower lip between her own. Although her palms did not settle directly on her waist for fear she might stain her clothes, Janice's wrists forced Mel's body closer.

Janice had to admit, she enjoyed when Mel called the shots, although, she was not prepared when she felt her hands drift toward her lower back. Before she knew what was happening, Janice felt herself being lead into the house. Her body too distracted by the action of Mel's mouth to really register the movement consciously. The kiss had become much more intense, Mel parted Janice's lips teasing her tongue with her own. The insistent mouths spoke volumes of both their needs.

Falling backwards, Janice felt the soft cushions of the sofa welcome her back and the weight of Mel who landed directly on top of her, but her lips refused the disunion of the satisfying, sensual contact. Janice's hat landed on the floor next to sofa, but nothing seemed to break the rapture of the moment.

Instead, Mel continued to hungrily devour Janice's mouth, each touch exciting her more and causing her to register more pleasant sensations throughout her body. Her hands finding their way to Janice's hips, Mel could feel the heat rising from her body through her pants. Moving her mouth down to Janice's neck, the skin warm and inviting, she settled her lips just below the chin.

A low groan passing her lips, Janice was beginning to lose herself in desire. Finally, searching for the oblivion of Mel's mouth, she moved her wrist up to the back of her neck, gently pressing their lips together once again. Their legs entangled and their mouths melded together, Janice felt her body start to respond to the situation. She felt her hips start to move up into Mel's body sighing when she found the briefest contact.

Mel's body, responding of its own accord, pressed her thigh into Janice's center. Janice inhaled sharply knowing exactly which path they were about to embark upon. Finally managing to break the kiss, she whispered in between gasps for air, "I think we'd better slow things down..."

"Did I do something wrong," Mel said, a concerned look on her face.

"No, you were doing everything right. Believe me!" With her breathing finally returning to normal, Janice eased herself into a sitting position. Mel backed away and sat next to her on the sofa, her legs draped over Janice's lap. "You have no idea what you do to me when you do....that."

"I think I have an idea. You do the same thing to me," she said gently nuzzling Janice's ear. "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Especially when you're working on a car."

"If this is the response I get, I hope the car breaks down more often." She smiled and placed a light kiss on Mel's knee. "I just want our first time together to be something special. When I envisioned it, it doesn't involve a sweat, dirt, or transmission oil."

"Care to share your vision with me?"

"I will...soon. I just want to give you something you deserve. And you deserve better than this," she said bring her dirty, oil-stained hands in front of Mel's face. "I'm a mess right now!" She laughed and inwardly marveled at her restrain. If it was anyone else, she would have been half naked right about now surrendering to the tidal wave of her own desire, but she wanted to give Mel, her light and her life, so much more and something much better than a quickie on a couch.

"You are a romantic aren't you!"

"Now, don't go spreading that around the site. I still have a reputation to maintain. I don't want everyone to know I'm such a ..."

"Softie?"

"Not quite the way I'd put it, but..."
===========================
Her body jumped again as the truck's weather-worn tires registered another significant bump in the road causing the springs of the brown, faded leather seat below her to emit a rather loud squeak. Looking over the warm, black dashboard and upon the dusty, dirt road encased by tall, lush trees on both sides, she knew it wasn't much further. Switching gears, she let her fingers settle on the firm leather of the black steering wheel, but couldn't prevent her thumbs from strumming a nervous, decisive beat on its surface. Settling back into the comfortable leather of the driver's seat, the curves of her back finding the familiar grooves, Janice noticed, out of the corner of her eye, Mel's quiet, pensive gaze as she carefully brushed her fingers over the stone's intricate markings. Janice recognized the look of quiet contemplation which now consumed her partner. She had seen it many times before as Mel labored through a scroll's translation, but, after almost a year of seeing the familiar look, she still had no way of reading what thoughts passed through her mind.

Mel rubbed a single slim, long digit along the smooth plane of the dark rock and tried to place the feelings that threatened to break through the surface. It was like she was remembering a long forgotten childhood memory or a long repressed dream. The familiarity of the feelings swept through her followed by a cool chill that settled along her skin. Her finger settled along the stone's jagged edge before stopping, the feeling intensifying.

Janice reached out a few fingers gingerly moving a few strands of hair way from Mel's face and pushed them back over her ears. "Penny for your thoughts."

Mel was startled, but managed the regain her composure before Janice noticed. "Ah...it's an interesting piece."

Watching the dark-haired woman's momentary hesitation, Janice's eyes traveled to Mel's arms which were covered with goosebumps. She looked out the window, the strong, midday sun, washing over the road and breaking through the trees. It was not a reaction to the temperature....that was for damn sure! Swallowing, Janice realized that perhaps she wasn't the only one getting an odd feeling from the stone. "Do you feel it...it too," she asked keeping a few fingertips on the side of Mel's face.

Mel finally broke the steady gaze which had been focused solely on the stone. "How...did," she managed to say before she simply nodded.

"It's like this weird feeling of....something and it washes over me every time I hold it. Like its the source of some great power." Janice watched as the first car she had seen in a few miles sped its way in the other direction. "Like I'm remembering something for the past," she said reaching over to switch gears again. "I thought I was losing my marbles, but..."

