Post-Mortem

By TT Banks

Book 2 in the Sapphic Sphere Collection.

An abused woman’s life begins anew when her husband is murdered, but ghosts from her abuser’s past keep popping up – mob debts, long lost relatives, slimy lawyers, and a sadistic killer still on the loose.

A sexy, lesbian medical examiner breathes new life and hope into Ana’s world, but can she fall in love in the midst of the chaos brought on by her husband’s untimely demise?

• Language: English
• Publisher: TT Banks
• Release date: Dec 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463825921

TT Banks

TT Banks enjoys spending time with her wife and furry family - not writing this bio - the fact is, she'd rather be doing anything other than writing in the 3rd person about herself. She writes books - this shouldn't come as a surprise to you - you're currently reading her author bio - so there's that. She writes funny, quirky - sometimes nerve-racking - always sexy lesbian fiction novels. She taught middle school math for one terrifying year and has since been a successful entrepreneur. She needed an outlet for her creative, goofy, slightly dark side - and that's what you'll find in her books.

Book preview

Chapter 5 – Becoming Mr. Cool

Chapter 6 – Home Wrecked

Chapter 7 – Bloody Hell

Chapter 8 – Blondes, Blades, & Blood

Chapter 9 – Hidden Dragon

Chapter 10 – She’s Just Not That Into You

Chapter 11 – Blessed Art Thou Amongst Women

Chapter 12 – Killer Connection

Chapter 13 – It’s Not A Hat

Chapter 14 – Straight Up Crush

Chapter 15 – What Are You Grateful For?

Chapter 16 – Tweedle Dee And Tweedle Dumb

Chapter 17 – Ana, She’s Got Your Number

Chapter 18 – Romancing The Krystal

Chapter 19 – Home Is Where The Wreckage Is

Chapter 20 – Holy Rizzoli

Chapter 21 – A Pleasant Surprise

Chapter 22 – Some Like It Hot

Chapter 23 – Mr. Mother-Fucking Cool

Chapter 24 – You Get The Next One

Chapter 25 – Ch-Ch-Ch-Cherry Bomb!

Chapter 26 – Battle Of The Exes

Chapter 27 – Up For A Three-Way?

Chapter 28 – Oh Brother

Chapter 29 – She’s Got It Bad

Chapter 30 – Witches, Warlocks, & Dark Magic

Chapter 31 – Not-A-Date Night

Chapter 32 – Talk About Surreal

Chapter 33 – Pho-Getta-Bout-It

Chapter 34 – Un-Pho-Gettable

Chapter 35 – Big Mistake

Chapter 36 – No Bourbon, Lots of Scotch, No Beer

Chapter 37 – Nightmare On Cherry’s Street

Chapter 38 – Good Morning Sunshine

Chapter 39 – Coffee & Tank Tops

Chapter 40 – Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner

Chapter 41 – Mr. Thin-Man

Chapter 42 – Love Is Love

Chapter 43 – Cherry Goes To Church

Chapter 44 – Meeting Mother

Chapter 45 – Pre-Gaming

Chapter 46 – Jade

Chapter 47 – Mr. Losing His Cool

Chapter 48 – She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not

Chapter 49 – Playing With Fire

Chapter 50 – Post Party Repression

Chapter 52 – Pandora’s Box

Chapter 53 – It Could Happen For Us

Chapter 54 – Go Fuck Yourself

Chapter 55 – Sweet Leaping Jesus

Chapter 56 – Please, Please, Please

Chapter 57 – She’s The Boss

Chapter 58 – Never Before

Chapter 59 – Trust Me

Chapter 60 – Introducing Mr. Rage

Chapter 61 – Just When You Think You Can’t Take Anymore

Chapter 62 – Twice Is Nice

Chapter 63 – A Case Of The Mondays

Chapter 64 – Predictably Terrible

Chapter 65 – First Timer

Chapter 66 – Welcome To My Life

Chapter 67 – Tea Party

Chapter 68 – Grandmother’s Gift

Chapter 69 – Don’t Leave

Chapter 70 – Dr. Ruby-Jade Cherry

About TT Banks

Other books by TT Banks

Connect with TT Banks

Acknowledgements

To My Wife,

Thank you for being my never-ending beacon of sanity, my best friend, and biggest cheerleader.

