* M rating earned ahead - big fat smut.

Jude always knew that Father Howard intended a long meeting if he showed up with tea. And today he'd arrived with a fresh beaker and a fat manila folder. It was going to be dreadful. He pulled his chair close to her desk and settled in as though for a long winter's nap. Normally, she didn't mind these meetings - even looked forward to them; sharing hopes, dreams, prayers, aspirations with this charming and handsome man.

But today admittedly: she felt a bit off. She'd felt off for over a week, actually. She was quite put out with herself.

"Lovely morning today, Sister."

"Truly a blessing," she agreed.

"I should like very much to commend you first on a wonderfully successful Thanksgiving meal last week. You certainly turned around what could have been a devastating situation with those turkeys."

"All credit to Marry Eunice, Fathah. She was splendid."

"Agreed. I have conveyed my pleasure to her already." He tried to control a smile. "There were so very many turkeys."

Jude bit her lips, as well. "Yes, there were."

"Now." He tapped his folder. "Commendation number two. Incredible work, Sister." He opened the folder, flipping through papers. "Four new security guards, six orderlies, and three new nurses. All with excellent and promising experience. Expedient and remarkable tasking, Jude. Truly. In under a month."

"Thank you, Fathah." Any other day she would have felt tremendous pride at his words. Would have practically purred beneath his flattery.

"The Diocese is impressed with our progress and as usual, I have sung your praises."

"Don't sing too loudly. Pride goeth before the fall, Fathah."

"Ever humble, Sister Jude." He closed the folder. "But let us revel - for once - in a great accomplishment you've made."

"Very well, then. I'm reveling."

"You are about to be. I have wonderful news that I think you will greatly appreciate."

"Oh?" Some wonderful news would be most welcome.

"We are receiving a new volunteer at Briarcliff. A fellow sister of the church. Experienced and with impeccable references."

"Brilliant." She tried to smile genuinely. "The help is ever appreciated." He was practically trembling with excitement. Almost as bad at good news as Mary Eunice. She prodded kindly. "And?"

"I believe she is familiar to you. Sister Agnes Murphy."

"Sistah Agnes is coming ta Briarcliff?!" That was wonderful news. Jude had grown close to the older nun at St. Mary's. Loving her humor and no-bullshit approach to life.

"Well, she is going back to St. Mary's actually. But she will be volunteering here often and is reportedly already looking forward to seeing you."

This nostalgic smile was real. "I am truly happy far this news, Fathah."

He looked concerned. "Forgive me for saying so, Jude. But you do not seem so."

"I apologize." She rubbed at her face. "I'm exhausted. Poor sleep last evening. I assure you I'm genuinely thrilled by yar announcement."

"Clearly you need a rest, Sister. Perhaps a break from these four dreary walls. This makes me even more pleased to share the rest of my news."

"There's more?"

"Sister Agnes is currently housed at a convent in Potsdam, New York. Around six hours away. And...she needs transport to Briarcliff."

"Shall I go and retrieve her, Fathah?"

"Exactly." He smiled. "Otherwise she shall have no transport until after Christmas, and I would like her here before the holiday, and the weather, become unnavigable."

"Understandable." She considered. "Yar very insightful as always, Fathah. I look forward to the brief time away." Especially now.

"Overnight," he informed. "The convent looks forward to hosting you for the evening." He retrieved another paper from the folder. "Address, map. All the information you'll need for the trip. I suspect the return shall be more enjoyable for you with your sister's company.

"Absolutely."

"And I do apologize for the short notice, but...tomorrow morning departure."

"What?" She reeled a bit. "I've made no arrangements, Fathah! There are so many things to -"

"All will be well, Sister. I have already made arrangements with Sister Mary Eunice and requested some extra staffing in your absence. I assure you: we will be fine. There is ill weather on the way, I'm informed. We are against the clock, and I don't wish to take chances with your safety."

She took a deep breath. "I see. Well. I trust you, of course. And Mary Eunice is beginning to show fine capability. I suppose the firmament shan't crumble in my absence."

"Hardly." He chuckled. "And judging from your verbiage, I'm beginning to believe you have spent far too much time with me, Sister." He rose. "I hope the trip is restful for you, Sister. I want you to have no responsibilities and no worries. The Briarcliff expense account is at your disposal."

"I'll enjoy the drive, I'm sure." She was walking him to her office door.

"Oh, yes! That reminds me." He turned. "No driving for you. Not in this weather. You shall have an escort."

"An escort?" Honestly she would have much preferred to be alone.

"Yes. Mr. McCann will be driving. He has graciously agreed to see to your care. In fact, he has given me his word you and your sister will be delivered with naught a scuff."

"Mr. McCann," Jude repeated slowly. "Frank."

"Yes. You know him, after all. He's respectful and clearly trustworthy. I wouldn't hear of anyone else handling my right hand." He squeezed her shoulder affectionately before stepping into the hall. "6 am tomorrow, Sister. Dress for travel!" He was already walking away.

Jude slipped back into her office quietly. Closed the door and leaned against it. Frank McCann. She felt a peculiar emptiness at the whole situation. A discomfiting tightness in her chest. Her own fault.

She went to the window. Very light snowflakes were falling. She looked into the yard below and wished she hadn't. There, entering the building no doubt for his shift, was the security guard in question. On his arm (practically) was the thing that had made Jude off for the week: Nurse Katherine Douglas.

Her face burned and she whirled away from the window. Judy Martin was not a jealous woman.

Three Weeks Earlier

The woman in the chair couldn't have been over thirty. She was very attractive, Jude noted. Blonde. Pink cheeked. Long lashed. She wasn't tall but she was...curvaceous. The nun's first instinct was to refuse her employment based on this alone; male patients needed very little encouragement to salacious behavior, not to mention the numerous orderlies on staff.

But her resumé was impressive. And she'd been nothing but engaging in her interview. "What's made you want to leave Danvers after..." a glance down. "Six years?"

"Oh, my parents live here." A graceful shrug. "They're getting a little long in the tooth, so...time to come home!"

"No husband? No children?" These were concerns as family could often lead to unexpected schedule conflicts and Jude needed plenty of wiggle room for those.

"No time!" The woman laughed. "I feel like all I do is work. Although, I guess I'm starting to get the itch to maybe settle down. If the right fella came along, you know what I mean?" She winked, then suddenly sobered. "Oh my gosh. I didn't mean that in a bad way, Sister. I wasn't trying to -"

"Miss Douglas."

"Yes, Sister Jude?"

"I'd like ta offer you the job."

"Really?" She was charmingly surprised. Hopped from her seat to shake Jude's hand. "Oh my gosh, I accept!"

"When can ya start?" Jude asked, walking the nervous nurse to her door. She needed nurses like yesterday, but hoped she was keeping her cool about it.

"Got a uniform that fits? I'll start now!"

Jude chuckled. "Lovely. Frank?" The guard stood from his seat outside Jude's door. "Will you show Nurse Douglas to the lockah rooms so she can get uniformed?"

"Of course." Frank gestured down the hall.

Boldly, Katherine took hold of his arm. "Frank is your name?"

"Well -"

Jude cut him off. "We operate professionally at Briarcliff, Nurse Douglas. Unless otherwise invited, my head of security is Mr. McCann." She didn't care for this immediate familiarity. Something was rubbing her the wrong way.

The nurse didn't seem to notice. She was staring at Frank, who cleared his throat and awkwardly extracted his elbow from her grip. "Follow me, Miss Douglas."

They started down the hall and Jude heard the sultry purr: "Oh please. Call me Kitty."

Jude bristled.

And she hadn't stopped bristling. Not once since she'd hired the woman. Every time she looked it seemed it was Katherine Doouglas and Frank. Katherine Douglas brought him lunches nearly every day despite the fact he could eat in Briarcliff's kitchen for free just like she could. She brought him homemade sweets, which Jude knew for a fact Frank didn't really even care for sweets except for pie. Katherine Douglas walked in with him before his shift every morning and left with him nearly every night. She called him Franky, was constantly giggling over him, whispering in his ear when she thought no one was looking.

