Tattooed Dreams....

Judy spent three more days in the hospital recovering from her miscarriage. Kali sent a beautiful silk arrangement of spring flowers, yet she took no pleasure in them. As soon as the nurse brought them in and left, the troubled woman turned her face back toward the window.

Sighing heavily, Judy sat down in one of the chairs on the deck, thinking about what to do next. The doctor refused to even consider letting her return to work for at least three more weeks. Luckily, money was no problem. He had said she was about fourteen weeks along. That would have put the conception date about the time of Kali's delivery. The night Taker stayed the night?

Shock hit her like a sledge hammer, right in the pit of her stomach. Taker! He had been the father of her lost baby! Tears flowed freely as she thought about her loss! She'd had a piece of him that he couldn't take back, and lost it!

Judy was drowning in her own self-pity! The early spring sun shone down on the distraught woman, yet she took no notice of the tranquil beauty of her surroundings. Giving in to her emotions, she let the pain have free reign! She cried till there were no tears left! The emptiness she felt afterwards, was almost as bad as the tears of a few minutes earlier. Judy stayed that way till late afternoon. By then she had reached a decision.

Judy had caught a cab to her shop the day she was discharged, to pick up her Jeep. She wasn't suppose to be driving, but how else was she going to get home.

Kali had given her the keys before she left going back home. Judy made her promise again, not to mention this to anybody. "I wish you would tell Taker. He has a right to know!" Kali urged gently. Her understanding gaze held the other woman's pain filled eyes.

"If I told him, he wouldn't believe the baby was his. I started seeing Brian Lee some time after your son was born. Taker would question whether or not the baby was even his! NO...it's best this way! It's best he doesn't know. I've had enough of his shit!" Judy said tiredly. Her lips were nearly colorless, and dark circles were plainly visible under her eyes.

Kali didn't doubt the child had been Taker's, and she knew her friend was right. He would question the paternity of the infant. "OK! You have my word. I won't tell anybody. But I have to go. Here's your keys. I'll be in touch, and Judy, call me if you want to talk."

Kali hugged the other woman, then left. But Judy was wrong. Taker had a right to know. Somehow, she had to get these two back together.

Now, six months later, Kali hadn't heard from Judy since shortly after she had been discharged from the hospital. Taker still came to visit his son, and their relationship was back on track. Their friendship was stronger than ever, having survived the fire, so to speak.

Taker was at Kali's again. CJ was really growing. He was really big for his age, and strong! He had obviously taken after his father in that respect. But his coloring was Kali's.

Stretching out on the floor, playing with his son, the big man calmly asked Kali if she had heard from Judy, watching her over his shoulder.

"Why do you ask that?" Kali replied, ignoring the question, going completely still.

"I was just wondering! She seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth! No body has seen her or heard from her in some time now. Did you know she had been seeing my cousin, Brian? He said he hadn't seen her in quite a while. Something about catching him with another woman." Taker chuckled when he thought about what Brian said she'd done to him.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Kali glanced up, meeting those green eyes that seemed to look straight to the soul! "A... no! I haven't!" She said nervously, looking back at the t.v. quickly.

Taker rolled over on his side, wondering why she was lying to him. He studied her closely for several minutes, then got up to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow after the show!" He said as he closed the door behind him.

As he got into the rental car, Taker once again called the private detective he'd used to find her before! He didn't expect to hear from the man so soon. The very next day, he informed the big man, that she had not been seen in some time. She had literally dropped off the face of the earth.

*******************

A few weeks later, a tattoo convention was being held in Las Vegas. Kali was going and hoped to see Judy there. She had tried calling several times and all her letters had been returned. Sighing deeply, Kali went on with her life, wondering if she would ever get it back to normal.

The week long convention was being held in one of the largest hotels there. Kali had a booth set up and everything was fine, but CJ tended to get really cranky later in the evening. He was too excited to take a nap during the day, and by six, was usually irritable.

Kali was having a particularly trying evening with CJ when glancing up, she found Kane standing there.

"How are you, Kal?" He asked softly, his hazel eyes continued to stray to the active toddler in her arms. The baby had stopped fussing and was staring at the strange man. Before Kali knew what was happening, CJ had launched himself at Kane.

"CJ!" Kali was nearly thrown off balance by the child's actions. Kane caught him effortlessly. He had instinctively reached out for him when the child lunged forward.

Kane's eyes stayed on the child's features. CJ was learning to talk and was a very curious child. Reaching out a long fingered hand, he touched Kane's cheek, completely captivating the big man.