All my love,

Me

To Sandy,

Thank you for all your help and encouragement.

Hugs from afar!

TT

Prologue

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

She froze. The edge of his blade felt cold against the delicate skin of her neck. Its pressure increased and he pulled her more tightly against his body. She felt his erection push against her buttocks and she did her best not to dry heave.

I’m going to have so much fun with this, he whispered into her ear.

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

Ana’s Choice

- Ana -

Ana waited as Bram fumbled drunkenly with the keys, trying unsuccessfully to unlock their front door. She had been able to tell all night that he wanted this date night to end in the bedroom. He had been giving her the eye from across the table and when he took a sip of wine he made sure his tongue lingered on his lips while maintaining eye contact.

He knows I’m not in the mood… why does it always seem like it makes him more turned on that I’m clearly not feeling it?

She knew she shouldn’t, but since Bram was still fumbling with the keys she reached for them and smiled up at him. Here, let me do that for you, she offered, putting her hand on his and standing up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

Bram shook her hand off of his, turned his head and sneered at her, What? You don’t think I can open a fucking door? he asked in a thick-tongued voice. I’m the man, I have the keys, I’m letting us in. He shoved her away from the door with his hip and bent down to examine the lock. There! he exclaimed as he pushed the key in, I got it.

Uhhg – he’s had too much to drink.

No – stop it. He’s your husband – ‘til death do us part.

Just think of something sexy… THINK… THINK!!!!

Bram grabbed her by the hand, pulled her into the house, tossed his keys on the entry table and half stumbled into the kitchen. He dropped her hand and immediately went to the cabinet for two glasses. After dropping three ice cubes in each he poured vodka into his own and then held the bottle up for Ana.

She took it quickly, capped the bottle, and poured herself a glass of water.

Yeah, that’s a good idea. I have a feeling that you’re going to need all the hydration you can handle tonight. Daddy’s feeling frisky, he said, bobbing his eyebrows and rubbing his crotch suggestively.

Calling yourself Daddy is NOT a good way to turn anyone on…

Focus – think about something sexy… but… what is sexy?

For some reason Ana’s mind always went to what men were taught was sexy. She started thinking about women’s lingerie, soft skin, delicately freckled shoulders, and long flowing hair.

No. NO! Not again…. Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee….

While Ana recited Hail Mary in her head several times, she drank her glass of ice water and eyed Bram warily.

If he drinks anymore it will end in one of two ways… either he passes out and I don’t have to perform or he has issues with keeping hard and I’m stuck making him feel manly all night long while he tries over and over again…. Maybe I should just distract him from that vodka.

Ana set down her empty glass and poured another water. She considered momentarily what happened the last time she let him continue to imbibe – a vicious sexual encounter that ended with him screaming obscenities at her. She decided she would distract him from the remainder of his drink. She shrugged out of her coat, exposing her bare shoulders, and walked over to the master bedroom door.

Oh Bram? she called, leaning suggestively against the door frame.

Bram stopped fiddling with the stereo and looked up. When he finally focused on her, he grinned wildly, Are you ready for it, then? He took a sip of his vodka, and put the glass down on an end table.

Why don’t you come find out, Ana suggested and slowly backed up into the bedroom, crooking her finger at him.

Bram laughed loudly, You look so funny when you try to be sexy – who taught you that? Sister Mary Patrick? Bram’s insult stung Ana deeply, but she attempted not to show her insecurity to him, that would only make matters worse.

Coming back to the doorway she asked coquettishly, What would you like me to do instead?

Why don’t you show me some flesh, he suggested and sat down on the sofa arm. He grabbed the remote off the end table and turned the stereo up. It was on his favorite channel for sex.

Elevator Jazz… it sounds like a porno movie in here.

Ana cocked her head to the side and pulled her hair out of its clip. Then she started unbuttoning her shirt, slowly. She maintained eye contact with Bram and bit her lower lip like she’d seen women do in all the movies.

