INTRODUCTION:

One day I was in the library (this was before I had a computer) doing some research. I came across a big and thick book about superheroines of "the good ole days". Basically the time period between the late 1930's to the early 1960's. I didn't know there were superheroines back then. The only superheroine from that time period I knew about was Wonder Woman.

I was intrigued and fascinated as I read about the various superheroines of the 40's and 50's. They all had great names: The Blond Ghost, The Silver Scorpion, The Black Cat, etc. The women in these stories all had regular day jobs but moonlighted as super heroes. They fought spies, Nazis, and anyone who threatened the American way of life. They were tough and feisty, but also very feminine.

Anyway, ever since then I've been interested in writing my own story about one of these superheroines of an era long gone. Of course my story will contain plenty of depraved and twisted elements such as bondage, sex, and violence. After some brainstorming I came up with The Black Fox. Simple and catchy (I hope). Keeping with the spirit of the forgotten superheroines, I decided to set my story in the 1940's. Post war America. A time when men were men and women were women (whatever that means, but it sounds cool).

I prefer my heroines to be regular women with extraordinary skills, but with some vulnerability. That makes it more believable when they get captured by the villain (hehe). Okay, enough back story. Here's my original superheroine, The Black Fox, in her debut. I will post it in parts over time. Oh, and no, I'm not that old! I just have a fascination with the "gold ole days". In case you're wondering.

THE BLACK FOX

By

Peril Master

WARNING! The following story contains adult material. If you are offended by such content, then don't read any further.

San Francisco 1944

The harsh thunderstorm descended upon the two story house like the wrath of an angry god. Intense lightning illuminated the night, revealing further detail and character of the house. The Victorian style mansion stood alone, atop of a hill. The isolated location added a touch of mystery to an already suspenseful setting.

Within a semi-dark bedroom of the house a young woman slept in a satin sheet covered bed. Her sleep offered no peace. She stirred and twisted violently, mumbling incoherent words through her full lips. Her head turned from side to side, further expressing the discomfort that ceased her.

Her nightmare came to life: An elegant and beautiful woman embraced a young auburn haired girl. She released the girl and stood tall. Behind the woman an airplane awaited. On the side of the plane a logo red: Golden Horizon Studios.

"Be a good girl, honey," the woman said to the girl.

"I will, mommy," the girl replied.

The woman turned her attention to a handsome man standing next to the girl. She smiled warmly at the man. No words were needed as the couple embraced.

"Have a good trip, darling," the man whispered.

"I'll write to you as soon as I get there," the woman said.

In the real world, the young woman continued her violent slumber. She discarded the bed sheets, revealing her completely nude body. It was a work of perfection. Eighteen year-old Valerie Miles possessed an athletic but voluptuous body. Long shapely legs complimented her round hips and backside. She suddenly turned flat on her back with her arms stretched out, clutching two handfuls of bed sheets. Her firm and full breasts jiggled ever so slightly as she shook her head.

Her dream once again came to life within the confines of her mind: The airplane ascended toward the sky. Young Valerie and her father waved goodbye at the plane. Nothing else existed but them. The plane cruised smoothly across the clear sky. It suddenly nose dived, twisting and sputtering as it fell from the sky. It slammed into the side of a mountain, shattering into a thousand pieces with a violent explosion.

Valerie awakened from her nightmare, sitting up on the bed with a loud scream. Perspiration covered her lithe body and her breathing was erratic. Disorganized auburn hair fell across her face. The rain and lightning outside her window reassured her it was only a nightmare. She controlled her shallow breathing, brushing away hair from her flawless face. High cheekbones adorned a striking and gorgeous face. Emerald eyes betrayed an ever present pain. She suddenly became aware of her nudity and hugged the bed-sheets against her torso.

