Author: RPcrazy
Category: DRR
Rating: NC-17 (Sexual situations)
Key words: Doggett, Reyes, romance, casefile.
Summary: What�s going on after dark in a small community outside DC? There is something odd about the town of Meadowlands and undercover the agents go to investigate.
Disclaimer: All the words are mine, just not the characters.
Notes: Thanks to Neoxphile�s suggestion my writing mind got a little active again. Any similarity here to �Arcadia� is purely coincidental. ;)
Chapter One
�Did you pack any toothpaste?� From the driver�s seat John looked across a little anxiously to his FBI partner.
�I have plenty to share.� Monica calmly smiled and looked out the window of their Expedition at the vast open fields a couple of hours drive from DC.
�I�m not sure I brought enough clothes.� It was more said to himself than to Monica as though he was thinking aloud.
�John,� she turned her knees on an angle towards him. �Where we�re headed they have stores. It�s not like we�re going camping.�
�They do?� That time Monica sensed a slight smile on his face. It had taken that long to see one. The whole trip had been sullen and silent but Monica knew why and allowed her partner the time to mull over in his mind the implications of the case A.D. Skinner had sent them on. �Meadowlands. Who came up with a lame name like that for a community anyway?�
�I suppose it�s meant to convey a feeling of peace and open spaces to lure the city dweller to a place they can breathe unpolluted air and live a simpler lifestyle.� Once again Monica grinned and returned to looking at the quiet fields as they sped by.
�You missed your profession Monica.� John chuckled as he prepared to read the road sign as it was coming into view. �Just think of the money you could make selling real estate.�
�I�m quite happy doing what I�m doing.� Monica also expected the sign to be the indication of their approaching turn off road. �Besides, how many professions have us play acting and getting paid for it?�
John had been intermittently fiddling with the ring on his left hand throughout the journey. It was obvious that the situation was making him edgy.
�Where did you come up with this thing anyway?� John questioned as he took the next road left towards their destination.
�It�s called a wedding ring John and it�s my dad�s.� Monica sank into the seat with a smirk, knowing the impending reaction.
�Your parents know about this?� John discerned that his voice was a little loud for the cabin interior so lowered it for the remainder of his response. �They do know it�s not for real.�
�Yes, John. I wouldn�t put them through that.� She glanced down to her own rings and smiled. The case ahead of them sounded a difficult one but it would be made all the more pleasant with the knowledge that she and John would be performing at being newlyweds, taking up residence at their very first home. �Look John, you�re going to have to get used to this. We can�t blow our cover. How hard can it be? It�s not as though you haven�t been married before.�
�I just don�t get why we need to be married. Why can�t we just be living together or even brother and sister?� He shot a brooding glance to his partner and then back to the narrow road.
�Skinner thought that if we were committed to each other this way it would show we were prepared to be loyal to their community as well. Apparently the Body Corporate only finally accepted us once they knew we were husband and wife.� Monica looked towards the setting sun. All the trouble in the community seemed to be happening after dark so they had decided to arrive at Meadowlands in the evening.
�Well I�m going to need help in that area Monica, it�s been a while.� Looking all around him first, John took the final turn off to the right, following the sign post to the small town in what seemed like the middle of nowhere.
After driving through the large welcoming archway Meadowlands seemed like any small town in the eastern states except all the houses and stores were completely new. There would have been about fifty homes of varying designs all set in ample acre blocks. The vegetation was sparse but newly planted. Over time the place would be green and lush.
All was quiet as they pulled into the driveway of their smart new home.
�Did you notice anything as we came into town, John?� Monica opened her door to exit when John came to a stand still in front of the garage at the side of their home.
�That there were no vehicles?� John turned off the ignition and stretched after alighting from the driver�s seat. It had been over two hours since leaving DC and their limbs were stiff.
�And no people. It�s dusk and there�s no-one about.� From her vantage point she could see about six more dwellings, each of them was illuminated from within, showing they were inhabited but there were no signs of traffic, cars or people.
�That�s odd.� John looked up and down the street with curiosity.
At that moment Monica saw a curtain move in the upstairs window of the house opposite and immediately made her way around to her �husband�.
�John we need to hug.� Monica demanded.
�What?� The undercover agent looked confused.
�Someone�s watching us.� Her arms moved stealthily around his body with his arms automatically responding. �We�ve just arrived at our new home after a long commute and we�re newlyweds.� She calmly smiled at his awkward look. �Now you should kiss me.�
�Monica�.� Before he could utter any more protest her lips were on his and moving lightly. It was clear that it was for show. Both agents were tentative about how far they should take it, neither feeling they should show more affection than necessary.
�Now you have to carry me over the threshold.� As her hand went to his she smiled knowing that the play had begun.