But Jude was always looking. Looking at Frank and fucking Katherine Douglas.

Kitty. Fucking Kitty. What self respecting woman wanted to be called Kitty?

Jude had never been a particularly jealous woman. Maybe during a few failed relationships but then it at least made sense. Men cheated. It sucked. But this was different. Frank wasn't a relationship.

Well, he was a work relationship, she reasoned. But she had no claim on him technically. Hell, she was a nun. There was no cause for these feelings.

Other than Frank was hers first.

She'd hired him. She'd seen everything in him before anyone else: his loyalty, his devotion, his kindness, his gentle nature, his firmness, his tough-former-Irish-cop exterior that could melt so quickly into tearful laughter over turkeys, his winks, his oddly respectful flirtations with a nun who knew she had no damn business flirting with a handsome, sweet, funny, pretty much perfect man in the first damn place.

Plus it was inconvenient. Now she had to avoid him at all costs. Best that way. If he was going to have a relationship under her nose, she would just have to prove to him and herself that it didn't bother her. At all.

So she got to every staff meeting early. Or late. Depending on when he got there while she spied down the hall. She left her light off at night, avoiding his knocks. Letting him think she was asleep. Or out. She'd taken to eating in the library or the solarium or her office to avoid running into him in the kitchen because usually Katherine Fucking Douglas was sitting in Jude's fucking chair beside Frank, anyway.

It was sickening.

And she had to do evening walks while avoiding Frank and Katherine.

And her neck was sore.

And she wanted a hot bath.

And she had to pack for this trip.

With Frank. Just Frank. And herself. For six hours. She slapped her pen to her blotter and checked her schedule. Almost 4 pm. She'd called a meeting with Mary Eunice to go over some things for her absence. Had made a succinct and attainable list. She was neatly folding the list at the knock. "Come in."

But it wasn't Mary Eunice. It was Frank. She checked behind him for any sign of Katherine Douglas. "Frank." The temptation to call him Mr. McCann - which he hated - was strong. "Everything alright?"

He looked very put out. As close to angry as she'd ever seen him. "I dunno, Sistah Jude." He went formal on her first. Damn. "Is everything alright?"

"I have a meeting at four, Mr. McCann." Two could play at that game. "I don't have time far guessing games today."

"What'd I do?" He threw up his arms, began a back and forth pace. "Huh? How have I upset the indomitable head Briarcliff nun to the point she hasn't so much as shot me a glance far almost two whole weeks? Cuz it must be bad bad. Like 10 commandments bad."

"I'm uncertain what yar talking about. I've been very busy -"

"Very busy avoiding the hell out of me. Yeah. I noticed."

"Is there an issue related to the facility we need to discuss?"

"Coulda been. Does there need ta be?" He hooked his thumb over his shoulder. "Cuz I"ll set fire ta the library if that's what it takes ta get you ta speak ta me." Another knock interrupted him. Mary Eunice, thankfully.

"Come in." She spoke as if Frank wasn't even there, looking back to her desk.

"Hello, Sister." Eunice chimed. "Oh, hello Mr. McCann! Are you excited about your road trip tomorrow?"

"Yeah, little sistah." Frank spoke kindly. "I sure am." He looked at Jude, feeling he'd been dismissed long ago. "See ya in the morning, Sister Jude. Bright and early."

And she realized in that moment why he must be upset. Not because she'd avoided him but because now she was taking him away from his pet. The thought was crushing and demeaning. And Mary Eunice was talking.

"...but I know that your list takes priority, Sister. And have no doubt everything on it will be taken care of. I just feel that, with all the extra help on hand, we can get it done."

"Of course, Eunice." No clue what the hell she was talking about.

"Really?"

Shit. whatever she'd said had probably been important. Jude just couldn't care at the moment. "Really." She tried a reassuring smile. "Here. This is the list I prepared for you. You can delegate these tasks as you see fit, alright?"

Eunice scanned it seriously. "Not a problem. Our other project will fit right in."

Other project? Jude chewed her lip. To ask would be to reveal she hadn't been paying attention. And honestly - who cared? Jude was leaving. On a doomed trip destined to be painfully awkward. Let Eunice run it how she wanted. "I'm glad to see yar confidence in the mattah. In fact, I'm gonna let ya take ovah a little early, Eunice. I need ta get packed, and try ta get some real sleep. Would you like to do evening checks alone tonight?"

"Absolutely, Sister." Eunice stood. "Maybe I'll take Bartholomew along. The patients like to see him."

"You aren't keepin' that turkey in yar room still, are ya?"

"No, Sister. We installed a nice warm drum for him to sleep in in his greenhouse. He seems pretty happy."

Jude smiled genuinely. "I'm glad you and Bartholomew are able to spread some joy, Eunice. That's a very lucky bird."

"I'm happy for you, Sister. Getting a trip so close to Christmas. You'll see all the pretty decorations and lights! And to see your friend! I'm so pleased for you. I think the break will be nice, too. I know you've been so very busy these last weeks with all the hiring. And...the turkey thing."

"And the pumpkin thing."

"And the pumpkin thing," Eunice mumbled.

"I thank you far yar well wishes, little sister." Jude rose. "I have great faith in you that you'll do well and make me proud."

"I'll be praying for you and Mr. McCann, Sister. For your safety on the roads."

"Thank you." They paused at the door. "Eunice. I won't see ya befar I leave. Take care. Of Briarcliff and yarself. I'll pray far you, too." They shared a hug.

Jude made her way quickly to her chambers. That bath first. She was shedding habit on the way to the bathroom. Something about the darkness of her recent thoughts made her feel unclean. She scrubbed everything. Shaved things. Washed her hair - twice. Let out once and refilled the bath. Had a soak and a cry. She couldn't help it. She didn't want to hate him...

Pink to nearly red, she finally left the tub. Set her hair more carelessly than usual and wrapped the sponge rollers tightly. At least she could look good tomorrow in the awkwardness.

Having surrendered her secular life, she owned very few civilian clothes now. But there was a dark green dress. Cashmere and sleeved. Perfect for the road. She lint rolled it and hung it. Packed a black dress. Stockings. Underwear. A slip (not the red one). Toothbrush and paste. Hairbrush.

She tossed essentials into her purse and turned off all lights. Knelt for prayers. Tried to mean them. Climbed into bed. She stared up at her ceiling. Couldn't sleep. What if Katherine Douglas came along? What if she just climbed into his lap while he drove them?

She punched her pillow. Maybe she would just cancel. Maybe she would send Katherine Douglas to pick up Sister Murphy.

She squeezed her eyes closed. She could fire the nurse. Or Frank. She could fire them both. Let them be gone. Just be shut of them.

But...what if she never saw him again? What if the sad, horrifying, awful truth was that she didn't care if he was with another woman or not as long as she got to see him every day? Could she be that tragic?

Tears threatened. The hell she would. The hell she was gonna cry. Not over a man - especially one who worked for her. Absolute ridiculous childish bullshit. But she closed her eyes, forced her mind to stop. Cleared the slate. Deep breathing. Relax.

But does he still imagine you naked at staff meetings?

Her eyes shot open.

This form of bright and early had no bright in it. The sun had not begun to rise when Jude started the percolator in the kitchens. The skeleton crew was still on duty. Most staff wouldn't begin arriving until 7 or 8 am. She needed this coffee. Four hours of sleep at best and she was still filled with dread atop that.

She tucked a curl behind her ear, reaching for the sugar. She made a Thermos of coffee, uncertain as to when they might encounter a diner. Briefly, vaguely, she wondered if Katherine Douglas knew how Frank took his coffee - the same way she did: cream and a little sugar. Maybe Katherine Douglas was making his coffee for him right now, in Frank's kitchen, barely dressed and kissing his cheek.