She began sleeping in the nude a few weeks before. She loved the feel of the smooth bedsheets on her skin. She felt free, not to mention comfortable. Of course it was her very own secret. She had a couple of close calls when her father almost caught her, but he suspected nothing. Valerie didn't want to find out what her father would say if he knew his wholesome daughter liked to sleep in her birthday suit.

She turned her attention to an 8x10 picture of her mother, standing proudly on the night-stand next to her bed. She fought back tears and turned away from the picture. She curled up in a fetal position, gathering her legs with her hands. She buried her face against her knees and cried. The thunderstorm continued outside her window.

Thirty minutes later Valerie strolled across the spacious living room of the house, dressed in a robe and carrying a silver tray loaded with a coffee pot and two cups. Her once pain riddled face was now a symbol of strength. Though only eighteen years-old she was an example of grace and class.

She stepped into a den containing a large bookcase and a desk. She placed the coffee tray on the desk and stood before the bookcase. Using both hands she slid the heavy bookcase aside. Behind the mock bookcase a flight of steep stairs descended into a secret entrance under the floor of the house. She picked up the coffee tray and stepped through the opening. She reached the bottom of the stairs and stood before a closed metal door. She hesitated, composed herself, and pushed the heavy door open. It announced her intrusion with a loud squeak.

Inside the secret room two men wearing white lab coats stood over a wooden table. The large room resembled a research laboratory. Shelves and tables contained lab instruments and glass beakers of every size and shape. The two men were focused on a what appeared to be a rectangular "fish tank" with two rubber hoses attached to it. The loud squeak behind them broke their concentration.

The two men turned toward Valerie. One of them was her father, the same man from her dream. Like his daughter, Jonathan Miles possessed an aura of strength but with the same vulnerability in his eyes. The other man was younger and heavy-set with a serious face. Dale Catlett was a former student of "Professor Miles". While teaching at the university five years before, Jonathan Miles befriended the socially challenged but brilliant young man. Impressed by the young man's knowledge with chemical compounds and physics, Professor Miles made him his personal assistant in his secret research to alter molecular structure.

Jonathan Miles eyed his daughter with concern. "Valerie, what are you doing here?"

Valerie stood across the room, holding the coffee tray. "You weren't in your room....so I knew you'd be working. I thought maybe you'd like some coffee."

Jonathan advanced toward his daughter. "Thank you, sweetheart, but it's almost two in the morning. You should be in bed."

He reached his daughter and took the tray from her. Valerie's face crumbled. No words were needed to convey her distress.

"Another dream?" her father asked softly.

Valerie nodded meekly, almost ashamed to admit it.

Jonathan placed the coffee tray on a nearby table and embraced his daughter. "It's all right, sweetheart," he whispered. "I won't ever leave you."

Dale Catlett looked on, unimpressed by the touching moment. Though still a young man, he possessed a no-nonsense attitude. His serious face showed no sign of compassion or understanding. All other aspects of life paled in comparison to his work.

Jonathan released his daughter. He stared into her eyes. "Are you okay?"

Valerie nodded, feeling much better.

"Let's see those pearly whites," Jonathan said.

Valerie looked past her father's shoulder at Catlett, waiting impatiently across the room. "Dad..." she said with embarrassment.

Valerie finally gave in to her father's request and flashed a smile, revealing a set of perfect teeth. She blushed and looked downward. Satisfied with his daughter's response, Jonathan released Valerie and turned to Catlett.

"We've done it, sweetheart!" Jonathan exclaimed, wrapping his arm around Valerie. "After four years of hard work we've finally done it."

"Done what?" Valerie asked.

Jonathan led his daughter to the table containing the glass tank. "Dale, perhaps we can demonstrate."

"Of course, Professor," Catlett said.

Catlett stepped behind a control panel next to the table. Valerie never really felt comfortable around Catlett. When he stared at her he wasn't simply looking at her, but leering. She was not naive and could figure out what was going through his mind. Of course every man she encountered, with the exception of her father, gave her the same look.