�You have to be joking!� John responded to Monica�s hand tug and followed her to the front door of the two storey cream painted dwelling. It was nothing special but plainly affordable for a first home. �Do people still do that?�
�Doesn�t matter, it�s all for show remember.� Monica jiggled the locked handle. �Do you have the key?�
John fished in his pants pocket for the front entrance key and unlocked and opened the door. Giving Monica a smirk, with both arms he lifted her easily under the shoulders and knees and carried her inside the dimly lit residence.
�Happy now?� He gently let her down and then closed the front door from possible prying eyes. �How far do we have to go with this married business?�
Monica searched for a light switch and turned on the entrance light.
�As far as necessary to show we are a loving couple.� Monica closed the curtains and then both of them began looking around the place that would be their home until they solved the mystery of Meadowlands.
�Sleeping arrangements?� As he followed her into the kitchen John voiced what had prominently been on both their minds since finding out about their marital status on the case.
Playing down her understandable interest in the topic she opened the empty fridge and sighed.
�Looks like we�re going to have to eat out or find a place to buy some groceries.�
�Monica, we can get settled then I�ll go and find us something for dinner,� he consoled. �You can have the main bedroom if you like and I�ll take the second.�
�I�m not sure that�s a good idea John.� Monica made her way out of the kitchen and then up the stairs to the already furnished sleeping area of the home. She could feel John hotly on her heels. �I think we need to sleep in the same bed. What if someone here happened to find out we were sleeping apart?�
�How would they know that unless they looked in the windows at night?� John quite rightly conveyed.
�We got an anonymous tip that there�s something strange going on in this town John. What if the people here are being monitored somehow? It�s not likely but it�s not totally out of the question. This has happened before.�
�All right,� he slowly responded as he looked across to the bed that was similarly sized to his one at Falls Church.
�It�s okay John, I�m not going to molest you in the middle of the night.� She took his hand again and led him downstairs.
�You�re not?� John produced mock disappointment that could have been real. It would take a lot of restraint on his part to not want to cuddle up with her as she lay in bed next to him. Sleep would not come easily but that was probably a good thing because what they were investigating seemed to happen at night.
Monica sniffled, �Let�s bring our luggage inside then I�m having a bath while you go look for a place that sells food.�
Just as John opened the front door the chimes rang as he came face to face with a surprised expression.
�Oh, hello. I�m Selma Purvis from across the road at number 18. You must be the Donaldson�s,� came the voice of a person of a similar age to the female agent.
�I�m John and this is Monica,� he looked back to the woman behind him. The last thing he wanted to do was ask her in but they would need to be friendly with the townsfolk at some stage. He was about to reluctantly invite her inside when she spoke,
�I won�t be staying. I�ll let you two settle in. I just came to say welcome to Meadowlands and to give you this.� She produced a large baking platter with what looked like a tasty meat and vegetable dish.
�That�s very kind of you Mrs. Purvis.� Monica thanked.
�Please call me Selma. My husband�s name is Frank.� She began to walk away then turned back. �We�d love you to come for morning coffee tomorrow if you�re settled enough.
�We�d like that Selma.� Monica stood beside her �husband� and put an arm around him. �About eleven?�
Selma nodded and then turned to leave for a second time. Only after a few steps she turned to speak again,
�I hope you don�t think I�m rude but do you two have any children?� The question came as an unexpected surprise to the couple. �Never mind.� She smiled and began her journey.
The duo were about to close the front door when their neighbor was parallel with their car and she turned back for a final time.
�You�re new here so I�ll let you know that rules of the town require vehicles to be in garages after five each afternoon.� Not waiting for a response she departed back to her home.
�What was that about children?� John mentioned after closing the door and taking the baking dish to the kitchen. �We only just got married, I don�t work that fast,� he quipped.
�And vehicles off the street after five?� Smiling at her partner�s comment Monica opened the microwave oven door to let John place their dinner inside to be heated. In the cupboards and drawers there were some cutlery and crockery. It had been prearranged that their home would be fully furnished. They mustn�t have got round to stocking food items.
�Yeah, what�s with that?� He extracted the Expedition keys from his pocket and then went to leave the room. �I suppose that�s what we�re here to find out. I�ll go get our stuff.�
To the sound of the revolving microwave oven Monica was left to brood on the situation thus far.
Chapter Two
�Did I need that!� Dressed only in a towel and looking very refreshed from the bath she had promised herself Monica came from the ensuite bathroom off the main bedroom. Sitting up reading a book John looked across to his partner then quickly back at the print pretending to not have noticed the state of her undress and how appealing she looked. He was clothed in his night attire of a T-shirt and boxers and sitting to one extreme of the bed.