She set a cup down too hard. The small handle broke off. "Shit."

"You okay?"

She startled. Frank stood a few feet behind her. How long had he been there? "Fine." She answered. She thrust a beaker at him.

"Thank you."

Silence again. She sipped from her own cup as she screwed the lid onto the thermos.

"Cold out there." He tried again. "I'm uh...letting the car thaw a bit."

She nodded. "A few minutes for coffee then."

"Yep." He sipped. "Mmm. You always make a damn good cup of coffee, Sister."

She pointed to the breakfast table. "I got the map there ready to go."

"I studied it up." He nodded. "Pretty sure I know where I'm goin.' But if we end up in Canada don't fuss aboot it."

She bit her lips. The joke was silly. Funny. She missed the jokes. But not today. She couldn't really take it. "I apologize I might sleep most of the way. Didn't do too well last night."

"Me either. Haven't slept much at all for two weeks really."

She didn't want to think about that. Not at all. "Here. Coffee to go."

"Good idea." He took it. Handed her his empty beaker as she put hers into the sink. "Ready?"

"Yes." She reached for her coat on the back of a chair. Heavy black wool with its brown scarf.

"Here." She let him take it, help her into it. His fingers brushed her neck when he pulled her curls free of the collar and she nearly jumped at the sensation. Stepped away quickly. He took her suitcase. "Off then?"

She nodded, not trusting her voice not to crack. Her heels clicked on the tile. She locked the door behind them. A light flurry swirled in the car's headlights. He opened the passenger door for her, then put her suitcase in the boot.

She didn't acknowledge how handsome he was in his hat and suit. She'd never seen him outside of his uniform.

Jude watched Briarcliff's gates close behind her with a clanging finality. Suddenly, she felt lighter. Well, a little lighter. She sighed and settled into the seat. Stretched her legs out. She kept her eyes out the passenger window, hoping Frank would just focus on driving and -

"Pretty dress."

She closed her eyes. Any other time, his fingers on her neck, his earnest words... But now these things just made her throat ache.

"Ya know. I was hopin' with six hours ahead of us maybe we could have a chat."

"I'm sorry, Frank. I'm just very -"

"Tired. I know. Exhausted. Busy. In a meeting. I get it. Ya got some kinda problem with me. And it's fine if you don't wanna talk ta me. But listen. I got a real problem. A work-related problem. And I'm not gonna talk ta anybody else about it. So...can I just get it off my chest? Then I'll leave ya ta sleep the rest of the drive. Agreed?"

"Agreed." She said, turning. 'What's wrong?"

"It's Katherine Douglas. That new nurse ya hired?"

Her stomach seized. The coffee threatened to come back up. "I know who she is."

"Ya gotta do somethin' about her, Sistah. I been tryin' ta get you ta hear me on this far two weeks and now it's gotten so bad I'm considerin' just leaving."

"Leaving?" Her heart seized. Here it was. He would leave Briarcliff. Leave her. Marry Katherine Douglas. She held her breath to control the urge to cry. "What's the problem, Frank? What do you need?"

"I need ya ta get that...woman away from me. I don't care what ya have ta do. We need opposite shifts or somethin.' Anything, Sistah Jude. I'm tellin' ya. Please. I'll work third shifts rest of my life if I have to. You have no idea what I been goin' through here." His hands on the steering wheel occasionally fisted, begging her for understanding. "She's crazy. She needs ta be in Briarcliff. I swear I think she stalks me. It doesn't matter what time I get there or what time I leave, she's always there. I didn't tell her about this trip today because honest ta God I was scared she'd be waitin.' And she's gotta stop bringing all this trash in that she cooks. She tries ta feed me and I have ta hide it somewhere til I can toss it without her knowin.' Her cookin' is tragic. She calls herself my kitty cat? Meows at me and makes these purrin' noises. I tell ya it makes me wanna vomit." He finally stopped to catch his breath.

Jude stared at him. Agape. Stunned. Quite suddenly all her emotions seemed to implode and she couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry so a weird amalgamation of both happened. She covered her face in her hands and chuckle-sobbed until Frank pulled over.

"Sistah Jude." She was bent over in her seat and his uncertain hand reached over to touch her back. "Jude are you alright?"

She sat up. Quick. Surprising him. She sniffled, took the handkerchief he offered. It smelled like him and she felt fresh tears. He let her calm. The engine idled. The snow flurries outside blew intricate designs. The sun was just barely beginning to show itself, making a beautiful color palette in the sky. "Frank." Her fingers nervously folded and unfolded his handkerchief. "I'm so sorry." She couldn't quite meet his eyes yet.

"Listen, Sistah. It's not your fault. I wasn't trying ta say that."

"It is my fault." She confessed softly. "I was avoiding you. I was mad at you. And that wasn't fair or right. I was being foolish and immature. I was...just so emotional."

"What did I do, Jude? Will ya tell me so I'll nevah evah do it again? Cuz here's the truth: that two weeks was Hell." He tried a grin to lighten the mood. "I missed ya."

"I missed you, too." Her tears at least had slowed. Big perfect droplets now. He touched one. "Yar gonna hate me when I tell you."

"I'll nevah hate you."

"I knew. About Katherine Douglas. I saw her hangin' on ya, following you around all the time. Sitting in my seat at the breakfast table? And everybody was telling me about the lunches she brought ya and the treats she made." Jude rolled her eyes at her self. "I thought you liked it. I thought you liked her. So I was pissed off. Because I was jealous."

"Jealous of Katherine Douglas?" He stared at her, aghast. "A woman who calls herself Kitty?"

"She's pretty." Jude reasoned. "And young and -"

"Psycho." Frank stopped her. "Listen. I'm not even gonna lie and say it isn't flattering to me that you were jealous ovah me. But Jude. I've always felt like I could tell you anything. From my first day at Briarcliff. Remember even in my interview I told ya the truth? That I found you intimidating?"

"I remembah." She wiped at her face. Began tucking curls away.

"I want you ta feel the same way." He tucked a curl. "Alright. Will ya promise this won't happen again? That from now on you'll just ask me? Or tell me if something's wrong?" Jude nodded. "I'd tell ya if I was fuckin' Katherine Douglas. Or anybody else."

"I don't need ta know who yar fuckin', Frank." She swatted at him, starting to feel almost fine again.

"Well, good. Cuz right now nobody but that's a different conversation." When she was openly laughing, he put the car back in gear and pulled onto the road. "So are ya gonna do something about her or not?"

"Of course I will." Jude would have a hit taken out on the bitch if it meant making Frank happy. "Can I turn on the radio?"

"Please do. And pour us a little bit of that coffee ta share."

A great weight was lifted. Her friend was back. And he'd said her dress was pretty. And he wanted that other woman gone. All was right with the world...for about 200 more miles.

She fell asleep. Couldn't help it. The warmth of the car and conversation worked their magic and the next thing she knew, a gentle touch to her jaw roused her. "Mm." She blinked awake. "Oh, Frank. I'm sorry. Didn't mean ta drift off on ya."

"S'alright." He gestured to the diner they'd parked near. "Might be best ta stop here for a bit. Damn snow's getting so dense I can't read signs."

"Yeah, yeah." She yawned and stretched, gathered her purse from the floorboard. Outside the wind was truly whipping, and icy crystals assaulted her face. Frank had to wrestle the diner door to let them inside. "Hell!" She exclaimed, looking out at the dense white whorl.

"I gotta hit the little boys' room." Frank ushered her to a booth. "Order us a coffee will, ya?"

The diner was warm and brightly lit. She could tell it was a popular joint, even as empty as it was at the moment. The waitress was a pleasantly smiling woman around Jude's own age. Her name tag indicated she was Bonnie. "Hey, hon. What can I get you and your fella to drink?"