"Watch this, sweetheart," Jonathan said with pride as he removed his white lab coat. He opened the top of the rectangular glass tank and placed the lab coat inside the container. He turned to his assistant. "All right, do it."

Catlett pushed several buttons and pulled on a lever. A whooshing sound came from the tank.

"First we remove the air..." Jonathan explained to his daughter.

Catlett pushed a series of buttons and pulled the lever up. The clear tank filled with a thick white gas, completely engulfing the lab coat. After a few seconds Catlett pulled the lever downward. The white gas was sucked out of the tank through the other hose.

Jonathan ran to the tank with a skip in his step. He opened the top of the tank and removed the lab coat. He made his way across the room toward a mannequin. It wasn't an entire mannequin, but a head and torso supported by a metal pole. He draped the lab coat on the mannequin, fastening the first three buttons. He rejoined Catlett and his daughter across the room. Dale Catlett removed three sets of earmuffs from a drawer. Jonathan took one of the earmuffs and offered it to his daughter.

"Put this on, sweetheart," he said.

Valerie placed the earmuffs around her head, noting how tight and sound proof they were. Her father and Catlett also donned the earmuffs. Catlett reached into a cabinet and removed a gun. She didn't know much about guns, but could swear it was a .45 automatic. The war had peaked her interest in firearms and she had done some research on the subject. Catlett took a position in front of Valerie and Jonathan.

Jonathan wrapped his arm around his daughter as Catlett took aim at the mannequin across the room. He fired three shots at the mannequin. Valerie flinched as she heard the muffled pops. All three bullets hit the plastic mannequin. It wobbled slightly but didn't topple over. Catlett lowered the smoking gun. Jonathan raced to the mannequin. He examined the white lab coat and let out a chuckle. He removed the coat from the dummy and ran back toward Catlett and Valerie.

Jonathan studied the lab coat. "We've done it, sweetheart!"

"Done what?" Valerie asked.

"We've finally found a way to alter the molecular make-up of any object, making it indestructible!" Jonathan replied.

He showed the lab coat to Valerie. She noticed the three bullets on the chest of the coat. They had not penetrated the material, but had "mushroomed" on impact. Jonathan laughed as he peeled off one of the bullets, which now resembled a coin.

"My formula makes any material bullet proof, fire proof, or knife proof!" Jonathan said, examining the remains of the bullet. "The appearance of the material is the same but nothing can damage it! Your father is a genius, sweetheart!"

Jonathan took his unsuspecting daughter in his arms and danced across the room. Valerie was not a good dancer, but her father could care less. He literally swept her off her feet and waltzed back and forth, humming his own music. Valerie couldn't help but giggle.

Dale Catlett looked on, his face never changing the serious expression it always had. He crossed his arms and leaned against a table. He was an outsider in a family celebration.

Valerie poured her father a cup of coffee. Jonathan and Catlett sat in the dinning room table, having breakfast. The two men were dressed in suits and well groomed. Valerie had changed into a form fitting pink dress with matching shoes. Along with her make up and styled hair, she looked stunning.

"More coffee, Mr. Catlett?" Valerie asked, holding the coffee pot.

"No thank you," Catlett replied.

She placed the coffee pot down and took her own seat at the table. "How were the eggs, daddy?"

"Great, sweetheart," Jonathan replied. "Looks like Buckley maybe out of a job."

"After twenty years he needed a vacation," Valerie said, bitting into a piece of toast.

"Think of it, Professor Miles," Catlett broke in, disregarding the father and daughter chit-chat. "We can name our price. We'll be rich and famous beyond our wildest dreams."

"Dale, we have a greater responsibility to our country," Jonathan said. "This invention can be the decisive factor in helping the allies defeat Hitler and the axis powers."

"Bulletproof G.I.'s?" Catlett offered.

"Why stop at soldiers?" Jonathan said. "What about planes, tanks, and ships. Do you realize how many lives can be saved?"

