wmc jill/lindsay Taking the Steps Ch26
Title Taking the Steps Ch 26
pairing Lindsay and Jil
rating 15 yrs
disclaimer I do not own any of these characters in any way shape or form.
Jill crossed her arms and sat back on the sofa staring thoughtfully at her friends as they puttered around her kitchen. Lindsay came out and smiled apologetically then sat down opposite her. She had been kicked out by Claire and Cindy who considered her cooking skills to be marginal. Jill smiled faintly in return but said nothing. What she wanted to do was drink herself into oblivion and forget today ever happened but Claire's disapproval of her alcohol intake had made an impression and Jill was determined not to relie on the tempting liquid.
“ Ok you two, let's eat! “ Cindy exclaimed putting the filled plates on the table.
“ Finally.” Lindsay said.
Claire watched Jill closely, aware she was eating very little. It didn't surprise her given the day they'd all had and for Jill, it had been devastating. Cindy kept the conversation going single handedly. The redhead suddenly wished Chloe was there. Chloe was never lost for words and they could talk for hours about nothing.
“ Jill, we need to talk about today.” Lindsay said softly trying to guage her friend's reaction.
“ What is there to say? Peters got away with it just like I said he would.” Jill shrugged sipping her coffee. Absently, Claire noted the coffee would probably keep Jill awake all night.
“ I'm staying with you.” Lindsay frowned.
“ My building is secure.” Jill replied.
“ Still-”
“ Linds, Peters could take years to make a move. What are you going to do? Move in permanently?”
~~~~
Jacobi knocked and entered the office. Denise turned from the window and forced a smile which didn't quite reach her eyes.
“ Rough day.” He mused.
“ I blew it.”
“ No you didn't.”
“ Warren, I wanted to make up for ruining things between Jill and her doctor friend. I blew it!”
“ First, Jill ruined things in her relationship all by herself and she'd be the first to admit it. Secondly, you did everything possible but your only witness caved under the pressure.”
“ I could have prepared her better!”
“ How? She came face to face with Peters and panicked. You couldn't control that and you know it.”
“ Jill must be a mess.” Denise said helplessly.
Jacobi shook his head and drew her into his arms then kissed her gently. With a sigh, Denise leaned into him relishing the contact. Rubbing her back lightly he said,
“ Let me take you home. This has been a bitch of a day.”
~~
The hair in the sink caught his eye and he picked it up. Squeezing it between his fingers he smiled. Jill. She had been here in their house. It felt right. Moving into the bedroom, he eyed the photos of the blonde attorney and reverently stroked them. Peters closed his eyes and remembered back to the time when they had lived under the same roof. All those other girls had been pale copies of her. Peters thought about his excitement when he and his wife would be assigned a new blonde foster child. He recalled his disappointment when the girl couldn't imitate the real thing. Jill Bernhardt had been special. He'd followed her career with interest, recognizing her instantly from a newspaper article about San Francisco's new stars. Susan's role had been so simple. All she had to do was get her to the house but no she had to mess that up too,just like when she hadn't told him Jill was running away. Peters punched the wall and drew in a deep breath. It was a good thing the bitch was dead because if she wasn't, he'd kill her himself.
~~
Jill showered and changed into the shirt she favoured as sleepwear and walked barefoot out to the living room where she flicked on the tv. Moments later, the news was relating the disturbance in the courtroom. Jill watched silently surprised when she realized she was watching Lindsay not Peters. The raven haired inspector had moved quickly in front of her blocking Peters from reaching her. Jill smiled faintly. Lindsay was hot when she went into hero mode. Her smile faded as Peters was focused on and she felt the familiar bile churning in her stomach. She didn't want Lindsay anywhere near this guy. Peters had a way of winning every time. The blonde sat up straighter and broodingly realized Lindsay would feel like she was responsible for protecting her. Jill didn't want her messed up life dragging Lindsay down.
~~
She was surprised by the recoil. Jill stepped back and stared at the gun in shock and determination. Leaning in the doorway, Lindsay frowned. Jill caught sight of her out of the corner of her eye and looked at her challengingly.
“ What the hell are you doing?!”
“ Learning to use a gun.”
“ When I found out you had signed in here, I didn't believe it. Jill, you and guns don't belong in the same sentence.”
“ I bought this today. The man said it was a good weight for someone like me.” Jill said ignoring Lindsay's comment.
Lindsay tilted her head taking in the black pencil skirt and white silk shirt with the mandatory three open buttons. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. Jill looked as sexy as hell especially with the gun. Striding over she took the gun and held it. Nodding, she said,
“ He told you the truth, it's a good weight. This is because of Peters.”
“ Linds.-”
“ If you keep holding it the way you are, you're going to hurt yourself. You have to lock your elbow. Here, hold it like this.” Lindsay said softly. Lindsay placed it back in Jill's hands and guided her grip then stepped in behind her.
“ You have to squeeze the trigger. Steady, and squeeze.” she instructed putting her arms around the blonde and placing her hands over Jill's. The blonde still jumped back at the recoil and Lindsay unconsciously tightened her hold.
“ Again but lock your elbow.”
“ Huh?” Jill asked dazedly as she fought the sudden heat she was feeling. Lindsay ran her hand up the blonde's arm to her elbow and said,
“ Lock it.”
“ Oh. Kay, now what?”
“ Get your target in sight. Aim for the largest part of him, the chest.”
“ Kay.” Jill murmured
“ Jill?” Lindsay smirked.
“ Yeah?” the blonde asked aiming the gun and very aware of Lindsay's body against hers.
“ Everytime you aim you stick your tongue out. That doesn't exactly look intimidating.”
“ Tongue in. Got it.” Jill nodded. Lindsay grinned and resumed her position behind the blonde. She was beginning to enjoy the impromtu target lesson. Jill was a willing student even if she didn't have a clue that she was causing Lindsay's hormones to race. Each time she fired, the blonde stepped back putting her momentarily against Lindsay who instinctively held her. When she couldn't stand it anymore, Lindsay called it quits insisting that they continue the next day. Despite her protests, Lindsay took possession of the gun telling Jill she wasn't getting it until she was sure the blonde was ready. Visions of Jill shooting her foot off ran through her head.
Claire looked up from her paperwork and lowered her glasses as Lindsay came in.
“ I wasn't expecting you today. What's up?”
“ Is your shower free?” Lindsay asked restlessly.
“ Yeah. Where are you coming from?” Claire asked.
“ Target range.” Lindsay said disappearing. Claire hid her surprise and went back to her work.
~~
Jill prowled around her living room unable to sleep. The dream had been vivid. Sighing Jill rubbed her temples.
“ Jesus, she's your bestfriend and all you can do is dream about jumping her bones! What's the matter with you!?” she exclaimed out loud.
Groaning she sat down and thought about the target shooting which led to her thinking about Lindsay's body pressed up against hers.The blonde closed her eyes and pushed back her bangs. Knowing Lindsay was available was destroying her self control. She hadn't minded in the least pressing up against Lindsay during target practice. In fact, she had deliberately aimed badly just to prolong the lesson. Jill winced. She'd even agreed to more lessons.God Jill. You really are pathetic.
~~
He watched the lights go out and stared up at the windows. Licking his lips, he opened his coffee and considered his next move. He'd taken a room in a rundown apartment building just to be closer. Smiling, he thought about the smell of the sixteen year old and was certain Jill smelled just as good now, probably better. He was sure he could convince her to grow her hair long again. He liked running his hands through it, he'd missed that all these years. Soon. There were just a few things that needed to be addressed then Jill would be his. Smirking, he looked up at the windows again. Yes, there were things that needed his attention.