"Coffee, please." She didn't correct the reference to Frank. "I know this is an odd question far ya, but where are we?"

"Not too odd. You must be travelin.' You're in Woodstock. Vermont."

"Close to Potsdam, New York?"

Bonnie whistled. "Nah, not quite. That where you're headin'?"

"Yes." Frank rejoined the table, giving Bonnie a friendly nod.

"Probably not, sweetie." Bonnie sounded terribly apologetic. "Main highways are already closed off bout 5 miles out. I don't know about Potsdam but I know we're shut down for at least a hundred miles all around."

Frank was absorbing this conversation. "You mean roads both ways are closed?"

"Yeah. Happens this time of year, ya know? These crazy storms." She shook her head, laughing. "I'll bring yer coffees. Take a look at them menus."

But Jude and Frank were looking at each other. "What are we gonna do?" Frank asked. "If we can't turn back, and we can't go to Potsdam..."

Jude was shaking her head. "I don't know. But I bettah call Briarcliff. Let them get in touch with the sistahs." She slid from the booth. "Plus, I need ta hit the little girls' room. Order me a patty melt, will ya?" She patted his arm as she left the table.

There was a pay phone outside the bathrooms. Jude dropped a few coins in and dialed.

"Briarcliff Asylum. Administration." A very official sounding voice.

Jude grinned. "Yes. I'm calling on behalf of Boston Electric to inquire as to whether yar refrigerator is running?"

"Ah. I see. Well...I am not authorized to - well, I mean...I can check on that, of course. But I may need to - you know what? I'm going to let you speak to someone in maintenance. Do you mind -"

"Mary Eunice it's Jude."

A long pause. "Sister Jude!"

"Yes!" She was glad Eunice couldn't see her laughing.

"Oh we're so glad you called! We got word there are some very severe storms scheduled on your route! You haven't already arrived in Potsdam, have you?"

"No, that's the problem. We're stuck in Woodstock, Vermont at the moment. And we aren't too certain how we might proceed."

"You won't! The Monsignor said as soon as I spoke to you to tell you to stop traveling and find shelter until the blizzard lets up. If there's a place to stay in Woodstock you should. It's simply too dangerous to go further, Sister."

"Right." Jude chewed at her lip. "Of course, Mary Eunice. Tell him message received. And would you mind reaching out to our sisters in Potsdam?"

"No problem. I'll do that now."

"Where is the Monsignor?" Just a curiosity...

"He's staying here this evening. Working on our side project right now."

The side project. Jude winced. She really should have gotten some clarification on that. "Well, it sounds like you have everything under control, Sister. I'm going to go make...arrangements here."

"Good luck, Sister Jude. Oh!" She'd nearly forgotten something. "Did you still need to speak to maintenance? About the refrigerator?"

Jude looked to Heaven. "No, Eunice. Have a good night."

Frank was chatting with Bonnie when Jude slid back into the booth. There were plates on the table already, and the food smelled delicious. "Bonnie says the motel across the road there might have some rooms left, Jude. And if not there's another one bout a mile behind us."

"Does look like we're going to be stuck here. According to Eunice we're ordered to cease traveling until the blizzard lets up. This smells amazing." She began salting her hashbrowns, mixing the sliced pickles into the potatoes.

"Well, if you're gonna try Norm's place - across the street? Bettah get in there now. Everybody else drivin' this road now is gonna stop there, too. We're in for a busy night. Just yell if ya need anything."

Frank was looking out the window, his omelette already half eaten. "You reckon I should dodge over there and scare up a couple rooms before they're all gone?"

Jude was stuffing her face with delicious patty melt. "Mmhm." She reached into her purse, handed him a wallet as she finished chewing. "Briarcliff's expense account." A shrug. "So get two nice ones."

Frank considered. He looked at the barely visible neon sign towering above the motor lodge. BEST RATES it was supposed to read. But the EST and the R had long since fizzled into memory. VACANCY was also challenged, to the point where it simply read CAN. He hoped that this was a positive affirmation and not a reflection of the motel's quality. "I'll see what I can do." He grabbed his coat and Jude watched him disappear into the white void.

"Should I leave his plate?" It was Bonnie.

"Yes, please." Jude slid her empty plate closer. "He's gone to try and get us some rooms ovah there for the night."

"Rooms?" Bonnie emphasized the plural, clearly surprised.

'Yeah. Why? You think they're booked up already?"

"No. I thought you'uns was a couple." Bonnie winked, taking Jude's plate.

"We work togethah."

"Oh." The waitress seemed almost disappointed. "You want desert? The caramel apple pie is killer."

"Sure. Two, please."

The pie was killer, especially warmed up with a little dollop of ice cream. Jude was swirling a hot caramel spoon in a pool of vanilla when Frank plopped back into the booth. She glanced up, totally intent on the pie. "Got you some dessert."

"Thanks." But he wasn't eating the dessert. In fact, he looked a little nervous.

"What's wrong? You don't want to eat my sweet hot pie?"

He closed his eyes. "That's real funny."

"Thanks."

"You know what else is funny?"

"Politics?" Frank held up a room key between them. Jude reached for it. "Oh," she sighed, realizing. "Hope you don't snore."

"What makes you think we'll be sleeping?"

She nearly choked on her pie.

After the horn-blowing and cursing debacle of maneuvering the car just across the highway, Jude could absolutely see the sense in staying the night here. And yes, parking lots were filling with travelers looking to shelter. She felt as if prayers truly were answered when Frank parked them at the very end of the lot. They could barely see the door for the snow. "Last room, he said. Creepy ass guy. Go on and get inside. I turned the heater on in there. I'll bring our bags."

Jude nodded. She'd been quiet since the news of their shared room. She felt awkward. Nervous. A touch of embarrassment. A shameful excitement. Enticing anticipation. She ran out of poetic emotion descriptors when she opened the room door.

Better than she expected, judging from the weathered exterior. The carpeting was new and plush. It smelled clean. The tables and television were dust free. The bed was piled with a thick duvet and sported crisp, cornered sheets.

The bed.

One bed.

She propped a hip on the table by the TV when Frank crashed through the snow-blown door with their things. "Holy Mary!" He'd nearly squashed his hat beneath his arm after chasing it. He was thumping it back into shape while Jude stared at him. "You'd think places would know how to weatherize their - what?" He'd noticed her glare.

"What do you mean what, Frank? What are we gonna do with one bed?"

"You think it isn't big enough? If we're creative -"

"This isn't funny!"

"It's hilarious!" He argued easily, hanging his coat by the door. He gestured for hers which she surrendered almost reluctantly. "Listen, Sister. I know we tease a lot and carry on. But I think you know I'm a gentleman. I'll sleep on the cot."

"There's a cot?"

"Under the bed," he chuckled. "I mean, bath and clothing situations aside, I think we'll be fine. Don't you?"

She smiled. "Yes. Yes, we will be." Truthfully she was disappointed about the cot. Admitting such a thing before God would be hard as Hell, but there it was.

There was a little table before the slightly rattling window with two chairs. Frank sat in one, kicking off his shoes. "You know. Places like this. They're going away. Making way for those highrises in Boston. Every room the same. Every piece of furniture. Same meaningless abstract art hanging over every identical bed." They both looked at the rendering of a camel wearing a fez hanging behind this bed. "Soon, this will be a relic of the past."

Jude took a heavy breath and sat in the other chair. "Well, Frank ta tell ya tha truth I doubt anybody's gonna miss that particular painting."

"Probably not."

"That's what I might call birth control." Frank laughed a hard laugh at that. Jude stretched her legs. Kicked off her shoes as well. "I should probably call and check in with Eunice."