"What if it was used for bad instead of good?" Catlett mused. "Can we take that chance?"

"Dale, the only thing that matters is winning the war and saving lives," Jonathan said. "Our country needs this. The world needs this."

Catlett was silent for a moment. He finally nodded in agreement. "Perhaps you're right."

"Good," Jonathan said, glancing at his watch. "We better get going. I've a class to teach. I'll expect you this evening so we can discuss when and how the announcement will be made."

"I'll be here," Catlett said flatly.

Jonathan turned to his daughter. "Do you need a ride, sweetheart?"

Valerie shook her head. "Linda is picking me up. She just got her own car. A convertible."

Jonathan flashed a smile. "Is that a hint?"

Valerie laughed. "You said it, I didn't."

Valerie stepped into the living room and exhaled. Sometimes college life could be a real drag. She couldn't imagine three and a half more years of sitting in classrooms, taking notes, writing papers, and of course fighting off every male student. She preferred the less hectic high school days. Of course she couldn't be a kid all her life.

She noticed the house was quite. It was nothing knew. She always returned home before her father, but this silence was different. She stopped and listened, looking about the living room. A faint noise, like a muffled thump, broke the silence. It came from the den. Not the den itself but from under the secret lab. Had her father come home early and...No, his car was not in the driveway. She made her way toward the den. Someone was down there. The only other person who know about the secret lab besides Valerie and her father was Dale Catlett. What could he possibly be doing down there without her farther?

She entered the den. She immediately knew something was wrong. The bookcase covering the secret entrance was opened, exposed for anyone to find. Her father had explained to her that the "door" must never be left opened. She quickly stepped through the entrance and descended the stairs, her heels clicking loudly on the concrete stairs.

She reached the bottom and noticed the steel door was unlocked. This was another violation of her father's rules regarding the secret room. She had to find out what was going on. She pushed the door open, storming into the lab. She took a few steps into the room and stopped in her tracks. Loose papers littered the floor. She spotted the glass tank across the room. The rubber hoses had been detached. The steel door slammed shut behind her. She spun towards the noise.

Her jaw dropped when she spotted Dale Catlett standing before the closed door. He held a small steel tank under his shoulder. In his hand he held a leather briefcase. A wicked smile was etched on his face.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Catlett hissed. "If it isn't Jonathan's lovely daughter."

Valerie swallowed. "What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like I'm doing, stupid girl?" Catlett asked. "I'm stealing the fucking formula."

"You can't do that!" Valerie said, attempting to sound brave.

Catlett laughed out loud. It was the first time Valerie had heard him laugh and his guffaw terrified her. She took a step back, regretting her decision to come down here. Her heart rate increased with every passing second and a chill ran up her spine.

"Who's going to stop me?" Catlett asked mockingly. "Your pathetic father?"

"How can you do this to my father?" Valerie stammered. "After everything he did for you!"

Catlett's smile faded, replaced by a sadistic look. "You dumb, bitch! If it wasn't for me your jack-ass father would have never made it!" His eyes swept over Valerie's body. "As long as I'm here I might as well take advantage of the opportunity." He dropped the briefcase and steel tank on the floor. The tank clanked loudly and rolled under a table. He never took his eyes of Valerie. "You think I haven't noticed how you walk around, all high and mighty, waving that tight ass like it was the greatest thing in the world? Well, let's find out!"

Valerie's eyes widened with utter terror. Catlett advanced toward her, stalking her. She attempted to back away from him but crashed into a table. The impact was severe enough to knock over several glass containers and instruments. Before Valerie could recover Catlett was on her. He pinned her down on the table, crushing her with his massive and stronger body. She finally managed a loud scream that echoed throughout the room.

She fought and scratched furiously as Catlett ripped the neck of her dress. He pulled her bra down, burying his face between her quivering breasts. Valerie's wild flailing did little to deter his relentless assault. His right hand journeyed down the side of her thigh. He pulled up her skirt and inserted his hand inside her dress. He stroked her nylon clad leg, moving upward until finding the smooth skin between the stocking top and underwear.