"I'm sorry Kane! CJ, come to momma!" Kali tried in vain to get the child away, but he refused to leave Kane's arms. He laid his head against Kane's massive chest, stuck his thumb in his mouth and stared back at his mother, perfectly content where he was. "Kane, I'm sorry! He's never done this before! He's usually very leery of strangers!" Kali's eyes were on her son, and missed the startled look, that turned misty, in Kane's eyes. He looked down at the little boy that could have been his, and felt a lump in his throat.

Kane stood there talking to Kali for a while, then had to leave. CJ was dozing by the time Kane handed him back to his mother. Kali carried the sleeping child over to his playpen to lay him down. When she turned around, Kane had disappeared. Sighing, she turned back to a customer that was asking a question about a particular design.

A few hours later, while Kali was closing up shop for the night, she heard someone calling her name.

"JUDY!!!!! Where the Hell have you been?" Kali ran around her table, grabbing her friend and hugging her.

Judy grinned with pleasure at her friend! "How you doing, Kali?" Judy had changed. She seemed more at ease, more self assured.

"Girl, what have you been up too? You look marvelous!" Kali couldn't get over the change in her.

"I flew in for the convention! Were you closing up?" Judy asked, glancing over at the sleeping baby.

"Yes, why don't you come upstairs to my room, and let's catch up! OH!!!! What hotel are you staying at?" Kali asked, looking forward to a nice long talk.

"Right here, same as you!! I made sure when I confirmed my reservations that we would be at the same hotel!" Judy explained.

"OK! I'll be ready in a sec!" Kali was tickled to death to see Judy again after all this time.

"I'll have to meet you there! I'm here with someone and will have to track him down to let him know I'm leaving." Judy explained.

Kali was surprised at the mention of a man, but told her the room number, and said she would see her when she got there.

"I shouldn't be more than 20 minutes!" Judy said as she walked away.

Kali opened the door when Judy knocked, and invited Judy in. Judy looked wonderful! Her long, thick hair was pulled back and held in place with a barrette. It was left to cascade down her back in soft ringlets. Her eyes had never looked bluer or more clear. The honey gold tan suited her to perfection! She had on a beautiful doe-skin tunic, caught up at the waist by a braided raw-hide belt. The tunic was elaborately embroidered in the Cherokee tradition. Black leather pants and knee high moccasins completed her outfit.

Kali was amazed by her appearanc.! She was absolutely stunning! "Where on earth did you get this outfit!It's fabulous! I love those boots!" Kali was almost green with envy! They were the most beautiful things she had ever seen.

"Good! Because I brought you a pair! I hope they fit!" Judy said, handing her a huge gift bag.

"OH! Judy! You shouldn't have! But thank you! I love them!" Kali examined the detail of the boots before trying them on! She was thoroughly pleased with the gift. "These are beautiful!"

"I'm glad you like them! I'll tell my grand-mother her gift pleased you!" Judy said softly, a warm smile on her face.

Surprise filled Kali's eyes! "Your grand-mother! These are hand sewn if I'm not mistaken."

"Yes! It took her a week to finish them!" Judy sat down in a chair, watching as Kali tried them on! They were a perfect fit! "There's something in there for your son as well." Kali removed a delicately made dream catcher. She was speechless. "According to custom, the darker the color the more potent the magic! My aunt made it! They are her specialty!" Judy explained, pleased that Kali like the gifts.

"I don't know what to say! These are so beautiful!" Kali was near tears.

"It's the least I can do for the woman that saved my life!" Judy said lightly! Then all traces of humor left her! "After I got out of the hospital, I stayed at the cabin for a few days. Then, one afternoon, I packed up my Jeep, and went to Cherokee, North Carolina. My family lives there on the reservation. I'm half Cherokee! My grand-mother taught me at a very early age, the art of tattoo's in the old way, using a sharp stone and rubbing ashes into the pricks. By the time I was twelve, she had me doing all of them." Judy laughed fondly at the memory. " I guess you might saw, I was doing "tribal" before it was fashionable!"

"I knew there was a uniqueness about your work!" Kali said softly, studying the woman across from her. "So that's where you've been the last six months?" Kali asked curiously.

"Yes! The day I got to my grand-mother's, I made it as far as her front porch, before I fainted! Jake, my cousin, had opened the door when he heard me pull up, came rushing outside and carried me back in. Grammy knew what had happened from all the blood I was losing. She sent Jake after my aunt, and the two of them took care of me! I went back to my roots to heal both physically and spiritually. And now, I'm back!" Judy said quietly, a sense of contentment radiated from her.