He just sat on the end of the sofa, looking slightly bored until she pulled her shirt off. Yes, now show me some fucking skin.

She plucked at her bra clasp and it popped open. Her ample bosom bounced free from its cage and jiggled as she wiggled out of the straps.

Then she saw it, the moment that desire struck him. She felt a twinge of fear, but pushed that thought away quickly.

He’s not that drunk. He won’t hurt me again…. He promised…

Her nipples hardened at the sudden surge of fear but Bram obviously took the tightening of her nipples as a sign that she was ready for him. He pushed himself off the sofa, strode to the door, pushed her through it and onto the bed. He whipped off his shirt, lowered his pants and boxers, and plucked off his socks. He stood before her, waiting.

She sat up on the bed and ran her fingers over his smooth chest. She looked up at him, staring into the face of the man who she had believed would save her from loneliness. He was beautiful. A tall drink of a man, with golden blond hair, well-muscled body, and a perfectly straight nose. She wished that he was as kind as he was beautiful.

Well? He asked staring down at her, what are you waiting for? He grabbed her long blond hair and twisted it a little too roughly, causing her to wince. Show me, he demanded.

She nodded and dug her nails into his chest just how she knew he liked it – causing him to growl with arousal. She dragged her nails down his chest to his buttocks and watched as his penis started to twitch and stiffen.

Bram tightened his grip on her hair and lowered his face to her ear and whispered, Show me, now.

She let go of his ass with her right hand, licked her palm, and grabbed his thickening shaft. She edged a little closer to the side of the bed and took him into her mouth. Bram grunted with satisfaction while she bobbed slowly up and down, sucking and twisting her tongue like he taught her.

Yeah… Fuck… Just like that, he said, tightening his grip on her hair again and forcing her to take more of him into her mouth.

Gagging, she pulled back abruptly.

Damnit Luciana – you always ruin that for me, he complained, releasing her hair. He pushed her aggressively onto the bed and quickly pulled off her skirt and underwear. He crawled onto the bed, pushed her knees up and spread her legs. He looked down at her center and then back up at her face.

Think about something sexy. Think about something sexy…

Let’s just see, he said, pushing his fingers not so gently into her. For fuck’s sake, Luciana, you’re dry as a bone. How did I ever end up with such a cold wife?

Bram, I’m so sorry. I’ve been practicing, I swear, she stammered.

Uh huh. He climbed off the bed, stomped into the master bath, and came back in with a tube of lubricant. I should invest in this company’s stock, he said with a sneer. He squeezed out a large quantity of lubricant and slathered her with the goo.

This is so demeaning. I’m such a failure.

Stop it! Think sexy thoughts….

Bram tossed the tube of lube onto the floor, climbed back up onto the bed, and shoved himself into Ana without another word. For the next four minutes Bram pounded himself into Ana – grunting, swearing, and sweating. Finally, just when she thought she couldn’t take another moment of his rough thrusts, he made his orgasm noise, and slumped down onto her.

Ana pet his sweaty back, imagining that they had just made love like she had seen in the movies. She kissed his shoulder and waited for him to move.

He lifted his head up, You know, you really need to work on your timing. It’s almost like you’re a virgin that doesn’t know what she’s doing. Then again, I’ve met virgins who can gyrate more effectively than you. He rolled off of her and stalked into the bathroom. I’m going to shower, you coming?

Ana shook her head, I’m going to get a drink of water… and check my email. I’ll go in after.

Whatever, he said and left her alone in the bedroom.

Ana burst into tears as soon as she heard Bram turn the shower on. She curled into the fetal position and wept – hugging herself – because there was no one else who would.

Ruby-Jaaaaaaade

- Cherry -

The alarm shrieked in her ear and Cherry rolled over groaning, Shuuuuut uuuuuuup. Her arm swung in the general direction of the nightstand, and she knocked her eyeglasses, book, and empty water bottle onto the floor before her fingers found their mark. The alarm went blissfully silent.

That’s more like it… I WANT PEACE!!!!

A barely audible sound emanated from the foot of the bed. Shhhh, Cherry whined, it’s not time yet, I swear. The quiet noise became a slightly louder, more insistent, growl. Cherry cracked open an eye, Oh fine! she said exasperatedly.