"Nooooo!" Valerie screamed as she felt Catlett's rough hand on her body. "Let me go!"

Catlett locked his arms behind Valerie's backside and pulled her off the table. He bore her down on the concrete floor as she continued to scream and fight. He pounced on her as he fumbled for the fly on his pants. Valerie attempted to push him away, pummeling him with her clenched fists. Her clumsy attack was to no avail. Catlett responded with a sadistic chuckle, amused by the girl's resistance. He yanked her skirt until it was up around her waist. He hooked his fingers inside the waistband of her panties and pulled them down her hips. She regretted wearing her panties over her garter belt, making it easier for her attacker to access her.

Valerie arched and twisted as Catlett attempted to penetrate her. She felt his erection against her thigh, exploring her. At eighteen she was a still virgin and the thought of this hideous man raping her was unthinkable. Where was her father? Why hadn't he come to her rescue? After a fierce struggle Catlett finally slid into the gyrating girl. Valerie closed her eyes and moaned. She continued to fight as Catlett inched his rock-hard cock into her. She tilted her head back and screamed in agony. Catlett's face was a mask of sadistic lust as he buried his entire cock into the fresh young girl. Once he was fully inside her he worked steadily, bumping and grinding wildly.

Each powerful thrust into the girl produced a loud moan from her. Perhaps it was pain, pleasure, or both but it was more than she could bare. Her moans and sobs intensified as Catlett's relentless assault continued. At first her screams excited him, but now they annoyed him. He clamped his hand over the girl's mouth, stifling her anguished cries. Satisfied with her partial silence he continued ramming his cock into her.

"That's right!" Catlett gasped. "You like that, don't you!"

The girl was twisting and grinding her hips as she struggled under him. She was completely unaware that this only increased his pleasure. He licked her soft neck and perfect breasts. She was delicious! Never in his life had he had such a great piece of tail.

He took his time fucking her, relishing every moment. He would pull his prick almost all the way out of her and then push it in back in, slowly. She girl was tight and he realized she was a virgin! This excited him further. He always wanted to fuck a virgin and now here he was, popping a young girl's cherry. He increased his pumping, feeling his passion rise. It was only a matter of time before he came. He was going to come inside this beautiful young woman. He was going to come inside Jonathan Miles' daughter! This would teach him to ruin his chance at fame and glory.

He finally removed his hand from her mouth and arched his back, supporting himself on his hands. Their cries now intertwined, forming a violent chorus of moaning, panting, sobbing, and cursing. This was it! He was going to shoot his load inside the teen-age girl!

"Valerie!"

The scream was deep and full of shock. Catlett ceased his pumping, snapping his head toward the deep voice. Standing no more than ten meters away was Jonathan Miles. His eyes were wide and full of horror as he caught sight of Dale Catlett fucking his daughter.

Catlett rolled off Valerie and shot to his knees. Jonathan Miles could only stare in awe and disbelief at the sight before him. His daughter sobbed uncontrollably as Catlett jumped to his feet and fumbled with the fly on his pants. His shock turned to pure anger.

"Nooooo!" Jonathan screamed. "You son of a bitch!"

Jonathan charged at Catlett like a possessed man. Catlett was still panting and recovering from the encounter with Valerie. His reflexes were slow and he failed to avoid Jonathan's attack. The two men went down to the concrete floor. They struggled for control as they scratched and fought with reckless abandonment.

Jonathan's rage gave him an advantage. He fought his way on top of Catlett. He grabbed Catlett's head with both hands and smashed it against the hard floor. Catlett countered with a forearm to Jonathan's face. The blow temporarily stunned Jonathan. Catlett ceased the opportunity, slugging Jonathan across the chin with a solid punch.