�I can still sleep in the other room,� he reiterated with a little awkwardness. �This is not right.�
�John, we talked about this.� From the drawer she took out her black lace babydoll sleepwear that John couldn�t help noticing. �We don�t know exactly what we�ve got ourselves into here. We should do everything we can not to blow our cover.�
�You�re not wearing that!� It was almost an order that seemed to slip from his subconscious.
�It�s what I feel comfortable wearing.� A warm grin appeared on her face. �It�s either this or sleeping naked.� Not waiting for his response, wearing the same grin, she re-entered the bathroom to change.
Anticipating the sight that would emerge moments later, the words in John�s book were being read but the meaning was not sinking in. Since Skinner had told them the day before that he and his fellow agent would need to be betrothed to investigate the case he really had not thought clearly about the ramifications. Work was work. They worked together closely anyway. Being married was a label that gave them an excuse to get into the community to find out what was going on and to do the job they were paid to do.
Things had changed since he had slipped the wedding ring on his finger. The mere gesture sent a wave of fleeting panic through his system.
�What�s the book?� Monica slipped under the covers with John�s eyes still firmly on the print.
��The Last Juror� by John Grisham. It�s about a convicted murderer who seeks revenge on his jurors.� John flipped over the page and began trying to read from the top.
�I didn�t see you as the novel type reader.� Gently she took the book out of his hands and placed it on the bedside table.
�A friend suggested I needed to chill out a bit, do something not work related for a change, read a book,� he smirked awkwardly wondering where the questioning would lead. �What �type� do you see me as?�
She rolled on her side to face him and took up position squarely in the middle of her half of the bed.
�I agree with your friend.� Monica paused as her colleague also slipped under the covers but teetered at the very edge. �You�re an excellent investigator John but you do need to loosen up sometimes.�
�And how would �you� suggest I do that?� His work and trying to keep himself healthy were really all he had in life until Monica appeared on the scene. She was the one who kept him sane most of the time but he had never acknowledged it, choosing to keep his rough exterior for the public.
�Well first of all, that kiss!� Monica moved a hand out gently tugging on his forearm. �We�ll need to work on that and other things if we�re going to pull this marriage off.�
�..
�What was wrong with the kiss?� John was resisting the urge to move closer. It just didn�t seem right. Skinner hadn�t sent them there to fraternize, but to do their job.
�You were as stiff as a board.� Monica decided she needed to move nearer to him. �If Selma was watching us any closer than she was she would have wondered why it looked like you�d never kissed a woman before.�
�It has been a while.� John reminded, a little uneasily.
�Then we need to get in a little practice. Come closer, you�re about to fall out of the bed there.� Monica expressed amusement at his tentative stance.
�I am not!� John retorted.
�Yes you are! One little shove like this�� With the flat of her hand on his chest she gave a medium push. �And you�d fall out.� And he did, landing with a big thud on the floor.
�Okay, okay!� Trying to curb his embarrassment he lifted his sorry self up and slipped back under the covers. �Teach me how you want me to kiss you next time someone is watching.�
�For a start, it has to be natural, and not just for show.� She slowly drew him closer until their bodies barely touched. Monica took the lead. �I put my arms around you like this.� She used one arm around his back to demonstrate. �Now you do the same but relaxed, as though I�m the only woman in the world you want to be holding right now.�
With that comment their eyes connected briefly, each instantly being a little self-conscious about the implications of the statement, then just as quickly dismissing it to get on with the lesson.
�Like this?� His proximity to her in such an intimate way was eroding away his resolve to keep their relationship professional. How could the assistant director suggest they be undercover as a married couple and to not expect them to be intimate in some way?
�Better than before but you have to relax John.� They settled into a comfortable position in each other�s arms. �Now the kiss!�
�What do you want me to do?� he whispered as, like a magnet, his face moved in closer to hers.
�Let�s take it slowly,� she murmured as their lips met for a second time. All the nerve endings came alive at once as gently they kissed, deeply enjoying the satisfying sensation.
It didn�t take any more words for Monica to teach John how she liked to be handled. He followed her every lead as not just their lips moved but their torsos and limbs. Almost connecting as one, their bodies came nearer as the kiss naturally became more passionate. Legs intertwined and hands inadvertently pleasured parts of their flesh that had long been uncharted.
Their lips parted, exploring more of the warmth that two aroused people could share.
The small moan that came from deep within Monica�s larynx snapped them out of the heavenly paradise that shouldn�t have been.
�I�m sorry.� John exhaled the words on his partner�s swollen lips. �This went too far.�
Monica�s head just fell back on the pillow exhausted from the intensity of the union. Her lids closed and her mouth expelled the air she hadn�t understood she�d been holding.