"What is it?" Mel asked innocently.

"I don't know, I was kinda hoping you could tell me," she smiled before turning her attention back to the road. "But something tells me I'm probably not going to like it whatever it is," she said more to herself.

Mel handled the stone for a few more seconds before looking up again. "It's definitely not Greek."

"What are you talking about? We found this in Potediaia."

"But it's origins. There is no way it was made in Potediaia. Unless someone in that village had knowledge of foreign languages. Most of these marking aren't Greek. They look like some Near Eastern language, Persian or Phoecian perhaps. I could decipher it if I took some time and had the right equipment. The stone is awfully worn."

"But Madaline...ah the dig translator, she was able to make a few words out. 'Temple' and 'one god,' but she didn't tell me they weren't in Greek." Janice bit the side of her lip trying to settle the waves of uneasiness threatening to overtake her.

"I don't know why she would leave such important information." Mel sensed the growing tension emanating from the good doctor. When Janice bit her lip, it wasn't a good sign. It meant her frustration levels were on a steady incline and it was probably good time to get out of her way. Mel was surprised then when Janice simply shrugged her shoulders.

"She a bit green. It's her first time on-site. Maybe she assumed I knew," she pushed the negative feeling and thoughts out of her mind. We are all allowed to make mistakes, she thought to herself.

Mel's attentive, analytical gaze focused its attention back on the stone hoping something would jump out at her, that it would speak to her. Half of her job was noticing patterns, shapes and features that the untrained eye might miss. "Wait...a word," Mel adjusted her glasses as she held the stone inches from her face. "It looks like kalon...ahm, beautiful. It says beautiful. I can't make out the rest," she said growing visibly frustrated.

Janice shifted in her seat trying her best to face the woman beside her without losing sight of the road. Moving her slightly callused fingers across Mel's cheek, she quietly said, "Hey sweetheart, don't strain yourself. I didn't bring you along to make yourself sick over this. We'll figure this thing out." Her hand then traveled to the back of Mel's neck squeezing it lightly before placing it back on the steering wheel.

Settling back into the touch, Mel closed her eyes as Janice tenderly rubbed a few circles on her neck, and let a small whimper when the fingers retreated. Janice simply smiled as she offered a free arm. "Come here." Mel settled beside her placing her head on the warm shoulder, the arm surrounding her and finally wrapped itself around her side. Running her hand slowly up and down the soft cotton fabric, Janice felt her warm breath settle on her shoulder. She turned to kiss Mel's forehead as the breathing became steady, calm and subdued. She looked at the long, flat road ahead. She wanted to forget the odd feelings that began to wash through her soul. As much as she didn't wanted to admit it, these feelings were not about to go away.
===========================
The heavy, discolored backpack settled along Janice's right shoulder. Tipping her hat forward to shelter her eyes from the strong late day sun, Janice slammed the faded truck door closed before wrapping her hand around Mel's duffel bag. Cocked her head to the side motioning for Mel to follow her, a wide grin spread over her face when she saw the familiar look of awe wash over Mel's face. Mel's eyes traveled to all parts of the dig drinking in the loud sounds and subdued sights. Even though she had been on several digs before, Janice had learned every new dig experience was like the first for her partner. Janice reached out behind her and took secure hold Mel's warm, smooth hand, and with their fingers now happily interlace, she moved around the four foot trenches that marked the start of the dig-site.

Surveying the flat landscape, Janice noticed nothing had changed in her absence. Dust clouds rose into the air above, diffusing in the sun's strong light, from a few of the large holes being picked and hammered on by a few young workers. A few wiped their dark, tanned brows with dirty handkerchiefs and smiled widely as she passed while a few continued to sweep away the dirt on some recently unearthed artifacts. She greeted their smiles with a short nod of her head as she had done many times before during the past month. Glancing at her copper pocket watch, Janice realized that most of the crew was probably on their second break of the day which meant that the university staff was probably....

Approaching the large center tent, Janice turned around and placed a finger over her lips indicting the Mel be completely silent. Pausing at the tent's large, closed entrance, she heard the distinct voices of Jonathan and Martin engaged in some light-hearted banter over who was the best baseball team. It was a never-ending debate that had been going on since their arrival in Greece. She smiled when she heard Jonathan's deep, lightly accented voice say, "Just call me a Yank 'cause I'm a Yankee fan."

Opening the wide canvas flap, Janice said in a loud, almost monotone voice, "Brooklyn Dodgers would cream those Bronx bombers any day." Abruptly, her two crew mates turned around with surprised, confused and delighted looks on both their faces. "Is this a private conversation, boys, or can anyone join in," she said with her hands firmly planted on her hips, her lips in a mock scowl and Mel directly behind her. Before either could answer the question, their faces locked in priceless shocked expressions, she continued, "glad to see the dig is in such capable hands." The scowl broke into a wide grin. "I missed ya boys."

From the far, brightly illuminated corner of the tent, Rebecca pushed back her red hair immediately putting down her cleaning tools and shouted in distinct happy tone, "Janice! You're back." Crossing the distance, the professor gave the archaeologist a long, heartfelt hug. "I thought you'd up and deserted us for good."

