SYNCHRONICITY (The Lone Wolf)

Swish, Part 3

Alison and Judy flanked Kimberly on either side as they sat in the back seat. Sebastian turned halfway in the front seat, facing the ladies and stared at her, firing his thoughts privately to her, a flurry of questions as well as his offer of protection.

When they arrived at the large white beach house; she stared up with trepidation in her eyes. "Doesn't that old mean guy live there?"

"Sonny? Oh he's okay," Alison replied taking her arm in hers, pulling her toward the house. "He's probably waiting up..."

Kimberly nodded. "Yeah," she replied. "He's relieved."

Alison looked toward his door as Sebastian headed up the stairs as quietly as he could, after having kicked off his shoes. "Aww, I think that's really sweet," she said warmly.

"Guess ya gotta know him?" She too looked toward the door. "He's listening for footfalls."

Sebastian was unlocking their door and then waited for the rest of their entourage to walk up.

"Don't be too late," Sonny grumbled through the door.

"Okay," Alison said quietly. She giggled quietly as she ascended the stairs.

Once inside Sebastian's tiny room, Alison led Kimberly toward the windows and presented Sebastian's view to her. She turned to the tall young man and smiled as she nodded. "I can see why you love it."

"I know you like your privacy and the bed is real comfy..."

"You know this from experience, of course?"

Alison giggled. "Of course you're welcome to stay downstairs with us?"

Kimberly shook her head. "Nah, it's okay. Look, it's been a really long day and I'm really tired. Do you mind if we chat tomorrow?"

"You won't try to leave," Sebastian asked quietly.

"I'm offended that you even asked that," she said. "Are you kidding me! She's planning on making biscuit skillet..."

Sebastian grinned and nodded then gave her the fifty-cent tour. He offered to bring up the percolator which she declined, telling him that he needed it more than she did, and he nodded gratefully, causing her to chuckle.

Once downstairs in their apartment, Sebastian and Topher sat at the dining room table each nursing a beer.

"You really want her as a secretary? Seems like an awful waste of talent to me," Topher offered.

"Maybe? But did you notice that she didn't touch anything that wasn't hers or Alison?"

Topher gazed thoughtfully into the air, then shook his head. "No, didn't."

"Even when we got here. Not even the handrail."

"Perhaps she's a germaphobe?"

"I rather doubt that. Let's ask...Ali?"

Alison took a few steps toward the doorway of the kitchen. "Yeeees?"

"Is Kimberly a touch-know?"

Alison breathed in deeply. "Was it that obvious?" She watched him nod his head as he gazed into her eyes.

"I rather doubt that she'll get a lick of sleep," Sebastian said as he rose from his chair. "I'll be right back."

"I'm sure she knows the offer's open."