On the Loose

Chapter One

Local retailers report sales of mace and similar self-defense products have more than tripled, but police continue to insist there is no cause for panic.

"Vigilance is always advisable," LAPD Chief Phillip Morissey stated at yesterday's press conference, "for all citizens – men as well as women. While the recent spike in violent crime is worrisome, there is no indication that we have a serial rapist on the loose. I've heard the same rumors and speculation that you have, and it's all exactly that: rumors. The increased attention being paid to these crimes may even have attracted copy cat criminals, driving the incidence rate higher. For this reason, I am urging the public to remain cautious and aware, but also – equally important – to remain calm."

- - - - - -

"IDIOT!"

"I haven't said anything yet," Steve protested lightly, raising one eyebrow as he glanced at Jaime.

"Steve, have you seen this garbage?" Jaime seethed, tossing the newspaper onto the conference table with enough anger to send its pages fluttering throughout the room.

"I don't even read the L.A. papers when I'm in California; out here, there's really no reason. Why don'cha try a DC paper instead? When in Rome..."

"Morissey might actually get a clue," Jaime muttered, "if his head wasn't stuck so far up his -"

"Good morning!" Oscar said from the doorway, before Jaime could finish her thought. He looked curiously at her for a moment before continuing with the morning's business. He smiled broadly at his 'Dynamic Duo' as he sat down across from them. "Your fifth successful mission as a team – congratulations!"

"We're gettin' the hang of it," Steve told him, taking Jaime's hand. Jaime barely seemed to notice the gesture. Her mind was obviously somewhere else. Oscar noticed the lack of response, and it confirmed something Rudy had mentioned: during their post-assignment check-ups, the doctor had sensed an undefinable tension between the normally harmonious pair.

Oscar nodded, deciding to probe deeper. "Jaime, how does teaming with Steve compare to working solo?"

"We're great together," Jaime affirmed. "Once Steve learns to treat me like a full-fledged partner, we'll be great when we work together, too."

"Thanks, Sweetheart," Steve grumbled, slumping down in his chair.

"Jaime, go on, please," Oscar prompted. He noticed that Steve had let go of her hand.

"It's a lot better now than when we started..." she hedged, "and he does mean well..."

"But -" Oscar said softly.

"He needs to remember I'm not his girlfriend when we're on assignment. I'm his partner – his back-up – not a little porcelain doll he needs to protect. Not his subordinate, either."

"And she needs to know when to listen to the voice of experience," Steve added, staring sullenly at the tabletop.

"Experience doesn't give you seniority. Not here," Jaime retorted. They were both getting a little carried away as they released the stresses of the mission and their not-quite-perfect working relationship. "I get my orders from Oscar, not from you."

"Suggestions, based on a few years of experience, are not orders -"

"Uh-huh. Right."

Oscar had heard enough. Jaime and Steve had never fought in front of him – they normally didn't fight at all – and he knew he had to nip this disagreement in the bud, before it exploded into all-out war. "Stop it!" he demanded in a booming voice of authority. "You both had very valid concerns, but you're starting to sound like two-year-olds!"

Jaime and Steve looked sheepishly at each other, re-joined hands and apologized profusely using just their eyes before turning to their boss. "Sorry, Oscar," they said in a single, very contrite voice.

Oscar smiled warmly. This was more like it.

- - - - - -

"What time does your flight leave?" Steve asked Jaime when their debriefing session was over.

"Trying to get rid of me already, Austin?" she joked, then turned serious. "I wouldn't blame you if you were. I'm...really sorry -"

"Jaime, you didn't do anything wrong. Oscar asked you the question, and I would never have expected you to lie to him. I asked about your flight because I was hoping to take you to lunch, if you have time."

"As much as I miss Ojai, I need a little down time before a cross-country flight. I'm not leaving 'til tomorrow night, and I'd love to go to lunch." They headed down the hall, arm-in-arm. As they crossed the lobby, it looked like a secretaries' convention had just concluded at the receptionist's desk.

Jaime pulled Callahan aside as she was leaving the group. "Peggy, what's going on?"

"That home invasion rapist out in L.A..." Callahan said, obviously shaken.

"He struck again?" Jaime guessed. If she was right, that would make six victims in two weeks. The attacks so far had all followed the same pattern, even if Chief Morissey wouldn't admit it. Women were being accosted in their own homes, badly beaten and raped. The attacker would then tie them securely and leave them – alive, in serious pain and unable to summon help.

"Two more women, but that's not the worst of it. I mean, any attack like that is horrible," the secretary stammered. "This time, he didn't just tie them up and leave them alone, though; he killed them." Peggy looked at her friend with wide, fear-filled eyes. "Jaime, one of them was in Ojai."

- - - - - -