"I'll call this time." Frank headed for the phone by the bed. "Let 'em know that I haven't lost ya to the blizzard or -" he cast his suit jacket across the bed to his chair - "driven into a deadly snowbank or -" sent his tie sailing next - "decided to cross the border with ya and nevah look back or -" he was dialing Brircliff - "ravaged your stunning innocent body in our shared bed until you were too hoarse to beg God ta stop me."

Her jaw dropped, but it was too late to discipline. He was already speaking. "Yes. Good afternoon. I was wondering if you have a patient there. Mmhm. Mr. Jass." Jude leaned forward, watching this exchange intently. "I see. Well his first name is Hugh if that helps. Hugh Jass."

Jude crumbled into her hands laughing. Frank was barely maintaining his own veneer of seriousness. "Oh, no worries. You don't have to call me back. This is actually Frank. Frank McCann?" A pause. "Yes, I thought so too. Just letting everyone know we're safe. Checked in to a motel in Woodstock, Vermont. Name of Best Rates if you need to reach us. Ah...yes. The last two rooms actually." He caught Jude's admonishing glance. "Absolutely blessed. Uh-huh. Perfect. Sounds great. Yes, good evening to you, too." He hung up and sighed. "No hope for that one."

"Mary Eunice is just...naive." Jude defended. "She's the -"

"Oh, that wasn't Mary Eunice." Frank stood, unbuttoning his Oxford. "That was Father Howard."

"What? Yar joking!" Jude swallowed as he removed his shirt, revealing a soft, white henley beneath.

"I was, but he didn't get it." He flicked the knob on the television, clicking through channels of static. "Looks like the storm is taking out all quality programming. You interested in a few hours of awkward conversation which we will use to avoid the unresolved sexual tension between us?"

"No." Jude flicked a knob, as well, on the well-kempt Raytheon. It flared to life and she smiled. "Awkward conversation avoided."

"Lucky." Frank grinned, sitting in the opposite chair. They both listened to a weather alert in progress

Brower, Copper, and Tisdale counties remain under nearly four feet of snow with the storm moving steadily south. Seems to have settled over Windsor County for the moment, really giving Woodstock the business. All roads within 100 miles are closed until further notice. Freezing is expected and travel is on a moratorium until the fellas from the state show up to tell these roads what for! So stay tuned to Bobby Duckie right here all night holed up in my tower on the hill to spin the hits for you with a long stretch starting right now with Tommy James and the Shondells here's 'Crimson and Clover.'

"Aw, this is a nice track," Frank nodded. He watched Jude walk the room, hands wringing, occasionally opening a drawer. She meandered into the bathroom and he tried not to laugh. "You still feeling awkward?"

Her head appeared around the door threshold. "Yes."

"You know I won't bite, Sistah. Not enough to draw blood anyway."

She sat on the edge of the bed, opening the nightstand drawer. "I might," she murmured.

"What's that?"

"I found some cards!" As if in victory she held aloft a pack of Bicycle playing cards.

"We playin' strip poker?"

"I'm ignoring you." But she sat across from him just the same and began shuffling the cards. "Rummy?"

"I've been known to play a hand or two. Deal 'em up. I'm gonna fight my way through the snow bank to grab us a couple pops from that machine."

The sodas were frozen solid. They put a few in the sink with some snow, and let two thaw on the table while they played a spirited game of cards. Frank had finally popped the tops on the soda bottles while Jude re-shuffled, satisfied with her third win. Chuckling, he slid her the still icy Pepsi. "I didn't know nuns were such card sharks."

The soda was divine - little ice crystals still swirling and the carbonation tingly on her tongue. She vaguely tried to remember the last time she'd had a soda, and decided perhaps real conversation might be better than awkward conversation. "Ya know, I wasn't always a nun, Frank."

If he was delighted at this genuine turn of events, he hid it well. "No, I didn't know that. I admit I always kinda wondered."

"Wondered?"

"Yeah, you know. Nuns don't usually have a sense of humor like yours or curse like you do sometimes or...seem as smart as you. Maybe as tough as you more like it. Make sense?"

"I suppose nuns who grew up or spent most of their life in the cloister, yeah. That makes sense."

He laid down his cards, keen to talk to her now. She kept hers, fanned a bit like a shield before her face. "So where you from?"

"Here." She shrugged. "Framington. All my life there or Boston or...the area."

"The area." He nodded. "Did ya travel, then?"

"A little."

"Huh. Evah...married or-"

"No."

Her quick response shut him down. "Sorry," he murmured, picking up his cards again. "I'll um..."

She sighed. Lowered her cards. "Almost. Once. A long time ago. It didn't work out."

"Ah. I see. I get that."

"Oh?" She leaned forward. "What about you? I know when ya came ta Briarcliff you said you were single on your application. Was there ever a Mrs. McCann?"

"Almost once. A long time ago." He smiled softly. "A real sweet girl. Elizabeth Spencer. We were mad fer each other. Crazy kids."

"What happened?"

"Well. The Spencers are the Boston Spencers. Money. Ya know? I think a lowly beat cop wasn't good enough for the likes of their girl."

"Aw, Frank. That's so sad."

"Meh." He took a long sip of soda. "I was in the Reserves, too. Went to Korea in '51. When I got back, she'd married one of the Boston Duprees."

"If only she knew." Jude shook her head.

"Knew what?"

"What a good fella ya are." She patted his hand. For a quick second, he flipped it, caressing her cool fingers.

"Good enough in bed ta rebel against daddy, I think." He chuckled. "But not good enough in the wallet ta marry."

"I bet Mr. Dupree sucks in the sack."

"Hell, I hope so." They laughed, relaxing into this new vulnerability while the radio softly played.

I knew what he was doing when he caught my eye

Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron

He looked so quiet but my oh my

Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron

Yeah, he caught my eye

Yes, oh my, oh my

And when he walked me home

Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron

"So what about you?" Frank watched her polish off a Pepsi. "What happened ta Mister Jude?"

"Mister Jude..." She sighed. "He cheated on me. Same old story. But not before he got me real sick. You know." She blushed. He'd been to Korea - of course, he knew. "And um...that pretty much ruined everything."

"As it will." Clearly, there was no judgment from Frank. "So that was it? You said, fuck all those othah guys out there. I'm marryin' Jesus?"

A deep laugh. "Not quite. At first I said, I'm gonna fuck all those othah guys out there. And I kinda did. I was a singah. In a band. Travelin' a good bit." She gestured. "I got around."

"Damn." Frank smirked ruefully. "I musta been in the wrong clubs on the wrong nights."

"I was a mess, Frank."

"You were lookin' fer something."

"Well, I was lookin' in a bottle. And it went bad. And...I had an accident one night. And I woke up at St. Mary's." Her eyes went a bit distant, but she shook it off. "I thought it was a sign from God."

"Maybe it was." He gathered up their cards, seeing they were done trying to distract themselves.

"Cuz look at ya now. Look how well you're doin' at Briarcliff. Really turnin' that shithole around."

"Am I?" She chewed her lip. "Feels like two steps forward one step back sometimes."

"It's no overnight project, for sure. But Jude, you gotta give yourself credit: nun or not, you got good intentions in your heart. And I know it's frustrating. I hear ya disagree with Dr. Arden. I hear ya beggin' the Monsignor to get us new sheets or shower heads or piss buckets or...what the hell evah. I see ya workin' with little Eunice and I know you're trying to do what's right for the patients. It can't be -"

"Frank?" She'd stood up.

"What?"

"Can we dance? I really like this song."

"Oh, sure. Sure."

Oh-oh, yes, I'm the great pretender

Pretending that I'm doing well

My need is such, I pretend too much

I'm lonely, but no one can tell

Perfectly normal, she thought. Just dancing. And much like the Pepsi, she couldn't remember the last time she'd danced, either. She guessed Frank was just as bad. He'd already stepped on her bare toes with his bare toes and had to pause, rolling his eyes. "Sorry."

"Do you evah stop apologizin'?" She asked, settling against him.