�No, don�t be sorry,� she gasped, her eyes still shut, wanting the memory of the new found feelings to linger. �That was perfect.�
John snapped off the bedside light letting the room fall into darkness. Monica had gone quiet but he knew she must have felt it too. The sparks between them had been more than just teacher and student. He smiled a smile that had eluded him for so long. Even if they never kissed like that again then the memory of that union would always bring that smile to his face.
Inhaling, then exhaling, he sunk into his pillow wondering what lessons the following day would bring.
Chapter Three
The morning light streamed in the partially open curtains. John woke to something warm and slightly heavy on his chest. He smiled again remembering the kiss from the previous evening and that Monica�s arm rested comfortably over his chest. Coming to his senses his face went no nonsense again as he tried to pry the arm off without waking her.
He was pleased it hadn�t gone further the previous night or he would have regretted it. The case was not an excuse to make out, nor was it a dirty weekend away. Going the next step with Monica would be something they would need to discuss first. It was a decision that shouldn�t be taken lightly. However, the kiss had given him something to smile about.
Halfway to the bathroom for a morning shower he heard his name.
�John?� Monica�s weary voice called from their bed.
�Well good morning Mrs. Donaldson,� he ginned and went to sit on the bed beside her and then leant down to give her a small kiss on the lips.
�You�re starting to get the hang of this marriage,� she beamed back.
�Well, as you said, we can�t bring any undue attention to ourselves if we�re to find out what�s going on and we do have to be married to be accepted here.� John went to stand again. �Just that fact alone makes me suspicious of this place.�
�Did you hear anything last night?� Monica sat up in bed letting the covers fall to her waist. John�s eyes diverted to the lovely sight only for a moment. He would need to keep his thoughts in check if he was to nut out their procedure for the day.
�I heard nothing which tends to suggest that this case may go on longer than we thought.� He plodded to the bathroom door then briefly turned back. �I was thinking we could start with buying some groceries and having a look around the town, maybe asking some questions that any new residents would ask.�
�Okay, I�ll give Skinner a call and provide him with an update.� She paused fleetingly and chuckled. �I know what you�re thinking. No, I won�t tell him about last night.�
With a smirk, �Good,� was all he could say . He really didn�t want to get into analysing what had happened between them but during his shower he found himself dwelling on her taste and touch.
*****
Meadowlands township was much busier during the morning than it had been the previous evening. There was actually some traffic as opposed to no vehicles and there were people milling about the paths and front lawns. Children played in their yards and happy couples were seen walking their dogs. All seemed normal during the sunny daylight.
A few people smiled and waved as John and Monica drove slowly past on their way to purchase some provisions. The store was close enough to walk but they wanted to tour the town on wheels first to get an overview of the feel of the place. All seemed like a happy, carefree community.
�Makes you wonder, doesn�t it!� Monica was the first to speak what was on both their minds.
�So you think that call to Skinner might have been some sort of hoax?� John turned the vehicle left into the main street.
�No, he said there was real urgency in the voice on the phone. It sounded genuine enough and that people were disappearing from here regularly over the past year.� She scanned the streetscape as she spoke. �Real enough for us to investigate.�
�What I don�t get is why he waited this long to tell us and why he wouldn�t give his name.� The Expedition pulled up outside the local supermarket.
�Fear, I gather. Fear that he may be the next victim.� Monica exited her door and reached for the handbag that John passed to her.
Locking up, John made his way around to his �wife� and whispered,
�It doesn�t look as though these people are afraid.� A group of early teens cruised past and each gave the newest residents a relaxed smile and a greeting. Keeping a low voice he continued as they entered the store, his arm lightly around her waist. �But I get the feeling there is something going on here behind the scenes.�
�You get the feeling John?� Monica showed a surprised expression. �What happened to your meat and potatoes good, solid facts?�
He gave her an oblique momentary look and explained,
�Feelings have to come before getting the facts. If I didn�t have a sense that there is something fishy here then I wouldn�t be going after the facts.� Pushing a shopping trolley along the aisles the couple began choosing what they thought they might need for the possible few days.
�Good point,� Monica�s eyes smiled as she shared the pushing of the trolley with her �husband�. It felt very comfortable in his presence as though it was ever so natural to be food shopping with her newlywed husband.