"Of course not. Just had to make sure more important things were okay," she whispered so that only Rebecca could hear. Rebecca looked up at the tall, dark haired woman and knew this was the only 'thing' Janice was referring to. "Besides I missed seeing your ugly mugs everyday."

Jonathan adjusted his long white shirt and nodded toward the beautiful woman he recognized as Melinda Pappas. He'd know those set of blue eyes anywhere. Her father was dean during his graduate years at the university. She often walked on the arm of the respected scholar during her frequent visits through the hallowed halls of the main building's ash-white corridor. He turned his attention back to the blond archaeologist who seemed uncharacteristically chipper. He smirked and grabbed Janice's hand, "well gosh Doc, the feeling was entirely mutual....as hard as it is to believe. Looks like that bit of rest has done wonders."

Martin padded the young woman on the back before adding, "good to have you back. The crew and all of us missed your company." He looked toward Jonathan and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I guess my lucky streak in poker has come to an end."

Setting the backpack down, Janice guided Mel to her side. "I'd like you all to meet Melinda Pappas. My brilliant translator. This is Professor Jonathan Michaels, Professor Rebecca Anderson and Professor Martin Levy. My most trusted dig-team."

"Do we have you to thank for Doctor Covington's almost cheerful disposition?" Jonathan said before grabbing her hand and shaking it firmly.

"Don't get too used to it Jonathan. I've been known to change moods like most people blink," Janice said in with slight seriousness.

Mel blushed slightly before finally able to speak. "Janice regards you all in high esteem. I look forward to working with all of you."

Martin extended his hand. "Ms. Pappas. I hope you are feeling better." Mel nodded before he continued. "Many of us were concerned for your health. I'm glad to see you seem to be doing all right."

"Never better," she said glancing at Janice.

Martin released the delicate yet firm hand as he said, "I worked with your father during my younger days. Brilliant man....and well if you are as intelligent as your father, which I have no doubt you are, I'm sure we will all be learning quite a bit from you as well. Welcome to the dig."

Shifting into professional mode, Janice crossed her arms over her chest and spoke in the confident, firm voice all were accustomed to hearing. "Martin, I'd like to get the most recent log book entries and a briefing as soon as the day is done."

"There are some more interesting stone pieces we have been working on for the past week," Rebecca said leaning back on one of the sturdy work desk free from material. "Looks like grave markers. And a few terra cotta pieces that are in relatively good connection. Probably votive offerings to the local temples."

"Speaking of which..." Janice kneeled down on the hard ground, her knee surrounded by a few layers of firm, tightly packed sandy, and opened the drawstrings of her backpack. "While away on a very pleasant rest, I realized I had a little something of great value that belonged here." She rested her hands firmly on the stone and unwrapped it before handing it into Rebecca's secure hands. "So, I thought I'd return it."

"The stone," Rebecca said as she carefully handled the delicate artifact. "I had a feeling..."

"Why didn't you say anything..."

"Well, I figured if any raiders came back...just decided it was probably safer with you anyway," she placed the artifact on a table covered with a smooth, clear material.

"Trusting a Covington with an artifact. Dad would love the irony," Janice said before hearing footsteps at the tent's entrance.

The heavy, canvas tent flap pushed itself open as a tall, thin blond entered backwards holding three thick reference volumes in her arms. Her hair hung loosely, almost wildly, around her head coming to rest on square, slender shoulders. Her khaki shorts emphasized the smooth curves of her hips and her long legs. The cream-colored cotton shirt complemented her flawless complexion and it hugged her body exposing a generous amount of skin as the two top buttons remained open. Janice felt waves of guilt wash over her body when she realized exactly how much of this young body she did indeed have knowledge of....carnal knowledge in fact. Turning around in one fast circle, Madaline paused trying to maintain a secure hold on the bulky books, but muttered a curse when one of the books came loose from her tight grasp dropping on the sandy ground below. As Jonathan bent down to retrieve the fallen material, he motioned his head towards Mel who stood just slightly to the woman's left.

With pale and steady gaze cast from her deep brown eyes, Madaline looked over at the tall dark-haired woman noticing her physical closeness to Doctor Covington before she shifting the remaining books to one side and offered her free hand. "I'm sorry....hello, I'm Madaline Rosa...dig translator."

"Melinda Pappas...I'm a..."

Cutting off the words with a slightly excited air, Madaline said questioningly, "Pappas... Oh my god...your...your father was...wow, I've read all of his books. Committed to memory almost. My uncle...he was a great admirer his work. It is an honor." She said shaking her hand once more before letting go.

"Thank you. I look forward to working with you on the scrolls." Mel watched curiously as Madaline's eyes seemed to drift over her, the gaze almost appraising and inquisitive. But before an uneasy feeling settled within her, the gaze disappeared replaced by a thoughtful smile crossing her lips and touching the pale brown eyes.

"Likewise...I'd like to see a skilled professional at work." Looking to Mel's right, Madaline's eyes settled on Janice whose trepidation could almost be registered visibly. "Doctor Covington, a pleasure to have you back. The dig was becoming a bit too routine without you. I missed your...your guidance," she said with only a veiled attempt at hidden subtext.

