The alley was empty, the shooter’s partner long gone.With my back against the wall, I used my legs to push myself up until I was standing. That litt...e move took all the energy I had left. I guessed that my adrenaline rush was finally wearing off, as I slowly walked over to Belle. Bell was also on her feet by now, her little pistol still firmly gripped in her hand.“Are you all right, Honey?” I asked softly.Belle nodded, her eyes never leaving the dead man sprawled in the alley.“It’s all over. There’s certainly enough room for the critter to hang out below. And with the cold water, I’m betting it doesn’t have to eat very often.” Jada sighed and thought silently to herself, “and the threats from the forest are real. Sometimes you just have to choose.”Jada was referring to the unknown depth of the Missisquoi in the immediate vicinity of the island. They had been doing soundings of the river since their first day out on the kayaks, and had found a remarkable pattern to the river’s. In the soft light of the bar his delicate features and blond hair held back in a ponytail gave him an androgynous look. He smiled as he spoke to the girl and something flipped in my chest. God, what was going on with me?The girl left and as Sam turned back I said, “When did you start dressing?”“Whaaat?”“When did you start cross-dressing?”He went pale and glanced behind him, but nobody was close enough to overhear.“What the fuck are you asking me that for?” He hissed. The truth was I didn’t know. ‘The night’s still young, ladies, and there’s more music ahead.’ ‘I have to get up early tomorrow,’ she lied. ‘On a Sunday?’ ‘I have a class. Take care.’ As she started to leave, he grabbed her arm, and said, ‘C’mon, stick around. What’s the hurry, Sista?’ She looked at him angrily. ‘I said I have to go,’ she said firmly. ‘How dare you disrespect me and my potners. First, you come here and shake your booty in front of us and get us all worked up. And now you wanna leave? You expect us to.