�Hey there!� came a happy voice from close by. �Can I help you?� It was a young man in about his mid twenties. He was neatly dressed in a plaid green shirt and jeans, with an apron on top. �You�re new here.�
�Yes, I�m John Donaldson and this is my wife Monica.� John held out his hand and shook the attendant�s. �Just moved in last night.�
�You�re the ones who moved into 20 Valleyview?� His bright green eyes were infectious. �I�m Jarred Hughes by the way. I work here.�
�Jarred, is this place usually so idyllic?� Monica made the decision that it was the perfect time to ask some natural newcomers� questions. �The people we�ve met so far have been so keen to make us feel welcome.�
�Oh yessiree, the folks around here sometimes call the place Mellowlands,� he laughed at his own pun. �This place would have to be �the� place to live in the US. It�s a wonder why there ain�t people busting the doors down to get in.�
John knew this was a good time to ask the question that so far had occupied his mind.
�Why is it that this pace only takes married couples? Why not to singles or unmarried partners?�
�Do you have any children? It�s all for the children.� To Jarred it was a simple question but to the agents it made their FBI radar jump into the next gear. �We have a good special on today, follow me.� He changed the subject leaving the agents in an inquiring limbo.
�..
Not wanting to appear rude they followed the attendant to the meat department.
�It�s blade steak from cattle grown in our regions. Good for casseroles and grilling barbecues.� He spoke as though nothing was amiss and held up a tray of the thick slab of meat.
�Jarred, what do you mean it�s all for the children?� Monica asked in her quiet, comforting voice.
�You know! That�s why married couples come here, to have children.� For the first time his face changed from bright animation to a puzzled frown. �You have read the community rules!�
John didn�t want to say he hadn�t because something told him that it wouldn�t go over too well.
�We don�t have any children.� John read Jarred�s face and saw no subterfuge, he seemed genuine. �Monica and I are not sure we want children just yet.�
�You will!� he smiled as he began walking off. �Happy shopping, I�ll leave you be. See you at tonight�s meeting.�
�What did he mean by that?� John kept watching the attendant until he was out of sight.
�Maybe he�s just traditional and thinks that all couples marry because they want children.�
�No, there�s more to it that just that.� John emphasized.
�There are those feelings again John.� Monica grinned and took him by the elbow urging him to continue the reason they were there in the first place. �That meeting he was talking about, we�ll find out more from Selma when we�re at her place for morning tea.
Chapter Four
Selma and Frank Purvis� residence was in more of a country manner than John and Monica�s and completely different in style. All the wooden architecture such as stair banisters, skirting boards and door frames were all made from blond wood giving the place a light and airy feel. The colors were pastel pinks, oranges and greens also adding to the distinctive mode.
The house smelt of freshly brewed coffee and recently cooked cake.
�Eleven o�clock, exactly on time, I like that.� At the entrance door Selma greeted the neighboring couple with a welcoming smile. �Frank couldn�t be here and gives his apologies. Come into the kitchen, you�re going to have to tell me all about yourselves.�
�This is very kind of you Selma.� Monica placed her fingers between John�s and with a come-hither look led him along behind her.
�Mommy, Mommy!� A child�s voice called from the top of the stairs just before the girl�s tiny legs bounded downwards.
�Come and meet our neighbours, sweetie.� The girl, all of four years, jumped into her mother�s arms. �Jolee, this is Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson from across the way.�
�You can call me John and this is Monica,� he introduced with a gentle tone.
�Hello Jolee,� Monica greeted, �What a pretty name!�
�It�s my sister�s name. Sadly we lost her just before Jolee was born. Not long after that her husband Dillon was killed in an accident at work.� Selma looked sad for a moment and then visibly cheered. �Sweetie, go upstairs and play for a bit while Mommy and her guests talk.�
�I�m sorry,� Monica consoled as the small girl made her way back upstairs.
�They lived here too you know, in Meadowlands.� Their host started fishing in one of the drawers. �There�s a photo somewhere. Here.� Taking Selma�s cue John and Monica sat around the dining table which was beside the breakfast bar. She passed the photo to Monica first.
Selma hadn�t mentioned anything about a child because in the photo there were three people. The adults must have been Jolee and Dillon but there was also a boy of about eleven or twelve.
�So the boy, where is he now? I assume he�s their son.� Monica asked as she handed the photo to her partner.
�Boy?� Slightly she shook her head. �There�s no boy. My sister and her husband were childless. That�s why they moved here in the first place.�
John frowned with concentration. Clearly in the photo were two adults and a boy all standing around a Christmas tree in what must have been their home.
�Here.� He pointed at the photo as he leant over to show her the blond haired boy standing on the other side of the tree to what seemed to be his parents. �Is he a relative then?�
�I�m not seeing what you�re seeing.� Her confusion was indisputable. �What you�re pointing to is their grandfather clock. It�s been in the family for generations. Frank and I have it now, it's in the living room.� She stood and took a breath in. �Coffee and cake anyone?�
John looked over to Monica who was slightly moving her head in bewilderment. There was no clock in the photo Selma had shown them. There was a boy. Fact. Both agents� eyes saw the same thing.
�..