"I'm sure you were in entirely good hands while I was gone. I...I don't think you'll be needing my guidance anymore. I'm sure you know your way around things by now." Janice said almost too firmly hoping the young graduate student would get the non-too implicit message.

"Yes. Yes I do." Placing the heavy books down on the empty worktable, Madaline flashed a disarming smile before saying, "since we'll be working together Ms. Pappas..."

"No, please call me Mel."

"All right Mel...why don't I show you around things. Get you settled. Well, that is if Doctor Covington wasn't planning on showing you around herself."

Mel looked over at Janice who looked a bit bemused by the situation. Regaining her composure, Janice said, "no, I...I've got a few things to take care of...by all means."

Madaline led Mel to the far side of the cleaning tent as Rebecca settled back into her hard, wooden chair prepared to resume work on a newly unearthed piece found late yesterday afternoon. "Most of the pieces are back here...." Madaline's clear, articulate voice faded into almost a whisper as Janice nodded to her two colleagues and exited the cleaning tent.
===========================
Positioning herself behind him, she could hear the loud, accented voice shout a few pleasantries to the work crew. Waiting a few seconds, Janice reached and wrapped her fingers around her gray canteen. Pouring the cool, clear liquid down the back of his already sweat-soaked cotton shirt, she could not suppress the bout of laughter that escaped her throat as he thrust himself forward and quickly turned around. His angered expression melted into delightful recognition as he wrapped his arms around the smaller, blond woman. "I've been meaning to pay you back for that little stunt you pulled a few weeks ago." Before a protest passed his lips, she repeated the phrase he said to her earlier "but I bet it felt good, didn't it."

Stavros grinned before shaking out the once loose shirt which now stuck to his body. "I've learned my lesson. Never sneak up behind the Doctor or suffer pay back." He looked her over and noticed the slight tinge of apprehension registering in her face. Her eyebrows coming together causing the familiar deep crease in the middle of her forehead. Something was weighing on her mind. He knew that for sure. "How have you been? The house okay? Where's Melinda?"

"Never better. House is great. In the cleaning tent," she said quickly and without thought before placing her fingertips on the edges of her brown leather belt, arching her back and rocking on her heels.

"Just couldn't wait to get back huh," he said offering her a seat on the hard, dusty ground beside him.

"Well, actually it was Mel who insisted we come back," she said slowly lower herself to the large trench, her feet dangling over the large crevice. "Seems she knows I don't like to be in one place for too long." Janice picked up a few grains of sand and mindlessly let them cascade through her fingers. "But to be completely honest, I could be trapped in a small room with Melinda for the rest of my life and die happy."

"I don't doubt that," he laughed as he looked out upon the crew who had returned from their break a few minutes earlier. "Things have been quiet here the past few days. The workers have settled back in their routine. The fear seems to have subsided a bit."

"I hope it stays that way," Janice said finally voicing that feeling of uneasiness, but quickly regretted it when Stavros' questioning gaze rested firmly on her. "Ah, it's nothing."

"How has Melinda been doing?"

"Fine," she said as she brought one of her knees to rest against her body. "Shoulder is healing nicely. She'll make a nice recovery from all this."

Looking at the younger woman, Stavros could easily note the inner conflict registering on the fine lines of her slightly shadowed face. "You still blame yourself, don't you?"

"How can I not?" Tipping her hat back with a single finger, she tried to get the emotions raging within her under control. "I have put her in danger before and this time...this time I wasn't there to save the day. I almost lost her. It was too damn close."

"You have no idea what life has planned for you, Janice. For her." Placing a firm hand on her shoulder, he continued, "in one moment, your whole life can change. I know this may be hard to accept, but one day you might lose her. Just as easily as she might lose you."

"I know, but I'll do everything in my power...make damn sure if I can do something... anything," she inhaled sharply, her voice becoming ripe with emotion, "to stop it...it'll never happen again." A momentary pause punctuated the conversation, but Stavros knew his younger companion had more to say. "You know, I debated for a while during her recovery. I thought to myself maybe it was better for her if I just walked away. I didn't want to put her in harm's way ever again. And I know that if she stays with me...there just no guarantees. But when I looked into her eyes, I just couldn't do it. Not again. This past month without her was like a living hell for me. I...I realized how much I need her....how much I love her. I never thought I could feel so much...it overwhelms me sometimes."

"You will learn to love her more," he said simply and firmly.

"More?" Janice laughed. "I don't know if I can handle more."

Stavros turned to face the young archaeologist. "You must understand that love comes from the ability to open oneself up completely. All your thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories....everything. You need to show her the parts of soul you are even afraid to admit to yourself you possess. Everything."

Janice snickered. "I'm not so sure she'd like me all that much if she knew the kind of person I used to be. The person part of me still is."

"She loves you, Janice. Nothing will ever change that. And I assure you as time goes on, you will fall in love with her even more. Over and over again as you constantly expose different layers of your souls to one another."