"Uh no. I guess it's kind of a problem."

Oh-oh, yes, I'm the great pretender

Adrift in a world of my own

I played the game but to my real shame

You've left me to grieve all alone

"We'll work on it."

"Yeah, sorry."

She chuckled, resting her forehead on his shoulder. His shoulders relaxed, the tension bleeding away. The firmness in his grip lightened, while the firmness in his trousers tightened. She could feel it; she wasn't a fool. But she ignored it.

Too real is this feeling of make-believe

Too real when I feel what my heart can't conceal

(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)

To be fair, Frank was ignoring it, too. He was true to his word: a gentleman. Somewhere in the course of this dance Jude realized she was perfectly, honorably, pristinely....boringly safe. And that the nerves she'd felt earlier hadn't been anxiety at all, but pure excitement. And that if she wanted anything remotely salacious to happen between herself and her gentleman security guard she would be the one instigating it.

Fine.

Yes, I'm the great pretender

Just laughin' and gay like a clown

I seem to be what I'm not, you see

I'm wearing my heart like a crown

Pretending that you're still around

(Still around)

They slid from one song into another, Jude leading occasionally, encouraging Frank to experiment. To loosen up.

It's the time of the season

When love runs high

In this time, give it to me easy

And let me try with pleasured hands

To take you in the sun

To promised lands

To show you every one

It's the time of the season for loving

"Okay, okay," Frank laughed. "You're better at this than me."

"I'm a good teachah." She nudged his arm up, twirled underneath it.

"You're somethin'..." He murmured.

What's your name? (What's your name?)

Who's your daddy? (Who's your daddy?)

(He rich) is he rich like me?

Has he taken (has he taken)

Any time (any time)

(To show) to show you what you need to live?

Tell it to me slowly

Tell you what

I really want to know

It's the time of the season for loving

"At least yar a fast learnah." Jude settled into the groove for the moment, content to lounge her arms over his shoulders. Frank only had about an inch on her, so they met eyes easily. "Bet Mrs. Elizabeth Dupree wishes she was dancing like this right now."

"Money can't buy everything," he agreed, feeling comfortable enough to dip her at the song's end. The next song had a dirtier, bluesier beat and Jude's hips reflected that. Frank smirked. "Wondah if Katherine Douglas can dance?"

"Not like this." Jude whispered in his ear.

Baby, can you understand me now?

Sometimes I get a little mad

Don't you know, no one alive can always be an angel

When things go wrong, I seem to go bad

He swallowed. It was getting difficult to tease her when she was making his balls feel like they might explode at any minute. They'd managed to somehow dance past the bed, near the bathroom now. He could see them reflected in the mirror there. The snow and moisture had wreaked havoc on the nun's curls, making her hair a wild golden halo.

I'm just a soul whose intentions are good

Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

Sodas. Dances. Now Jude was trying to remember the last time she'd had sex. Would she remember how? Did one forget such things? Her body was screaming no - that it remembered quite well and to let it take the wheel. Her brain was beginning to give into the primal.

Yeah, baby, sometimes I'm so carefree

With a joy that's hard to hide

Yeah, and other times it seems that

All I ever have is worry

And then you're bound to see my other side

Was it his imagination, or were her breaths speeding up on his neck. She had to know at this point - had to feel the evidence of his arousal poking the hell out of her. Maybe she wanted him to treat her body like a cheap buffet?

Well If I get edgy, I want you to know

I never mean to take it out on you

Life has its problems, I get more than my share

But there's one thing that I would never do

'Cause I love you

Oh

They'd danced back toward the door now. Her knee bumped the corner of the bed, upsetting their rhythm. They paused.

Oh, now don't you know I'm human

I got my faults just like anyone

And sometimes I lie awake, alone, regretting

Some foolish thing, some sinful thing I've done

His breathing had gone uneven. She could feel it against her ear, raising gooseflesh all over her body. Slowly, she pulled back, needing to see his face - his eyes. And they were what she expected: earnest, deep, intense. Her hand slid from his shoulder to his jaw, the touch of stubble beginning. She didn't even realize she was leaning toward him...

I'm just a soul whose intentions are good

Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

"Stop." He whispered. His hand shot from her waist to the fingers on his face, stilling her. He was looking in her eyes, too, watching her lips part like wet temptation. "If ya kiss me, Jude..." He closed his eyes, shaking his head. "I can't promise I'll be a gentleman."

The DJ was back, droning in the background. More weather. Jude barely heard the white noise. She let her fingers move through his, taking hold the back of his neck. "I'm counting on it."

The kiss skipped awkward. There was no need. It escalated quickly to tongue-touching and lip nipping. Soon there was neck-devouring and the vibration of the long zipper down the back of her dress. His fingertips were chilly sliding over the bare skin above her beige slip and Jude hissed. "Frank."

Clothes had to come off in a strangely organized ballet of lusty clumsiness. The duvet was cold against her hot skin. Frank crawled over her, between her raised knees. "Jude, if you want -"

"I want ya ta call me Judy." She'd arched against his chest, hands bent behind her back, unhooking bra.

"Judy," he murmured, immediately palming a loosed breast beneath satin slip. His thumb slid the lace trim aside to her gasp of pleasure and he took it in his mouth. "You're so beautiful."

"Get these off." Her fingers were wrestling with the waist of his boxers. He rose on his knees long enough to pull them down, momentary tug of war with his high-at-attention cock. Jude bit her lip, gripping it firmly. "That's very nice, Frank."

"I hope so." HIs voice went gravelly and gruff. Straining for control and restraint. He fell back over her. "Yer turn. Help me with these." A hand explored the garter on her slip, the clip holding silk stocking.

"Just flick it." She giggled, flicking it.

"Oh, I'm gonna flick something." He flicked the other one and swiftly pulled her white panties over her hips. Had to maneuver underneath a long leg to remove the cotton and elastic prison.

Slip eschew, stockings slipping, Jude took a deep breath, watched Frank stare at her. "What?" She whispered. It had been so long since a man had been between her legs, since one had looked at her so intently in her nudity. She felt exposed in every way - vulnerability surfacing. And the fear must have shown on her face because finally - slowly - Frank caressed her thighs, sitting between her raised knees.

"I always knew you were pretty underneath that habit, Judy. But I think yer the most beautiful thing I evah laid eyes on right now."

"Yeah?" Her voice shook, from nerves, the chill, excitement, his fingers fluttering closer and closer to that most yearning part of her.

"Yeah." And at last the sweetest touch, just a preliminary sweep through her soft fur had her jolting.

"God, Frank." She moaned when the touch deepened, became an exploration.

"We gotta do a little bettah than this." And his head dipped to sip her communion wine.

"Oh, fuck yes," she hissed. Tried to relax and enjoy what Frank was doing as much as he seemed to be enjoying doing it. But his tongue was curious and determined and her body had gone from uncertain to fully invested in massive orgasm. She ground against his face, gripped duvet with white knuckles.

Frank did his best to steady the woman, wrapping an arm around a thigh to open up her secret folds and fucking her intently with two fingers of his other hand. She was panting now, covered in a thin, shimmering sweat that was suctioning that slip to her beautiful body like a second skin and speaking of suction...

He bared down, managing to isolate that swollen bud that sent her arcing like electricity. A nice rhythmic sucking, miniscule up and down of his chin, touch of a tug from his lips. Perfect. And either it had been a looong time or nobody had ever explored this particular maneuver with her because the experience opened a litany of filth and honest begging that had him grinding his own cock into the bed to keep from coming all up his own belly.

"Shit. Frank. Fuck. Don't stop ohmygodbaby pleasepleaseplease yes! Oh!" The pleasure squeezed tears from her eyes as she clutched them closed. Bright sparks of light flashed. Her body shuddered and sounds like those had never issued from her throat before.

