I know I'm posted this ON the deadline, sorry.

"You drive a hard bargain."

"And you have a private jet, seems fair." I'd replied quickly, watching him and his colleagues leave the room one by one.

"Not bad, I pay you ten grand and you make me fifteen million. Teach me- the science bit."

"What, you got eight years, have you?" Cal had asked, giving me a look.

"I wanna shadow you. I wanna watch what you do, how you do it- I'm a quick study. I'll pay you thirty grand for a week."

"Fifty." He'd argued, taking his phone out of his pocket "Yeah? Alright, get Loker down there with a camera."

"Mrs. Hardy, maybe I can take you and your daughter to get something to drink in the cafeteria." I had told the woman, not being able to prevent the sting of pain I felt remembering my husband.

"I love you, we'll be right back." I'd watched her try and hold back her tears, because her daughter was there, as she'd leaned in and kissed his forehead.

I'd been so happy when we'd left the hospital.

"He's lying. Clara, how do I know he's lying?"

"For forty-five grand, why don't you tell me?"

"Okay, umm, here ya go."

I'd crossed my arms and watched him point out the boy's smile- he really was in his element, explaining his science. My observant eyes shifted to Foster as she started to speak suddenly; I'd almost forgotten she was in the lab with us. No doubt her gaze had gone between Cal and I the entire time. I shook my head slightly when I noticed how she shifted around in her chair every time Cal spoke- as if she had to be facing him. She was so pathetic- here Cal was practically throwing himself at me, and she was still his faithful little sidekick.

"You look great."

"I spend a fortune and don't look half as good." I said, a small smile forming as I watched Cal with his daughter- it was a side of him I hadn't seen before, the softer side of Cal Lightman.

"Have fun with the client." His daughter told him as she'd left.

I'd felt intrigued by this new side of him; so I'd told him we'd discuss the meeting over dinner.

The way panic had filled his eyes as he'd gotten the phone call saying his daughter had been arrested; I saw that side of him again. It made me... it made me want to see it again.

"Would you like some more good news?"

"Yeah."

"You got the loan?"

"Seven figures; it'll keep us afloat for at least a year, long enough to get us back on our feet." Foster had said, smiling.

"Congratulations."

"Well done Foster."

"You should thank Clara for getting us in touch with the equity firm."

"I'm just excited we're gonna be working together." I'd almost laughed at their faces when I'd said that- priceless. It seemed to bother Foster more than she let on, though- and I knew why. She didn't want me around Cal.

I'd reached out my hand to shake Cal's, and frowned slightly when he pulled his away quickly. He was just playing one of his games; he always is.

"Is that the best you can do?"