Looking back over her shoulder, Janice saw Mel's tall form exit the tent with Madaline directly behind her. A sickening and guilty feeling took control as memories of enjoying herself under Madaline's forceful and lust-driven "guidance" invaded her mind's eye. Forcing them back into the recess of reminiscence, she watched as Mel engaged in a conversation with the tall blond. "Some truths are better left buried in the soul," she said turning her attention back to Stavros. "Don't you think? I mean, what if some truths hurt the person who love most in the world."

"The truth always has a way of finding its way to the surface. No matter how we may try to bury it." Stavros looked behind him noticing Madaline pointing toward the dig sector next to the river as Melinda, hands behind her back, surveyed the land as well. Raising an eyebrow, he turned his attention back to Janice whose gazed returned to the workers. "Knowledge is power, Janice. Don't let anyone have power over you."

"Are you alluding to anything in particular," she said surprised at Stavros' insight.

"What do I know, I'm just an old man..." he said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "But you must know this. Whatever wrong you think you may have committed...she needs to know. You two share a connection that you might only be beginning to understand, but its more powerful than anything you have ever or will experience in this life. And greater than any truth you might think may separate you. You must trust it. You must trust her to understand everything that you are because she is the only one who will ever truly understand you." Stavros raised a single finger, just like Harry Covington used to do when talking to his only child. "And this bond will be with you until the end of time."

"Wow, how did you get so wise," Janice said pushing him playfully.

"Years of practice with my wife. Come on, let's see how Melinda is holding up?"

The long, hot day slowly eased into a brisk, chilly night as the pale crescent moon ascended into the endless black called sky. Thrust into pitch-blackness, the crew tents were illuminated by large gas-powered lanterns, both within its canvas confines and directly outside its entrance. Casting generous amounts of white light into the darkened land beyond, Janice looked up toward the infinite heaven above punctuated by thousands of glowing celestial bodies tossed into their expected patterns. Grabbing the soft brown leather of her jacket collar, she turned it up shielding herself from the crisp night air before taking one last puff of the small cigar, extinguishing its red-orange ambers by firmly stomping it out on the ground.

Most of the university crew had retired for the night after a long briefing. Janice had learned of the new discoveries made during her nearly three week absence. Professor Anderson was most excited by the grave markers found in the sector just east of the now completely unearthed riverbed. Carved into chalky terra cotta, the pieces measured less than two feet with detailed drawings and a long string of inscriptions. Although not as preserved as the other items, the entire white stone marked by large, deep cracks along its right side with a high amount of discoloration, Rebecca still felt the pieces was a terrific find, especially in a rural community such as this one.

Madaline had made progress on the journal translation which detailed the bard's exploits in Britannia ending abruptly with the birth of her child, a girl named Hope, as Janice had suspected. The journal, much to Janice's dismay, appeared to have large gaps. The next few scrolls, which Madaline had just begun preliminary research on, appeared to detail the return of Gabrielle's child as an adult. There was no physical evidence that these scrolls were produced years or even decades apart, but for Hope to have aged to an adult in such a short period of time, probably a little over a year, would be scientifically impossible. But if there is one thing that Janice had learned in the past year, scientific method and theory seems to go right out the window where Gabrielle and Xena were concerned. Although the rest of the crew tried to offer rational explanations for such an obviously irrational event, Janice knew with the collective minds of Madaline and Melinda working to solve this mystery the answer, natural or supernatural, was within days of their grasp.

Walking toward the small tent nestled in a far corner of the quiet camp, Janice looked forward to spending a little time alone with Melinda, whom she now shared her tent with, and away for the pressures and responsibilities of being Doctor Janice Covington, if only for a few hours. Her thoughts, however, slowly turned to the one thing that had been haunting her since their arrival on-site, her tryst with Madaline. Mulling over the unsettling idea of telling Mel just how much of the young graduate student she had knowledge of, she kicked a few rocks directly in her path with the tip of high, black boots. How would she take it? Would she hold it against me? Should I even say anything, were just only a few questions crossing her mind. But she knew one thing, Stavros was right; the truth did always find a way to come out.

Instantly, however, these thoughts, which had been weighing on her conscious, evaporated as she opened the large, canvas tent flap. Her eyes were filled with the awe inspiring vision of Mel standing near the center tent pole with only a long, button-down cotton shirt and her long, ebony hair coming to rest below her shoulder blades as she slowly ran her fingers through its thick strands. Gone were her long cargo pants she had worn all day long which hid her long, smooth legs that just seemed to gone on forever. The ivory shirt came to rest mid-thigh, and the light filtering through the its thin fabric left little, if anything, to the imagination. The erotic image assaulted all of the doctor's senses for more than a few moments before she realized she was still holding the flap open. Shaking her head slightly and getting her thoughts slowly, but surely back into focus, she ducked into the tent and cleared her throat. "Ahm...are you being careful with that shoulder," she said softly as she closed the gap between them.

"Yes," Mel said firmly before grabbing her shoulder and rubbing the thin material. "It is a little sore, but it's nothing that I can't handle."

Pushing her hat back, Janice found she had to remind herself to breath as her eyes tried to focus on Mel's face. "Well, I'd like to check...all the same. Turn around," she said before cautiously placing her hands on Mel's upper arms guiding her around in a circle. "Can you unbutton a couple of..." Quickly, Mel unfastened a few buttons as Janice brought the collar down careful not to touch the still healing wound. "Coloring looks normal. No swelling." Swallowing, Janice's fingers lingered on the warm skin longer than necessary noticing that Mel's head slowly swayed. "It's...ah...there's...definitely...uhm...healing nicely," she said, the sensual movement of Mel's head driving her to distraction.

