so glad to see people still writing Careese. Anyway here's my next story. Also thank you to everyone who has reviewed what I've written so far. I am soooo grateful and I read every comment and appreciate them all.

Slowly John felt himself pulled from sleep at the unending buzzing of his phone. Trying to ignore the rising sun that blasted through his windows he rolled over so that his back was against the windows. Without opening his eyes he reached over and brought his phone to his ear.

"Morning sleepyhead," came her voice. Greeting him before he could speak.

John smiled. "Good morning Detective."

"How is it I'm up before you? I'm just an NYPD cop, you're the man in the suit. You should have saved your third life by now." Joss teased.

Lightly John laughed, wanting to hear her talk all day. He loved when she called him early in the morning, waking him up. Hearing her voice was far better than any alarm clock. His life had transformed since they had started dating. As crazy as he was about her before he was even more smitten now. She consistently showed him her soft nurturing side. The side of her that normally only came out when she was around Taylor. But now she shared it with him.

"Come on get up Mr. Fantastic, or Superman or whoever you're going to be today."

"Don't be jealous just because I get to sleep in and you don't. It really doesn't become you."

"Alright fine. You're right. I'm jealous. Enjoy your morning. Get some sleep for me."

"You'll hear from me later."

She smirked. "I'm sure I will."

"Who's the new number?" John asked a few hours later as he approached the back of Finch's chair. Shaw stood less than a foot away from him as they huddled close to the computer.

"The young Ms. Clarisse Phillips. Recently came into the lime light after the announcement of her engagement to Senator Gary Marshall."

"Uh, she's engaged to that man. I thought she was his daughter." Shaw put in staring at the picture of the young dark haired woman and the middle aged man. "Don't get me wrong, the man looks good. Sort of has that Cary Grant appeal. Better with age, but still…"

"Precisely Ms. Shaw. One reason they have gained so much attention is because of their rather noticeable age difference."

"What's got her into trouble?" John asked.

"That's just it Mr. Reese. I am not for certain. At this point it could be one of many things, but nothing that sticks out any more than the ordinary. But considering we will be dealing with such a public figure we will need all of us working actively on the case."

John knew what Finch was hinting at. "I'm sure Carter can pull some files for us." Shaw cut her eyes at John while Finch turned away from the screen to look up at him.

"John, I think we'll need her for a little more than just that. Especially if we are to get closer to Ms. Phillips."

"And if things get heated…" John allowed his voice to trail off.

"She's back to working the streets again John," Harold said trying to be sympathetic. "She'll be in no more danger working for us than she is in every day."

John blinked and glanced over at Shaw who was still cutting her eyes at him. "What?" he said. She opened her mouth, but he held up a hand, "don't bother. I already know."

She raised an eyebrow as John moved across the library. "I'll call Fusco and Carter and get them updated."

Watching him go Finch and Shaw shared a look.

"I knew I'd hear from you." Carter said with a smile. "And this is not one of those just-calling-to-see-how-I'm doing calls, right." Carter asked as she took a break from the precinct and walked down the streets of New York.

"If you get in the car Joss it won't be a call at all."

Stopping Joss turned to see the black car parked against the sidewalk with John sitting in the driver's seat. She hung up the phone and made her way to the car.

John's eyes soaked in every step she took admiring all that there was about her to admire. He loved this new freedom he had. To be able to comment her on how she looked and not have to hide how much he enjoyed seeing her. Every moment he was with Joss left him wanting more. These days she was his top priority and always in his thoughts. He already knew he loved her. He had loved her for some time now, but he had held back on telling her. They weren't ready. But even though he hadn't told her those three words he did his very best to give her no reason to doubt the depth of his feelings.

Opening the door she climbed in. John briefed her on the new number. "So, what would make a young girl like her want to date someone old enough to be her father? Do you think she has someone else on her arm?"

John shrugged.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Find out what you can about the senator. His connections and what those on the inside have to say about him."

She nodded. "I can do that."

"Just one moment," John replied tapping his ear. "Hello Lionel."

"I got the information you sent. What do you need?"

"Meet up with Shaw, the senator is giving a small speech for a charity event. I'll be there in ten. Be on guard we're not sure who may want to do Phillips harm."

"Where does Carter fit into all this?"

"She's finding out all there is to know about Senator Marshall."

Fusco paused. "You know she's gonna have a fit when she realizes you're sticking her with the sissy jobs."

Not wanting to give a direct reply John danced around the issue. "Judging by what you just said Lionel, you implied that you'd rather be the detective to do the sissy jobs."

"You know what I mean. She'll be fine. Let her back in on the action. I'm sure if anything goes wrong you'll be right there to protect her. You always are."

"I'll see you in a few." John said hanging up knowing Fusco was right. He turned to Joss who smiled at him. She did that often when they were together.

"I gotta get going. I'll call you when I have your information." She waited not moving an expected look on her face. Smiling John reached across and kissed her softly. "See ya." She replied getting out of the car.

John swallowed watching her walk away. He was going to have to ease her back into helping them. If she knew he was giving her the boring jobs she didn't let on. But she wasn't going to brush this under the rug forever.