Catlett bucked Jonathan off him. He crawled away from him, making his way toward the door of the lab. Jonathan recovered and spotted Catlett as he collected a leather briefcase from the floor and staggered to his feet. Jonathan turned to his daughter as she sobbed on the floor. Her arms were crossed over her naked chest and she curled up in a protective posture. He turned his attention back to Catlett, watching him race through the doorway of the lab. Jonathan jumped to his feet and chased after Catlett. He was going to kill that bastard if it was the last thing he did.

Catlett emerged from the house and dashed toward the gate of the tall fence surrounding the property. He had parked his getaway car on the side of the house and now made his way toward it. He stopped at the entrance of the fence and spotted Jonathan coming out of the house. The two men stared at each other for a moment before Catlett continued running away from the house.

Jonathan watched Catlett disappear around the wooden fence. He intensified his pursuit. He would chase him until he caught him. Then he would get his revenge for what that sick bastard had done to his beautiful daughter. Jonathan ran through the opened gate of the fence, reaching the curb next to the street. Catlett raced past him in his getaway car. Without missing a beat Jonathan raced to his car parked in the driveway.

Thirty seconds later Jonathan Miles backed into the street inside his car. With tires screeching and a rising rage he raced after Catlett. Since the house was located in the outskirts of San Francisco, there was only one road that lead into the city. Jonathan spotted Catlett's car up ahead as it ascended a hill in the road. He stepped on the gas. He knew Catlett would escape if he reached the city streets.

Catlett raced down the narrow road at a steady sixty-miles per hour. Up ahead he could see the San Francisco skyline. Within a few minutes he would reach the city and... Something caught his eye in the rear view mirror. It was Jonathan's car, gaining on him. He was too close to success to allow anyone to stop him. He pressed his foot on the gas, disregarding the sharp curves ahead of him.

Jonathan Miles noticed Catlett speed up. He too stepped on the gas peddle and the car surged forward at a reckless speed. Nothing mattered anymore, except catching Catlett and exacting his revenge. He would get it. He would never forgive himself if he allowed Catlett to escape unpunished. How could he face his daughter?

Catlett's car swerved around a curve, almost flipping over. In panic, Catlett hit the brakes and the car screeched violently. It spun completely around before skidding to a halt on the side of the road. The car was facing Jonathan's direction and Catlett could see him approach. He slammed his arms on the steering wheel and resumed his escape route. He glanced in the rear view mirror. Jonathan was only a few seconds behind him.

With the help of Catlett's near accident, and expert navigating around the sharp curves, Jonathan finally caught up with Catlett. Both cars emerged from the sharp curves and raced down the straight road that lead into the city. They were almost bumper to bumper, speeding toward the streets of San Francisco. Jonathan bumped the back of Catlett's car, jolting it forward.

Catlett turned to his pursuer, cursing under his breath. He felt another jolt, hard enough to throw him forward against the steering wheel. He responded by swerving to the other side of the road. Jonathan sped up and the two cars were now side by side, advancing toward the city. Catlett slammed against Jonathan's car. A loud crunching sound was heard as the two cars sideswiped each other in the middle of the road.

The impact forced Jonathan's car against the side of the road but he recovered quickly. Now it was his turn. He steered against the side of Catlett's car, almost running him off the road. The two cars continued to bump and scrape each other as they reached the busy streets leading into the city. Angry and confused drivers honked their horns as they swerved to get out of the way of the two reckless drivers.

It was rush hour in the streets of the city, but Catlett and Jonathan swerved past frightened drivers. They resumed bumping and striking each other on a stretch of freeway. The two men glanced at each other for a moment before they slammed into each other yet again. Their eyes reflected pure hate and contempt. They were ready and willing to do anything.

Jonathan yelled with rage and turned the steering wheel abruptly. He was determined to end this right now. He smashed into Catlett's car with enough power to force Catlett into the incoming lane of traffic. Catlett's eyes widened when he spotted a car racing directly at him. He swerved back toward Jonathan's car.