Frank followed her body's instructions. He lightened the suction gradually while her shudders shallowed and her cunt milked his fingers. A last gentle lick and kiss before he slithered up her slick body. "You okay?" She was wiping tears and sweat from her face. He kissed her fingers, then her mouth. "Judy, you alright?"

"I'm good, Frank." A chuff of laughter. "God." She settled her arms over his shoulders and pulled her shaking knees up his hips. "Come on."

"I won't last." He murmured into her neck. "I'm fuckin' dyin' here." And feeling the first hints of her wet spendings on the sensitized head of his cock made him groan.

"We got plenty of time ta play." She nuzzled his neck and ear. "Right?"

"Right." He slid inside her easily, so easily she gasped and seized against him. "I'm sorry!" He cradled her head, met her squint. "Judy, I'm-"

"Shhhh! It's okay, Frank. Just-"

"Christ, yer tight." Another pained groan. "I don't wanna hurt ya."

"Fuck me, Frank." Her legs wrapped his back. "Do it."

"Goddamnit, Judy." Permission granted. He wrapped an arm around her and used the other to brace against the bed's slatted headboard. Jude braced, as well, arms over her head to push against his arm.

Because he was rough. Not a frightening, violent rough but the rough that's been pushed over the edge of politeness. And that was fantastic, because Jude despised a polite lover. Conscientious, absolutely, but polite? No. This wasn't the activity for halting manners.

Thankfully, Frank delivered. Seemed to know that she was over-sensitized already. He didn't attempt pushing her to another orgasm. He accepted graciously that he could be selfish now and simply fucked the hell out of her. The burn, the pressure just approaching pain... "So good," she managed.

"Mmhm." He grunted into her neck, bared his teeth against her pulse and ground to a shuddering halt. The primal growl as he unloaded inside her was music to her ears. They caught their breath for a moment before the sticky unraveling of limbs. The radio was a murmuring serenade in the background.

Oh she may be weary

Them young girls they do get wearied

Wearing that same old shaggy dress, yeah, yeah

But when she gets weary

Try a little tenderness, yeah, yeah

Jude's legs shook when she lowered them, allowing Frank to roll to the side. She didn't expect him to take her with him, gasping when he did. He chuckled. "Pull that blanket down, gorgeous. We're gonna get cold."

She snorted just beneath his armpit, awkwardly tugging the duvet free. "I can barely move."

"Probly shoulda done some stretches first." The laughed as they wiggled and scooched underneath the bedding, cuddling together. "Nice bed, though."

"It is nice." She nuzzled his jaw. "Yar nice."

"Yar nicer." He kissed her, looked into her softening eyes. "Judy..."

You know she's waiting

Just anticipating

The thing that you'll never, never, never, never possess, yeah, yeah

But while she's there waiting

Without them try a little tenderness

That's all you got to do

"Frank." She whispered, placed a gentle finger to his lips. "Let's have a rest, huh?" She was so sleepy and he felt simply so good - solid and warm.

It's not just sentimental no, no, no

She has her grief and care, yeah, yeah, yeah

But the soft words they are spoke so gentle, yeah

It makes it easier, easier to bear, yeah

You won't regret it no, no

Young girls they don't forget it

Love is their whole happiness, yeah, yeah, yeah

He watched her eyes flutter closed. "Yeah, Judy. Let's have a rest." He watched her sleep for at least an hour before he finally drifted himself.

She woke to an odd growling noise. Blinked. There was a light on. A dusky mauve carpet. Strange plush bedding. An arm around her waist. Oh, right! A hot blush and then a grin. Frank's breath was falling steady against the back of her neck. At some point they'd spooned. She sighed. Absolutely crazy...

The growling sound was her stomach.What time is it? The DJ answered that question for her, rolling over Aretha Franklin with important words.

Bobbie Duckie here, cats and kittens! 5:25 and sitting pretty, still going strong in my tower on the hill. Got a few more hits to spin for all you snowblind friends out there. Hope you're safe and off these roads for the remainder of the day and night. Snow looks to have blown its last blow but there's still the ice to go. Stay tuned all night and all day to hear the latest on frozen roads and all closures and re-openings. Here's a little Dusty Springfield to warm those cold hearts.

She was loathe to disturb her lover, but she had to pee. Attempted to extract herself as smoothly as possible. "You okay?"

She smiled, listening to all her joints pop when she stood. "Yeah. Just need the little girls' room."

"Me next." His joints popped, too. He yawned and stretched.

"Jesus Christ," she looked in the mirror while she washed up. She looked like an assault victim. Hair a tangled mess, cheeks flushed, lips swollen. She straightened the satin strap on her shoulder. Should I even bother getting dressed?

"You hungry, Judy?"

"Starving."

Frank was up. Had stepped into boxers and a crisp tee shirt. He slid past her into the bathroom as she left. "Throw some clothes on. Looks like our diner is still open and I think we can hustle across the street if we bundle up."

She began gathering clothes. "I should probably take a shower." It should have been more awkward - hearing him pee.

Flush. "We'll take one when we get back." The sound of hand-washing. He popped out smirking. "It'll be fun." She paused at the door, causing him to bump into her. "What?" He asked.

"I've nevah showered with anybody befar."

"Me either. Always wanted to."

Indeed the snow flurry had abated. It seemed Woodstock was quick to respond as there was already a snow plow clearing the main strip. The drift was piled roof high across their motel, and climbing the lively diner.

It was busy. Clearly stranded travelers were a boom for business. But Bonnie was in good spirits, pleased with the extra tips and happy to see her new regulars. Jude was watching a snow plow out the window while they waited for their food.

"You okay?" Frank touched her hand on the table.

She smiled sadly. "Yeah. Just thinking about heading back to Briarcliff tomorrah."

"Roads could be too icy..." But he was smiling sadly, too.

"I'll check in first thing in the morning."

"Right. Right." A sigh. "Meantime." He touched her hand again, flirted with her fingers. "There's plenty of really sinful things I'd like ta do to ya tonight."

"Yeah?" She blushed, tightening at the implication alone.

"Yeah."

"In the showah?" Her fingers flirted back with his.

"Oh, yeah." He leaned toward her. "And out of it."

Unable to resist, she gave him a quick kiss. "I can't wait."

"Thought you two just worked together?" Bonnie chuckled as she put plates between them.

Jude shrugged. "I guess we work really well togethah."

They worked better than well together. Their room door had barely closed behind them before they were shedding clothes again. In the steamy shower they perfected unspoken communication, Jude remembering the power and pleasure in a well-delivered blowjob and Frank plumbing every orifice he could find within her body. Convenient, too, to transition naked from tile to sheets, tumbling back into the pillows.

"Thanks to your expert lip service earlier, you're gonna be in for a long, hard ride now, Miss Lady." Frank muttered, kissing his way down her spine.

Jude grinned in the pillow. "Sounds nice. Mm." He boosted her rear, opening her with his thumbs. "Christ," she hissed. His tongue delved deep while he pinched her clit in rhythm. "Where'd you learn this shit?"

"Making it up as I go." He switched to two fingers in her slit, getting a better reach. "Working?"

"Yeah," she whined. "Oh, Frank. Would you..."

"Just tell me what you want, sweetheart."

"The thing you did earlier?"

"Say it," he encouraged her softly, kissing the cleft of her ass.

She bit her lip. "Suck on my clit?"

"Turn over." She did, curling long legs over his head to settle. "I'll do anything you want, Judy." He kissed her pelvic bone. "Understand?"

She nodded, watching his sweet mouth descend and muffling his promises with her want. Magic. She was already on edge and came quickly, whimpering and squirming under his firm hold. "Happy?" He asked, fluttering his fingers in her fresh wetness.

"Very."

"I think it's time we worked a real one out of ya, baby." Frank patted her hip, crawled up the bed. "Come on. Let's see ya ride."