"Well you look wonderful! OH! I saw Kane today!" Kali's wistful look touched Judy deeply.

"Kali, do you truly love Kane? With all your heart, do you love him?" Judy asked quietly, watching Kali closely.

"Yes, I do! But he can't get past CJ" Kali said sadly.

"Then don't lose hope! You will have that which your heart desires!" She said, then closed her eyes and tilted her head back.

Kali watched her in complete confusion, till Judy opened her eyes and flashed her a dazzling smile! Kali was amazed at the transformation in Judy.

"So tell me about this man you're with!" Kali decided to change the subject.

Laughing delightedly, Judy explained about Jake! "He's my cousin! And very attractive! He's about 6'4" has the most beautiful black eyes you've ever seen. He's never had his hair cut, but keeps it braided, hanging nearly to his waist. He's beautiful! We're sharing a suite! He does tattoo's for the tourists so he came along with me." Suddenly Judy burst out laughing! "Kali, for pity sake, don't let Taker know I'm here! Jake was so angry that a "white man" dared do that to his "little cousin" I fear he may be tempted to scalp Taker!" Judy laughed at the thought of those two big men ever meeting, a wicked sparkle in her eyes.

Kali laughed along with her! "Alright! I won't say anything if I see him. But I'd love to meet this cousin of yours. He sounds interesting!"

"I'll introduce you tomorrow!" Judy said still laughing as she got up to leave. "But for now, I'd better go! Jake will worry till I get back!" Kali walked with her to the door! As she opened it, Taker was standing there with his hand raised to knock.

The smile on her face slowly faded when she saw him standing there, looking as good as ever. He couldn't prevent the surprise from entering his eyes when he saw Judy. Nor could he prevent his eyes from sweeping over her body. Desire flared up, at the sight of her.

"Hello, Taker!" She said softly, meeting his eyes steadily, knowing he still desired her.

"How are you doing?" He asked softly, those hypnotic green eyes, seemingly piercing her very soul.

"Good! And you?" She asked, lifting her head defiantly.

"Good! How's Brian?" He couldn't stop the question, even though he knew the answer.

"I really wouldn't know! I haven't seen him in quite some time now! But you know that, don't you! Don't ever have a detective track me again!" She said barely above a whisper, the look in her eyes completely unreadable.

Shock kept him silent. How she knew, he had no idea! The detective was the best in the business, but six months ago, he could find no trace of her. Then two weeks ago, she resurfaced, with a big Indian at her side.

"Kali I'll see you tomorrow and introduce you to Jake! Good-bye Taker." Judy said as she looked first at one then the other. She gazed coolly up at him, then brushed past, when he didn't move aside.

Kali and Taker stared after her as she walked down the hall toward the elevators.

Judy had just closed the door to her rooms behind her, then leaned back against it, as her eyes filled with tears. The door to Jakes bedroom opened and he entered wearing nothing but his tight jeans. His bare chest was as thickly muscled as Taker's. He was holding a towel in his huge hands.

"I thought I heard you come in, Little Cousin." His deep voice, sounded comforting.

"Yes, I'm back!" She said.

"Well good-night then." Jake said, as he went back into his room.

Judy went to her room and got ready for bed. She had just pulled the covers down, when some one knocked at the door. Putting a sheer robe on over her lace nightie, throwing her long hair back over her shoulder, Judy went to see who it was. Just as she opened the door, Jake stepped out of his room, his jeans hastily pulled back on. Glancing over at him, she noticed he hadn't bothered to zip them up.

Opening the door, she saw Taker standing there. He stepped in, then noticed Jake. They looked as though they had been caught in the middle of something! Cold Jealousy consumed Taker, as he looked first at Judy, then at the man with her.

With a furious roar, Taker attacked Jake before Judy had a clue as to his intentions. But Jake did! He'd seen the look in the other man's eyes, and met him half way,having let out a blood curdling yell of his own! With a yelp of fear Judy got out of their way, while trying to break them up.

"Damn it, will you two stop!!!!!" She yelled, but to no avail. Two huge men were making a shambles out of her suite!!!! She groaned in sheer frustration, so mad, she all but stamped her foot.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Chapter Thirty~~~Kaliegh

Judy watched the two men scuffle around the room, knocking over lamps and a table as they went along. Finally Judy saw her opportunity and got in between the two of them.