She flung the covers off and sat up far enough to scratch Cody’s ears. She looked around the room, squinting at her almost sterile looking apartment, Yup, just you and me buddy. What are you going to do while I’m at work? It would be really helpful if you, yanno, made dinner, vacuumed, or reorganized my closet. No? None of that? She looked at her mutt of a dog, Okay, I guess you’ll just have to earn your keep some other way. Cody popped up and scrubbed his face into Cherry’s shoulder, growling with satisfaction. That’s a good start!

Cherry rolled all the way out of bed and plodded down the stairs to her back door to open the dog door for Cody. Cody didn’t approve, he stood next to his bowl looking up at her expectantly, Go on, you mutt! I’ll get you breakfast when I get my coffee. Somehow understanding, Cody ran through the newly opened door to go take care of business.

Cherry wandered back upstairs to take a shower and get into something slightly more presentable than her Superman pajamas.

Though I know they would just looooooove these at work.

After a hot shower and a cup of coffee, Cherry felt more human and decided to check her messages. She took a long sip of her second cup of coffee and stared at the blinking light on the machine – there was only one person that would call her and leave messages.

This… this is gonna hurt…

She took another pull from her mug and pressed the play button.

I haven’t had enough coffee for this yet…

*** Ruby-Jaaaaaaaade. This is your mother. ***

The familiar voice of her mother came blaring through – her mother wasn’t old, but for some reason she always thought she had to shout to be heard on a machine.

*** Why do you never answer the phone when I call? I only want to talk. We haven’t talked since you told me about your friend leaving you. What was her name? ***

Come on mom – you know her friggin’ name.

*** Chrissy? Or Prissy? I can’t remember. I know you are having a hard time right now, but you can’t just abandon your family. Your cousin Xang is coming into town next week and the whole family is going to the restaurant. We reserved the whole second floor. You should be there… It’s next week… Call me. ***

Cherry breathed a sigh of relief.

That wasn’t so bad.

Then a new message started to play.

*** Ruby-Jaaaaaaaade? This is your mother. Why have you still not called me back? I know you can’t be at work all the time. Besides, who are you going to meet at work? No one nice. You must come to dinner next week – remember! Xang is coming. You might meet someone. Dress nice. Call me back.***

Cherry held her breath and eyed the machine, willing it to not play another message. Thankfully, it complied.

Wow. Gimme a break. It’s only been a few months since my break up.

She shook her head at the messages and continued getting ready for work. Cody pranced into the kitchen and demanded attention just as the phone began to ring.

I think I’ll let that go to voicemail – whaddaya think? she asked Cody. Cody shoved his butt up high and then bounced a few feet in the air. Glad we can agree on things. Wanna get a little play time in before I go?

Cody bounded to the door and waited for Cherry to join him. Just as Cherry was shutting the door she could hear the new voicemail being left.

*** Ruby-Jaaaaaaade? This is your mo- ***

Cherry shut the door before she could be guilt tripped into answering the phone. Once outside in the cool fall air, she and Cody played fetch for 10 minutes. The fresh air felt amazing and made Cherry forget about all the Chrissy-Prissy mess that her mom had alluded to on the machine. She checked her watch and Cody pranced to the door, Yup, playtime is over. Cody did a quick circle and then let himself into the house.

Cherry followed moments later. She grabbed her phone, wallet, keys, and travel mug, then headed to work.

I really gotta cut back on the coffee – pretty soon I’ll just vibrate to work, no need to walk.

Cherry stuck in some head phones and listened to overly loud, nineties, grunge music while she made the ten minute walk to the office. She donned her work coat and made small talk with the staff as she used her key card to get from her office to the lab.

She pulled open a large metal drawer and stared at her first job of the day. She checked the file on the case. Everything seemed in order, but for some reason it was assigned to her.

Hmmm… interesting. Time to break things down.

After going over the file twice she reached for her favorite tool, the Stryker Saw. She turned it on and watched with an artist’s attention to detail as it sliced through the thick hard material like a hot knife through butter. She pulled apart the two halves made by the Stryker and pushed her gloved hands into Bohman, Michael’s chest cavity.