"I love when you touch me, Janice." Mel said suddenly without thought, but not regretting the truth had slipped out.

Smiling inwardly, Janice leaned in placing her arms around Mel's waist before burying her head in between the exposed skin of Mel's shoulder blades. "I definitely like to touch you. Maybe a little more than I should," she murmured against the soft, comforting warmth of Mel's familiar skin, the sound of Janice's voice reverberated on her skin causing her to emit an involuntary and deep laugh.

Mel leaned back into the embrace discovering how much at home she in Janice's arms. Turning in the circle of Janice's firm grip, she looked down at the archaeologist before placing her hands on the slightly shadowed face and said, "And how much is that?"

Janice watched as the soft, dim lights of the two lanterns bounced off Mel's face highlighting the look of desire in the deep blue eyes, which mirrored her own. About to get lost in that look of love, Janice felt the hands on her cheeks slowly guide her face upward. Mel's lips lingered for a few moments before being drawn into the gravitational force which had become familiar to both of them. Lost in the sweet, sensual softness of her perfect mouth, Janice never wanted to be found. The kiss intensified slowly as lips parted and breath intermingled. Gripping her tighter, Janice slowly ran her hands up and down the strong, firm back before finally rest on her bare thigh. Their mouths crashed together countless times, the energy flowing between increasing both their desires, before breathlessly Janice pulled away. With their faces mere inches apart, she whispered, "Lots!"

"I missed you. I missed this," Mel said relishing in the contact and in the feelings it created. Slowly, she kissed Janice's forehead, her hat pushed further back on her head.

Resting her forehead against the taller woman's chin, Janice simply nodded. "How did I ever live without you," she wondered aloud. You didn't, answered the voice inside her. Holding her for a few moments longer, Janice broke the embrace hoping to calm the feelings making themselves known. "Bedtime."

"Great idea," Mel said arching her eyebrows.

"Mel, I..I don't think its a good idea if you sleep like that," Janice said casually looking downward.

Slowly, Mel locked her arms around Janice's neck. "Oh and why is that?"

"Because...it gets damn cold around these parts at night. So...unless you want those pretty long legs of yours to be two solid blocks of ice tomorrow, I suggest you put your pants back on. Don't get me wrong. Not that I don't appreciate the view. But the last thing I want is you coming down with something."

"Oh," Mel said a little disappointed before she reached for the short chair grabbing her haphazardly discarded pants and slipping them back on. Refusing to button them, Mel simply pulled on the drawstrings and covered the open area with the tails of her shirt.

"You take the cot," Janice said carefully setting her patent leather gun holster and tightly coiled whip over the back of her work chair.

"Oh, I thought..." Mel said, a tinge of frustration in her voice, before she resumed. "And where are you going to sleep?"

"The floor," she said tossing Mel a few thick blanket before placing a couple of the older wool ones on the firm ground. She looked up to see Mel's face register a look of guilt. "Hey sweetheart, you need the cot more than me. You've got that recovering shoulder. You need a good night's sleep. Besides, people say this good for the back." Janice turned down the two lanterns in the far corners of the tent before settling down besides the long cot. Folding one long blanket into a ball, she placed it behind her head and wrapped a light sheet around her torso. She knew her heavy leather bomber jacket, khaki pants, long-sleeved shirt provided more than enough heat to keep her warm the rest of the night. "Don't worry about me," she said before nestling her head into the makeshift pillow. "I'm probably more used to roughing it than you are." With what she felt was the final word, Janice tipped the dusty fedora over her eyes and wrapped her arms over her chest.

A few moments later as sleep was beginning to take her away, Janice felt her hat slowly being lifted away from her eyes and a sudden weigh on her left side. "What the..." was the only thing she was able to get out before her mouth was silenced by an insistent set of lips. Surrendering to the sensual attack, Janice managed to find the long, soft strands of hair with her small hands. Opening her eyes as the kiss was broken, she looked up to see Mel's smiling face before pushing some of the cascading black hair back into her grip. "What was that?"

"Roughing it," she replied before jabbing Janice in the side. "I'll have you know I used to go camping all the time when I was younger. I know all about sleeping on the ground. So, don't assume..."

"Okay...I'm sorry. I'm sorry," she said raising her hands in defeat. "But if this is punishment, I hope I get in trouble more often." Mel wrapped her arms around Janice's waist as she leaned on her good shoulder. As she looked up into the pools of hypnotic blue, her hands still buried in Mel's hair, Janice realized, "There are so many things I still don't know about you."

A look of confusion passed Mel's face before she simply shrugged. "There isn't much to tell. Nothing interesting anyway."

"Mel, everything about is interesting to me. I mean, what were you like when you were a kid," she said settling herself against Mel's lengthy body. Glancing toward their legs, Janice saw her legs only made it to Mel's calves.

"I already told you. I was a real tomboy."