�Could she be in denial?� Monica whispered to John out of earshot of their host. He was scanning the room in his usually acute way and then stopped on something on a far shelf.
�I don�t think it�s that.� He stood and moved over to a framed family photo. Just then Selma came back with a tray filled with their refreshments.
�That was taken Easter last year.� Selma smiled at Monica and then placed the tray on the table and began setting out the cups and saucers. �Hasn�t Jolee grown a lot since then.�
�Yes, she has.� John nodded agreement but besides Selma, Frank and their small daughter there was someone else in the photo, an older girl, about fourteen. This time he wouldn�t state the obvious. �Do you and Frank have any other children Selma?� He shot Monica a quick, serious glance before concentrating his attention back to Selma and her reaction. �Do you mind?� He lifted the photo asking permission to bring it back to the table.
�Of course.� Selma poured the coffees. �Until we came to Meadowlands we were childless. We were blessed with a daughter and will be having another child in seven months time.�
�Congratulations.� Monica warmly wished.
�Selma, sorry to be so nosey but could you tell me about this in the photo?� John once again pointed to the extra child.
�Oh, that�s our lovely maple tree. It�s grand isn�t it.� She moved over to the French doors leading out the rear yard. �We can see it from here.�
Monica first looked at the photo and saw the teenage girl John had been referring to, then standing to move over to the glass doors, she trailed her fingers along her colleague�s shoulders.
To Monica�s eyes the maple tree was indeed grand but it wasn�t in the photo. Her glance went back to an equally mystified John.
�So, enough of me! I want to hear all about you two.� Selma came back to the table and began serving the cake. �So when are you expecting your first child?�
�Selma,� Monica just had to correct. �We�re not thinking of children just yet.� She gave John�s hand a knowing squeeze. What was the big deal about children in this place?
�Nonsense! Couples come to Meadowlands to have children. It�s in the rules.� Their host was adamant.
�In the rules?� John wanted to add sarcastically that Skinner had neglected to inform them of these rules, especially the one about having babies.
�What other rules are there here Selma?� Monica serenely questioned.
�Tsk, tsk, you haven�t read The Covenant!� Selma reprimanded as she took a sip of her coffee and the guests did the same. �You�ll have to read those before the meeting this afternoon.�
�Where can we get our hands on a copy of this Covenant?� John asked.
�There should be one on your lounge room coffee table. Every household gets their own copy.� Selma all of a sudden smiled sheepishly. �But I�m sure you newlyweds have had your minds on other matters.�
When Monica understood her meaning she lightly blushed. Indeed she�d had her thoughts more on John than looking around their new home.
�So what happens at these meetings?� John steered the conversation away from their possible love lives.
�We pledge allegiance to The Covenant and welcome new residents such as yourselves, plus other regular matters. You�ll find out more this afternoon. It�s at four in the old church hall on Summerhill Drive. Just remember to be home before five to park your vehicle in the garage.�
�Why is that?� John inquired. �What�s so harmful about leaving our vehicles in the driveway?�
�Ours is not to question The Covenant, but to comply.� Selma nodded matter-of-factly.
Monica could see John beginning to bristle and stroked his arm under the table. He was a law abider but when the rules were just plain ridiculous he wanted to question.
�Thank you so much for the coffee.� Monica mentioned after finishing her hot drink. �But we�re going to have to get going.�
�So soon?� Selma�s face dropped as though her life would turn back to the dull it seemed to be once the guests were gone.
�We�ll invite you over next time.� Monica squeezed John�s arm to get his attention. He�d had his mind and eyesight on another photo in the room.
�Yes, the coffee was good.� John snapped to attention. �The cake was delicious.�
As they said their good-byes, Monica could see little Jolee climb into her mother�s arms again.
�Did you just happen to see that photo?� John posed when it was deemed they were out of earshot. �The one with the other boy and girl together? A maple tree and a grandfather clock, my ass!�
Holding hands for show they chuckled all the way back to their front door.
Was Selma Purvis the only one in town who had photos of invisible children?
Chapter Five.
�What a whole lotta crap!� John sat up from his reclined position on the couch with The Covenant open in hand. �I�ve been here for over three hours reading this rubbish and not one bit of it makes sense!�
Monica had changed her clothes in readiness for their town meeting for which they would need to leave in a few minutes.
�You going like that?� Monica asked.
�It says here that we�re meant to only paint our houses pastel colors and only with the approval of the Body Corporate.� He shook his head in disbelief.
�John, it doesn�t matter, we�re not staying here remember?� Monica urged. �We have to leave now if we�re going to be on time.
John ran his agitated fingers through his short hair.