Thirty years old and a heart attack? Let’s just see about this, shall we?

Work It Out

- Ana -

Ana waited until she heard the front door slam shut before cracking an eyelid open. She threw back the sheets and looked at the clock – it read 7:45. She had an hour and fifteen minutes before she needed to be at St. Catherine’s to start work.

Feeling hollow and alone, she plodded into the bathroom. She slapped both her hands on the counter, leaned heavily on her wide spread arms, and stared into the mirror.

Look at you. You, my friend, are a wreck.

Your husband is handsome, has a wonderful job – and you can’t perform for him appropriately? What kind of a woman are you? You’re twenty-seven years old and you don’t even know how to make love? Your lack of enthusiasm in the bedroom is going to ruin your marriage. He is going to leave you just like your parents did.

Whoa! Ana exclaimed at the mirror. That was pretty harsh.

Harsh, but true.

Ana stared at her reflection and tried to see what other people saw when they looked at her. She touched her features delicately with her fingers as she examined them. Her overly long, dark eyelashes curled upwards, making her bright blue eyes pop, and her straight nose was an appropriate length for her face – not too wide, not too thin. Her lips. She was so self-conscious about her lips. She tugged at the lower lip aggressively and then let it go, noting the light slapping noise it made when it hit her upper lip.

Too big… makes me look like a porn star.

She put her right hand on her cheek and stared hopelessly into the mirror, Who are you? she asked. When her reflection refused to answer, she let out a puff of air in frustration and went into the shower.

Twenty minutes later she was dressed and in the kitchen looking in the fridge for anything that could be considered breakfast. She sneered at the protein powder canister that was on the counter next to the blender.

How in the world does he drink that every day and call it breakfast?

Finding nothing to tempt her, she fixed herself a cup of coffee to go and made her way to St. Catherine’s. Every work day felt more like she was going home than she was going to work. All the nuns were so loving and the children that she looked after were wonderful, even when they were misbehaved.

After getting settled into her office, she looked at her appointment calendar. There were three families coming to the orphanage, so she took it upon herself to spend the first three hours of work researching each potential family and trying to match them up with a child.

A little before noon, Ana received a text from Bram about meeting her for lunch.

* I’m going to be unable to take you to lunch today. You will have to eat in the cafeteria. I’m on my way home to grab a quick bite and then I’m off to work out. *

The text was then followed with another.

* Also, I’ll be working late today, but I want to have dinner ready when I get home. Something simple. Make sure it’s Paleo. *

Ana rolled her eyes at the second message. Bram had always been very muscular, but lately, he’d been overdoing it. He was always at the gym, drinking protein powder, and now this Paleo diet. He never even considered what she wanted to eat or do, but he was the man of the house – and she owed him her obedience as his wife. She felt the heat of anger flare up her face, but she quickly swallowed her pride, shook her head, and attempted to respond quickly.

She typed out her reply several times, removing any snark and sass that she put in on the first, second, and third draft of the text.

* Whatever you like sweetie. I’ll see you when you get home. Love you. *

She looked at the clock – she had twenty minutes before the first potential family arrived. She always had a few premade salads in her office refrigerator for times when Bram bailed on her for lunch.

These days it seemed he was always either working late or skipping lunches.

Ana felt a shiver of panic, anxiety, and fear roll through her body.

Better work it out before the new group comes in. Hail Mary full of Grace…

Flaming Out

- Cherry -

It was midday when Cherry had finished the autopsy on Bohman, Michael. She was typing up her report on the deceased when she heard a knock on her door. She looked up and her stomach did a little flip – Detective Alex Connolly was leaning against her door jam.

Knock it off – she isn’t available and you guys are supposed to be friends. Of course, it doesn’t mean I’m dead – the woman is HOT.

Hey Cherry, Alex said smoothly, I hear you were assigned Bohman?

That’s right, I’m just finishing up the report, Cherry explained and gestured for her to come in and take a seat.

So, whattaya got for me? Alex asked as she dropped casually into the seat.

Cherry tried not to