"Well, could you be a bit more specific. What's your happiest memory of childhood." Janice could see the dark outline of Mel's face as it gained a thoughtful look, her mind turning to thoughts of younger days in Charleston.

"Hmm....the times my whole family was together. Camping trips were my favorite. I've always loved nature. Mama hated it," Mel said laughing. "Daddy and I would always have to drag her, kicking and screaming practically. She hated to fish, sleeping under the stars...everything that made camping fun for me I guess. Eventually, she'd warm up to it and by the end of it, she would be having just as much fun as Daddy and me. My Mama always taught me to be a lady, but during these trips, she seemed to forget. What about you," Mel said gently squeezing Janice's sides. "You're still a world of secrets to me."

Janice brushed Mel's hands away as they came dangerous close to one of secrets...her ticklish spot. "My childhood," she said as Mel nodded. "Mostly on digs. Family was never something my Dad was really good at. He tried his best. But..." She took a deep breath before she continued. "My...my mother left us when I was about eight, so I never really knew her. I don't even know where she is or if she's still alive..."

"Oh Janice, I'm so sorry," Mel said as she watched Janice's face begin to glaze over. The mask, the hardened look was beginning to form and her instinctive walls were beginning to go up.

But Mel was surprised when the look receded as she touched Janice's face. "Hey, it's not your fault," she said genuinely looking into her partner's eyes. "Besides, you have to know someone to miss them right." Janice tried to smile, but, even in the darkness, Mel could tell the smile did not touch her eyes. "My dad always said I looked like her. I had her eyes, her nose and her hair. He'd always say 'Girl, you've got your mother's Irish temper.' I guess she's apart of me whether I like it or not."

"Do you ever wonder about her," Mel asked wanting to explore Janice's new openness.

"Not really. I've been fine without her for twenty years." Janice turned her face up toward Mel. "Besides, my life is pretty complete right now. Pretty good."

"Pretty good, huh?" Mel teased.

"Damn good," Janice muttered before taking hold of the exposed skin of Mel's neck.
===========================
The hard, wooden chair creaked as she leaned back from the small, cluttered desk. The air inside the dusty, dimly-lit tent had increasingly grown stale in the work area as the sun made its way through the cloudless, blue sky. Looking upward, she could see a few streaks of sun light filter their way through small tears in the canvas ceiling. Fanning herself, she wiped some beads of perspiration that threatened to retreat into the folds of her short sleeved shirt. Even with her long hair pulled back in a ponytail, she felt the heat settle around her face and most other parts of her body. Gripping the rim of her black frames, Mel rubbed her tired, strained eyes before stretching her arms upward. She had been at this all morning. The small, incised stone sat on top of a soft felt in the exact position it had been in for the past few hours. The carvings were more difficult to make out than Mel has initially expected, but this only made her more determined to uncover the stone's hidden meaning. Fingering the sharp grooves on the stone's edges, she wondered why anyone would deliberately break the stone apart. The stone must be part of a larger piece. The cracks did not look at all natural. As the hours passed, the feelings the stone aroused within her slowly subsided, but she jumped a bit when she felt a hand lightly brush her left shoulder.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Madaline said in a slightly surprised tone. "I didn't mean to startle you. I was just wondering if you wanted any help on this." The tall, slender woman, with her long black pants and white shirt, regarded Mel for a moment before saying, "looks like you could use a break." She handed Mel a full canteen of cool water.

The muscles in Mel's shoulder tensed as Madaline's hand lingered on the edge of her shoulder blade. "It's just frustration," she said shifting in her chair to accept the offered canteen. "This is the hardest piece I've encountered."

"Maybe if we put our heads together." She stepped back and crossed her arms over her chest. "I mean, I could use a break from the scroll translations myself. I'd love to observe how you work."

Mel nodded as she cleared an area on the desk next to her. Putting some of the heavy and useless textbooks on the floor besides her feet, she carefully moved the stone forward before she pushed her black frames back securely on her face. Madaline pulled up a chair and leaned forward as she seemed ready to absorb the lessons Mel was about to instill. "The word placement is what has me puzzled. Initially, I believed that it might be some Near Eastern language, but clearly from my research in the past few hours, it isn't any language that has been recorded."

"Could it be a new dialect? A variation of the known languages," Madaline said cupping her chin with her hand as wiped some perspiration just above her brow.

"That is a distinct possibility." Mel caught Madaline's gaze and felt a distinct moment of recognition. Brown eyes filled with intensity and...rage.... she quickly focused her attention back on the piece before her thoughts could drift to the odd feelings settling within her. "Janice told me you recognized a couple of words on your initial examination."

"Yes. Actually, they were more educated guesses than grounded certainty." Madaline's long, slender fingers mindless touched the edge of the stone. "If there is one thing Doctor Covington has taught me it's to trust my instincts." Removing her roving finger from the stone's surface, she picked up a reference book from the floor and thumbed through its pages before stopping on an illustrated page. Handing the black bound volume to Mel's awaiting hands, she pointed to a small drawing on the bottom of the page. "That is drawing found on a site in Pergamum in 1925 during their excavation of the city's Great Altar and if you look closely..."

"How did you even know where to..." Mel said as she saw a few symbols matching the incisions on the stone's upper corners.