�At no time are we meant to venture further along Pinenut Fairway than house number 26. Why the frick not?� John looked up in protest when Monica took the book out of his hands. �Hey!�
�John, we have to leave!� Monica reiterated.
�Okay.� He reluctantly slipped on his shoes and ran a comb through his hair before claiming his jacket by the front door. �Off to some weirdo cult meeting we go!�
Monica just smiled at the man she had come to admire no matter what mood he was in.
�Are all rural community projects this rigid?� He commented as he opened the car door for his partner.
�John!� With a calm expression she turned to face him. �For now it doesn�t matter. We can change the world after we�ve found out what�s happening here. Now, is Selma watching us?�
�Selma?� His brow furrowed but then turned towards her residence. �Looks like she�s doing some gardening. Jolee�s riding a scooter. Wonder why she�s not going to the meeting.�
�This is your chance for redemption.� Her hand slid slowly and softly down his arm, getting back his attention.
�You want me to kiss you again?� His face turned staid yet pleading. �Monica, I don�t know if I can play act this any more.�
�What�s wrong John?� Monica had a good idea of his apprehension but wanted him to express his thoughts. The preceding night in bed he had shown her exactly what his body had wanted to do after that kiss but sensed it was too soon.
�I want to kiss you but kissing you like the way we did last night just makes me want to go further.� His voice lowered almost to a whisper.
�Maybe I want you to go further too.� Her small smile made his eyes go wide with understanding. �Just kiss me now or we�ll be late for the meeting.� Her arms embraced his body, pulling him closer.
�We could miss the meeting.� His arms surrounded her and with a twinkle in the eye he smiled.
�As much as I�d like that right now, this is a time we need to do our jobs.� She gave him a hearty kiss on the lips which he returned with full enthusiasm. �Something tells me we�re going to learn a lot from this town gathering.�
�I�m not sure I�m going to be concentrating at that meeting,� he mentioned under his breath as he headed around to the driver�s side of the Expedition.
*****
�Over there!� Monica gave John a nudge as they took up seating about halfway down the aisle of the old church. �Front row, other side.� It had taken a while to get to their seats with half the people stopping to welcome them to their community. Half of them again asked if they had any children. The fixation with children was starting to get on John�s goat but he had to keep a plain face for the sake of their acceptance as newcomers.
John looked to where Monica was focussing.
�Frank Purvis from the photo,� he confirmed and then dropped his voice to a whisper, which she felt warmly on her ear. �I wonder if he sees clocks and maple trees too.�
�John!� Monica nudged him and chuckled at his sarcasm. Sometimes her partner had a dry sense of humor but at least he could make her smile. �Selma must have been home to look after their daughter.� Monica scanned the room and quietly leaned in towards her partner who was already shoulder to shoulder. �Only adults here.�
�We�re going to have to have a chat with our friend Mr. Purvis after this meeting.� That was the last word he could utter before there was a change of mood in the place.
To the male agent there was something about having the meeting in the church that spoke cult and his thoughts were confirmed when the entire �congregation� stood as one man walked up to the dais.
�L�der! L�der! L�der!� The crowd chanted and the couple gave each other brief looks of bewilderment. John scanned the sea of faces and noticed they all were in some sort of odd adoration of the man before them. When his hand raised, everyone sat with a quiet rustle and the new couple followed suit.
�Welcome to you all, ladies and gentleman, to our monthly meeting.� As he made his welcoming introduction there was nothing John noticed about the shortish, balding man who would have been in his mid forties, that was anything charismatic. In fact his voice seemed to drone on and on letting John wonder when he was going to get to the point.
There was a sudden tug on his arm and he was standing, he and Monica the only ones doing so in the room. All the smiling eyes were now on the couple and the room started applauding.
�John and Monica Donaldson have moved here from DC after just being married a week ago.� The speaker still hadn�t mentioned his name and both agents had tried to figure it out from small talk surrounding them but there had been none. There was another applause and then silence as he went on. �John is in banking and will be commuting to work to nearby Bellbrook after the close of their two week honeymoon.� Was he looking directly at Monica for his next statement? �..and Monica is apparently wanting to find a retail job close by but we all encourage her to stay home and be a wife to her husband, don�t we all!�
The crowd clapped and cheered again and didn�t notice Monica�s face trying to stay as calm as possible. She smiled a nervous smile knowing that she wasn�t really going to stay living in the community that seemed to favor old fashioned beliefs and unusual community spirit.
�Just like all you before me when you first came to our community, John and Monica Donaldson are invited after the gathering to spend some time with me in my office for the official signing of The Covenant.� The crowd gave another round of applause and stood cheering. All those within reach gave them convivial taps on the shoulders. With stiff smiles they took it all in as part of their job there.
�..