"Taker! Jake! The two of you stop this nonsense right now!" Judy yelled at the both of them. "Have you both lost your minds?" Judy saw raging anger in both of their eyes and before she knew it, they were back at each other once again.

Not knowing what else to do, Judy grabbed a handful of Taker's hair and drug him to the door. "That happens to be my cousin, Taker! What the hell is wrong with you? Who do you think you are to come barging into my room and start a fight! Even if Jake wasn't my cousin, that's none of your damn business! Now get the hell out of here!" Judy yelled as she flung the door open and all but kicked his ass out.

**********

The next morning Judy called Kali asking if she could meet her for coffee before the convention started. Smiling happily, Kali agreed to meet her in an hour.

Looking over at CJ, Kali saw that he was still sound asleep, so she decided to have a quick shower before meeting Judy. Going into the bathroom, Kali stopped in front of the mirror and looked at her reflection. The emotional and physical strain of being a single mother had taken a toll on her once decent looks. Dark, tired circles under her eyes told of the numerous 3:00am feedings or the many nights when she just couldn't sleep. Hair that used to be soft and shiny now hung dull and lifeless around her shoulders. Eyes that used to sparkle with happiness no longer did. Having seen enough, Kali walked away from the mirror with a sigh, feeling like an ugly old goat.

A short time later, Kali and CJ arrived at the small coffee shop. Kali immediately saw the man seated beside Judy and was stopped dead in her tracks. Judy had said that her cousin was very good looking, but Kali wasn't prepared for what she saw. Unable to take her eyes off of him, Kali began walking once again toward the table. Even as she sat down with CJ on her lap, Kali still was not able to take her eyes off of Judy's gorgeous cousin.

"Kali, Hon, don't you know it's not polite to stare?" Judy teased the other woman, an amused smile on her face as she watched Kali's face flame red.

Kali quickly looked down at the table, embarrassed to the very bone. After a few moments of awkward silence, Kali began telling Judy about CJ's strange reaction to Kane.

"It was the strangest thing, Judy. I mean, you can see now, that he's not too sure about you. He's never seen Kane before except when we were still in the hospital and he was only a few days old then. But CJ took right to Kane." Kali said to Judy, still confused by her son's actions.

"Well, Kane and Taker are very similar in their height and build. Even their looks are close. Maybe CJ just thought that Kane was Taker." Was the only explanation Judy had for the strange occurrence.

"Yeah, that's most likely what happened." Kali said and then after thinking about it for a few moments, dismissed it.

Next their conversation turned to the convention and each of their respective businesses. Jake joined in, telling Kali how he had gotten started and then asked the same of her. They continued to talk for about an hour, until CJ started to get fussy. As she got u to leave, Kali was shocked when Jake asked her to have dinner with him that evening after the convention.

"I'll even watch CJ for you." Judy volunteered, smiling at her friend's look of utter surprise. "Please, go on and enjoy yourself for a few hours."

"Well, okey. I guess it wouldn't hurt." Kali said with a bit of hesitation, but then figured she couldn't wait around for Kane forever.

***********

Kali had just gotten CJ to sleep later that evening when Judy and Jake arrived at her hotel room. "He should sleep atleast until I get back, but if he doesn't I have a couple of bottles made up and his diapers and stuff are on the table. You have my cell number incase you have a problem." Kali said as she leaned over and kissed CJ good night, then she and Jake left.

As they stepped off of the elevator, Kali suddenly had an idea. "Could you excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call." Kali said to Jake as she reached into her purse and pulled out her phone. Walking off a bit, she punched in Taker's number.

"Taker, could you watch CJ for a few hours?" Kali asked when he answered. When he said that he could, Kali told him to come down to her room as soon as possible, knowing full well that Judy was there. Kali hoped that they wouldn't be angry with her for setting them up that way and would take the time to sort through some of their differences.

"Sorry about that." Kali said as she walked back towards Jake.

They had just walked out into the parking lot when Kali looked up and saw Kane walking towards them. She saw the look in his eyes and knew that this wasn't going to be pleasant. Seeing Kali with another man was more than Kane could take. Intense jealousy raced through his body as Kane rushed towards Jake, intending to beat the man within an inch of his life.

Kali watched in horror as the two men exchanged heated words and then began shoving each other. Kane had his arm back and swung at Jake, but instead his hard right hand connected with Kali's jaw and the side of her head when she had saw what Kane's intentions were and suddenly jumped between the two men. She was out cold before she even hit the ground.