"My dissertation is on ancient religions. I remembered seeing these markings somewhere. The only problem is I have no idea if my conclusions are correct. I was hoping you could have some answers for me."

"If this a religious document. A tablet. Why is it written in a foreign language? What is it doing in Potedaia and why was it deliberately broken?"

"How do you know it was broken," Madaline said with a bit of anxiety creeping its way into her words.

"These cracks, they aren't natural. Looks to be man-made. I wonder if the other piece on site somewhere."

"I hope so too. I want to solve this mystery as much as you." Madaline looked down at her small wrist watch. "I think I should get back to it. Professor Levy wants an update in a few hours. Tell me if you find out anything."

Mel nodded as Madaline walked toward her small desk at the far corner of the musty cleaning tent. Looking at the small black and white photograph in the open book, Mel saw the resemblance between the various symbols. Perhaps this photograph could be the key to deciphering the stone. Deciphering a language was like putting a large puzzle together, but if an important piece is found, generally the rest of the pieces fall into place. Staring at upper corner figures, she mindless muttered, "Temple of the One God" before she resumed her research.
===========================
Scribbling notes on a small legal pad, Mel continued to work, her mind endless trying to make sense of the seemingly incomprehensible language. She sighed before closing the few reference books that remained on her desk. She looked over to the other side of the room where Madaline's head was hunched over a small scroll. Madaline's head turned, however, when her ears registered movement on the other side of the tent. Casually, she turned over body around and stretched her arching arms. "You calling it a day."

"My mind doesn't want to cooperate with me right now. I'm just going to take a little work around the grounds. Try to clear my head," Mel said rubbing her bear forearms as a gust of wind blew the canvas flap inward.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

"Not at all. I'm pretty sure you could use a break too."

The late-afternoon red sun streamed through the line of trees just beyond the camp as worker's began to slowly down their pace. Her lungs and heated skin were thankful for the small gusts of warm wind that pushed some of her hair into her face. Brushing the dark locks away from her tired, teary eyes, she walked slowly toward the riverbed sector as Madaline walked silently by her side trying to keep pace with her long, leisurely gait. The dry land stretched out in the large clearing now littered with large, deep holes. Wrapping her arms around herself, rubbing her hands against forearms, Mel's tight legs muscles welcomed the exercise after the long period spent sitting in a fairly uncomfortable chair.

Madaline watched as Mel's thoughts seemed to drift beyond her gaze. "How long have you been at this? On digs I mean."

"Almost a year," Mel sighed as she kicked some loose dirt up with her heel. "I've been on Janice's last two digs, but I still feel like its all pretty new to me."

Madaline's brown eyes seemed transfixed on the taller woman's face. Mel's mouth registering a brief smile. "How long have you known Doctor Covington?"

"About the same amount of time. I wasn't really a professional translator until I met her. She just took me under her wing and we've been partners ever since."

Shifting her weight, Madaline leaned forward on her left leg before turning to face Mel, her face a question, "why didn't you accompany her on this dig?"

"I had some business to take care in Charleston," Mel said quickly, but added, "I came as soon as I could get away."

"Funny, I never pegged Janice as a woman who needed a partner," she shrugged her slender shoulders before moving her blond hair to the side behind her ears. "When I got here, I just assumed she was the classic loner totally committed to work."

"Well, she just seems to need me," Mel said with a little more emphasis than she realized or intended.

Placing her hands behind her back, she rocked back and forth on her heels. "I suppose first impressions can always deceive. People are never what you expect."

"I think I've learned its best not to have any expectations that way you're never disappointed," Mel said truthfully.

"You're right. I wish I heard that before I got involved with her," Madaline said matter of factly.

"With who?" Mel said as tension began to manifest its in the tightening of her jaw.

"Doctor Covington," she stated. "I thought she genuinely hard feelings for me. What a fool! Just the whole loner-hero seduction, but she made me feel special. I don't know, alive somehow."

"You..." The blood immediately left her face and a dead weight settled into her chest as she processed Madaline's revelation.

"I'm sorry if that shocks you. Haven't you heard of relationships between woman before?" But before could answer or even breath, Madaline continued, "she is a very passionate woman."

Mel needed room. She needed space. She backed away from the clearing before she managed to get out, "I think I'd better get back...I." Stammering, she turned to walk away before she finished her thought.
===========================
Wiping the tears with her palm, Mel settled into the chair and settled her head down on the hard desk. The cleaning tent was quiet and offered her the space she needed to think. Her thoughts swirled as she wondered about all that Madaline had said. Could Janice really make someone feel that way without feeling it herself? No, No... Janice loves me, she thought. I can feel it. Her relationship with Madaline was over. It was in past. But there was a certain part of her that felt an overwhelming sense of betrayal. If she loved me, how could she even think about being with someone else? Lifting her face from the shelter of her arms, her gaze feel upon the stone. Blinking away some of the tears, she sniffled and fingered the Greek word "kalon" before turning her attention to the faded word next to it, but from the angle she was looking at it, she could see the incision on the stone. She lifted the stone more at an angle before she realized.... "Oh god," she said as slowly raised her head. "Kakon...evil..beautiful evil."