The two men once again eyed each other but it would be their last time. They failed to notice the intersection in front of them until it was too late. A large truck loaded with timber pulled across the intersection, blocking the road. Catlett gasped and his face went white with fear. Jonathan snapped his head forward, just in time to see the large truck before slamming into it at fifty miles per hour.

The two cars were no match for the heavy truck and literally disintegrated upon impact. The sound of the metal crunching wreck echoed throughout the otherwise silent neighborhood. Jonathan Miles finally had his revenge, but had to pay the ultimate price for it. That was fine with him.

A stoic Valerie Miles stood on the deck in the back of the house, gazing toward the beautiful sunset that engulfed the sky. The scene was a stark contrast to her mood. She wondered how something so beautiful could exist in the midst of her misery. She was still in shock. She had buried her father earlier today but still could not accept the fact that he was gone...forever. She refused to believe that her father, her only family, would no longer be there for her. It was too much to ask from an eighteen year-old girl.

A cold breeze struck her face, disturbing her hair. She didn't care. After everything she had been through recently, physical discomforts no longer bothered her. First she had lost her mother and now her father. Not to mention what that monster Catlett had done to her. What had she done to deserve this? Was there a purpose to her suffering?

"Miss Miles?"

The deep but familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned away from the sunset and faced a handsome middle-aged man. Though in his late forties, the man was in perfect shape with a full head of dark hair. He was graying at the temples, but that only gave him character. Buckley Denton had been the family servant for over nineteen years. A year before Valerie was born. He was old fashioned and put his work and loyalties ahead of his personal life.

While growing up Valerie spent more time with "Buckley" than with her own father. This was due to the fact that her father had to work, accumulating the fortune that was now hers. Money was not something Valerie had to worry about any time soon. She would trade it all to have her parents back.

"Miss Miles, it's really cold out here," Buckley said flatly. He possessed a single voice tone, or so it seemed. "Why don't you come back inside? I've got a fire going."

"In a minute, Buckley," Valerie replied. She sighed deeply, shivering. "Thank you for coming home. I really appreciate it."

"You and your parents have treated me like family," Buckley said. "I don't think I ever thanked them for that. Maybe if I had been home this wouldn't have happened."

"Don't say that, Buckley. Don't ever say that," Valerie said, her voice cracking. "My father missed my mother so much, but he never showed it. He wanted to be strong...for my sake. Now they're together again."

Buckley rarely showed any emotion or affection but he made exceptions. He wrapped his arm around Valerie and held her tight against him. She was still wearing the black dress from the funeral and her skin was ice cold after being outside for over two hours.

"Let's go inside, Miss Miles," he whispered.

Buckley led Valerie into the living room where a fire crackled in the fireplace. He released the young woman and she was immediately drawn to the large portrait of her mother hanging above the fireplace.

"I'll prepare some hot chocolate," Buckley said.

He was about to head into the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Valerie was too engrossed in the portrait of her mother to notice the doorbell chimes. Buckley shot Valerie a worried look before going to answer the door.

Valerie was still gazing at the portrait of her mother when Buckley entered the living room with another man trailing behind him. The man was tall and dressed in a suit complete with an overcoat. He didn't bother to remove his hat, an action that didn't escape Buckley's observation.

"Miss Miles?"

Valerie turned her attention to Buckley and the man. She studied the man for a moment. He was relatively young, perhaps in his early to mid-thirties. Broad shoulders stressed an athletic build. The first image that came into Valerie's mind was that of a hero in one of those detective magazines she had spotted at the newspaper stands.

"Miss Miles, this is Detective Joseph Pike," Buckley said. "He's with the police department."

Pike gave Buckley a side glance. He focused on the young woman before him. Even dressed in black she was still a vision. In the line of work he was in, Detective Pike rarely met such women. Though this...woman resembled more of a girl, her physical charms were still mesmerizing.