She took instruction as well as he did, soon sinking on his hardness. Frank watched it disappear inside her with a grimace of pleasure and pain. "Sure are pretty," he whispered, watching her move about in the soft lamp glow. He palmed her firm breasts, tweaking the hard nipples to her kittenish mewls.

"Knees up, please?" Jude reached back for leverage and Frank obliged, grinning.

"You got it, sistah."

"Ah!" There it was. Her head dropped back. "That's the spot, Frank!"

"Is it?" He was sweating beneath her. "Fuckin' hell, Judy, yer makin' me crazy here."

"You?" She increased her pace, tightened her grip on his knee and took hold of the headboard with her other hand. "You have no idea. I think I'm gonna come."

"You bettah." His fingers went wandering, thumb settling alongside her clit. "Let's make sure ya do, huh?" A little sliding action to match her post.

"Oh!" And she was nothing if not authentic - no melodramatic moans or shouts. No big productions. Her voice seemed to seize as her body did, resulting in a catching cry while she milked him dry.

Frank watched every expression unfold on her face, pushing her hair aside to see. He wondered at how clumsy and messy this moment was for him as opposed to the grace and beauty of this woman. One of God's great jokes, he supposed.

Her forehead fell against the headboard and she was laughing in between heavy breaths. "That was um..."

"I hope it felt as good as it looked."

"I can only imagine."

He stroked her sticky cheeks. "I could watch you come all day, Judy."

"I could let you." But her knees were shaking, weak from her workout. She slid off of him into the pillows. "What are we gonna do back at Briarcliff?"

"That's a good question, boss." They settled under the duvet to talk. "You're gonna have to start scheduling me days off whenever you have one, I reckon."

"So we can sneak off and sin?"

"Listen, I got no problems staying in ta sin, but I have a feeling you'll wanna be a bit more discreet."

She sobered, propped on one elbow to regard him. "I don't want you ta lose yar job, Frank."

"You'd be the one ta fire me."

"Not if I lose my job, too."

"Can nuns get fired?"

"Excommunicated, yes. But I could be sent anywhere, Frank. At any time. If I give anybody reason ta be unhappy with me -"

"So we don't give anybody reason. Right?" He kissed her forehead. "No one will ever know. I give you my word, Judy. Our secret stays between us and on your terms."

She smiled softly. "I know my weaknesses, Frank."

"Me, too. And I like them."

"We'll play it by ear?" She asked.

"Sounds good." He wrapped his arms around her, content to sleep in the insular silence of snow and secrecy.

"Frank?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you. Far understanding me."

Mary Eunice was frightfully chipper on the phone. "Oh, Sister! I'm so glad you're well! I assume you slept well through the snowstorm?"

"The snowstorm ended pretty early, Eunice. We just had to wait for roads to be cleared mostly." Jude gestured across the diner to Frank. 'Coffee,' she mouthed. He gave her a thumbs up. "I'm callin' to check in on our assignment. Some of the roads are cleared around here but not all of them. We can make it back ta Briarcliff, but not ta Potsdam. At least not today."

Part of her hoped that there would be another day. Another day to be a stranger in this wonderful warm diner. To shower with a man and have incredible sex. To wake up to a head between her thighs and real secular music on the radio. To dance on thick carpeting and stare up at that camel wearing a fez...

"Oh, the sisters at Potsdam have already called. They've arranged transport to us as soon as the weather allows. Probably waiting for roads to clear just like you are."

A quiet sigh. It wasn't meant to be. "Well, then. We will be leaving here as soon as we have breakfast." She hoped she didn't sound sad.

Because Eunice sounded like she could barely contain her excitement about something. "I'm glad, Sister. I - We've missed you."

"I've missed you, too, Eunice." Not a full lie. She did miss Eunice. Just not everything else.

"I'll pray for your safe travels home." Jude still held the receiver after the click. Home. To Eunice, Briarcliff was home. And Jude supposed it was her own home by default. Just...kind of a sad home.

They ate hurriedly and hit the road. Ice made travel slower, but not impossible. Salt trucks had been out, their dirty, gritty sludge beginning to pile on the shoulders. The radio played lowly in the car - lots of Christmas carols now, and Jude was staring at Frank from the passenger seat.

"What?" He finally asked, smiling.

"I had a really nice time, Frank."

"Oh, me too! Me, too." He assured. "I'll happily volunteer to drive ya ta whatever nuns need collecting in the future. So long as we get an overnight stay like that one."

"It wasn't a bad place."

"Not at all. Comfy."

"Nice shower."

He chuckled. "The uh - yeah. The showers were real nice."

At a gas station near Manchester, Jude popped in for a soda while Frank fueled. She was handing over coins when a trinket caught her eye behind the shopkeep. "May I take a look at one of those snowglobes?"

The man handed one over, and Jude smiled at it. "I'll take it."

Frank pulled them back onto the highway and gave the little brown box she held a curious glance. "A present. Far Mary Eunice."

"You've missed her."

"Don't tell her." Jude poked him.

"I wouldn't dare."

Briarcliff still stood. In fact, it was almost kind of pretty in the snow. And something else... Jude cocked her head, looking up at the building. "Oh, my God."

"What? Fire?" Frank turned from the trunk, nearly dropping their luggage.

"No." Jude smiled, pointing. "Eunice has been busy." Briarcliff was decorated. Wreaths hung on its double entrance doors and in its main windows. Before the front steps, a wooden cross was erected, draped in red velvet. "It's beautiful."

"Aww, look at that." Frank poked her, now. "And we didn't have ta call in reserves or catch fowl." They laughed as they walked in together - home again.

It had been a busy day back. She'd changed back into Sister Jude as easily as if she'd never left the habit, even for a day. Inspections went smoothly and she was pleased to see everything running like clockwork. She was proud of Eunice, who had managed to comport herself professionally all day even with Jude's praise and appreciation of her good work, and her decorating job.

That night, Jude padded down the corridor to Mary Eunice's quarters, night gown sussing around her ankles. She knocked.

"Sister!" Eunice was pink cheeked and pleased to see her. "Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine, Eunice. May I come in?"

"Of course!" The younger nun turned her chair from her desk, gestured for Jude to sit. But instead, Jude sat on Eunice's bed. Patted it until Eunice sat Indian style, as well.

"We got so busy this afternoon that I almost forgot something." Jude produced the little brown box from behind her back. "Ta da!"

Eunice's mouth and eyes made the same surprised O. "For me?"

"Yes. Ta say thank you far doing such a fine job while I was away. And far making Briarcliff look so pretty far Christmas."

"Oh, Sister." Eunice shook her head. "You shouldn't have -"

"Open it."

"Okay!" For such a small box, Eunice managed to scatter brown paper about like confetti. Jude picked a piece out of her hair. When she finally opened the box, a gasp of pure wonder. "Sister Jude. It's beautiful." She studied the tiny angel inside closely. Shook it to watch the snow swirl around the white wings. "Oh my! Does it play music?"

"Mmhm." Jude took it gently and wound the key on the bottom. 'O Holy Night' - slightly out of tune.

Eunice couldn't stop staring at it. "It's the most beautiful thing I own."

"It's just a thing, Eunice."

"I love it."

"I'm glad." Jude stood. "I'll let you sleep. We've another big day tomorrow. And I expect a full report on my time away."

"Um...right." Eunice fidgeted as they walked to her door. "I have a full report for you."

"You sound...nervous." Jude didn't like nervous.

"It's nothing." Eunice waved dismissively. "Just a few...small incidents. I handled them."

"I hope Fathah Howard was able to help?"

"He was. Until he broke his arm."

"What?" She'd wondered where the priest was at - hadn't seen him since her return. Jude turned just over Eunice's threshold. "Eunice! What incidents -"

"Small ones." A beatific smile from the young nun. "Good night, Sister!" The door closed.

Jude looked down the hall toward her room and sighed. She was home.