John squeezed the hand that had slowly crept into his as the meeting dragged on after that. There was something about some family having two pets and the reminder that only one was appropriate. They had to choose one to give away, it was ruled in the treaty. There was another about someone planning an overseas trip without the sanction of the town�s committee. He remembered himself feeling that even though he had lived with the regime of the US Marines, he would go nuts in a community as rigid as Meadowlands.
It was towards the end of the meeting when things started to go even crazier. It was some sort of testimonial time where individuals would get up on the raised steps at the front of the church and talk about something special they had done since the last meeting that was beneficial for the community.
�Stay awake John.� Monica smiled near his ear and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. �It�s almost over. We all have a 5pm curfew remember.�
�Well our car does,� he reminded with a curl of the lip. For some reason it made him think of Fox Mulder. If it was him there maybe play acting being married with Scully he would probably deliberately leave the car out to see what happened. John was more subtle than that. He already had an idea of where to continue his investigation, he would just need to gain some community trust first.
Just then a familiar face appeared at the dais. It was Jarred Hughes from the supermarket where they had done their much needed grocery shopping.
�As you know from the last meeting I promised I�d keep my supermarket prices affordable. I�ve endeavored to put some lines on special each week. This week�s buy is the blade steak, good for grilling and barbecues.� There was a big smile on Jarred�s face as murmurs went through the throng.
John just rolled his eyes and wished the meeting done with. Even some meetings at the FBI were more entertaining.
�Thank you Jarred, thank you Connie and thanks to Barry for those testaments. See you all at our next meeting. In the meantime keep up those smiling faces we all like to see.�
With that the meeting closed. People in droves began moving out of the church.
�There�s Frank Purvis, I�m going over for a chat,� mentioned John but it was too late. The short, balding man was there beside him. �John, Monica, follow me please.� Frank would have to wait until later. There was probably a simple explanation for Selma not seeing the older girl in her photos but it still was a mystery. Her husband�s reaction could explain all.
�In here.� It was a typical office. His desk was in the center of the room with the name plate displaying a Charles Simmonds. The name didn�t ring any bells with the agents. Why hadn�t Skinner mentioned there was a town leader and why wasn�t it written in the case file? The rest of the room was awash with literature and books and wall charts. There was a map of the whole of Meadowlands.
He headed over to a small table where one side was set with some afternoon refreshments and the other half looked business.
�We won�t be long here. I know you two have a wish to be home where it�s comfortable.� His smile seemed genuine but there was something more behind the fa�ade, John could always tell, so could Monica.
�We would like to get going, we don�t need to remind you that vehicles need to be off the street by 5, why is that if you don�t mind me asking?� John asked with a chuckle.
Before replying Mr. Simmonds gave each of them a long, probing look which they returned unruffled. The session was clearly one to size them up, to see if they really were Meadowlands material. The agents, even though they wanted to fit in, they didn�t want to be trampled on either.
�You saw my nameplate on the desk. They call me Chuck.� It was clear he wasn�t going to answer John�s question right away. �Each new couple to our community gets to sign the Official Covenant.�
�Official Covenant?� Monica questioned.
�Call it a visitors� book if you will.� His hand rested on the cover of a fairly worn large book which was closed on one half of the table and then just as quickly changed the topic. �Sandwich? coffee? Either of you?� he began to pour a steaming cup for himself.
To refuse would have seemed impolite but being a little peckish after a few hours without food John accepted a meat, lettuce and tomato sandwich. Monica refused the offer of milk in her black coffee.
�So what are we signing exactly?� John was not entirely trusting of the man but on the other hand didn�t want to create waves either.
Chuck opened the book to where a list of names was printed in the left hand column and signatures in the right. The title Visitors� Log was printed at the top.
Both agents noticed that he protectively kept his hand on the front half of the book. Under no circumstances would they sign anything without fully knowing what was involved but they�d be signing with false names so nothing legal would stick.
With the other hand he first held a pen to Monica.
�You first Mrs. Donaldson.� His face was good. It stayed expressionless as Monica signed the line next to her printed name. John did likewise after quickly scanning the names above, as he had been trained.
�Just a formality.� He closed the book and stood, suggesting it was time they left. �Now remember John and Monica, follow the simple community rules and your life here will be idyllic.�
�We�ll do that, thank you Chuck.� John exited the office first and made his way back to the front door of the church. Monica slipped her hand in his as he turned to see Chuck waving them off. �Idyllic, my ass,� John whispered when it was deemed they were out of earshot.
�There might be some who really like this way of life,� Monica was ever the voice of reason and harmony. �Come on, let�s go home and make ourselves some dinner. After that we have the night to ourselves.�
John�s eyes widened again, remembering what Monica had said when they had kissed before heading for the meeting.