"How do you do...Miss Miles, is it?" Pike said, lifting his hat.

"What can I do for you, Detective Pike?" Valerie asked.

"First of all I'm..." Pike paused, shooting Buckley a look.

"I'll be in the kitchen, Miss Miles," Buckley said. As an afterthought he addressed Pike. "Would you like some coffee, sir?"

Pike shook his head. "Don't knock yourself out."

Buckley left Pike and Valerie alone. Pike paced around the room, studying the large living room. His one bedroom apartment had nothing on this joint.

"I'm sorry about your father," Pike finally said, reaching into his overcoat pocket. "I was assigned to look into the...incident."

"This really isn't a good time," Valerie said. "Besides, I don't really know anything."

Pike placed a cigarette in his mouth and lit it with a match. "Don't you want to know why your father died?"

"My father was a scientist," Valerie said. "Dale Catlett stole some of his work and he went after him."

"I thought you didn't know anything?"

"That's all I know."

"What kind of work?"

Valerie shifted uncomfortably. "My father rarely discussed his work with me."

"Must have been some really important stuff," Pike said, eyeing the young woman suspiciously.

Valerie didn't offer a reply. Instead she faced the fireplace, once again glancing at the portrait of her mother.

Pike noticed her preoccupation with the painting. "Beautiful woman. Who is she?"

"My mother," Valerie replied. "She died when I was ten years old. She was an actress. She was on her way to do a picture when her plane crashed in Mexico."

"Sorry," Pike said flatly, dragging on his cigarette. He reached inside the pocket of his jacket and retrieved a business card. He approached the young woman. "Give me a call if you remember or find out anything else.

Valerie accepted the business card, never facing Pike. He stood behind the girl, staring at her with genuine concern. He had more questions, but decided to leave her alone. He had a feeling he would be seeing her again. He hoped that was the case.

"Thanks for your time. I'm sorry about your father," Pike said. "I can find my way out."

Valerie heard Pike walk out of the living room. She glanced at the business card and exhaled. She vowed not to talk about her father's invention to anyone, like he had instructed her. Now she had to find a way to use his work for something good, like he wanted.

The rain came again. This time there was no thunder, but only a steady downpour. Buckley had awaken from an uncomfortable sleep only to find the lights in the den on. This was odd. It was the middle of the night and the only person in the house besides him was Miss Miles.

Dressed in his robe, he stepped into the den. There was no one in there, but the bookshelf leading into the secret entrance was pushed aside. Buckley rarely visited the secret lab where Jonathan Miles did his research. Since it did not affect his work he had no interest in what went on down there.

He entered the secret lab, descending the stairs quickly. He pushed the heavy door open and stepped inside the room. He found Valerie, sitting on the floor. She was dressed in her robe, clutching a small metallic tank. She glanced up at him but didn't speak.

"Miss Miles, what are you doing down here?"

"I've got it, Buckley," Valerie said. "I've finally found a way to honor my father and his work."

"What are you talking about, Miss Miles?" Buckley asked, confused. "What work?"

"It's going to take plenty of hard work and time, but I'm going to do it." Valerie glanced at the tank in her arms. "He always wanted his work to be put to good use."

I'm afraid I don't understand," Buckley said.

"Do you believe in destiny, Buckley?"

Buckley contemplated the question briefly. "I suppose it's possible, but-"

"I believe in it also," Valerie said, looking away. "We all have a destiny in life and I have just found mine." She glanced up at Buckley. "I'm going to need your help. Can I count on you?"

"Of course, but I still don't know what you're talking about, Miss Miles."

"Let's just say that San Francisco's criminal element will have more than the police to worry about."

Buckley stared at the young girl. He had no idea what she meant by that, but knew his life...and hers was not going to be the same again. What the hell? He was ready for a change.

THE END-PART ONE