Before:

"I love you." I said, beginning to shake my head as I stared into his eyes. "I don't need walls, or doors..." His lips captured mine, as he drew me to him. Our bodies molded against each other, fitting together. Vincent pulled back,

"I am so in love with you" He said, before returning his lips to mine.

Now:

If my life was a movie, then it would have to be rated at least M...but now I was hoping for an R. I could still feel the touch of Vincent's lips on mine, the feel of his hands as they pulled me toward him. My mind couldn't help itself from wandering to him, remembering the outline of his face. I knew that I was acting like a child, reminiscing on a kiss like it was the first time. But I guess in a sense it was...

"Earth to Cat, do I need to punch you?" Tess was waving her hand in front of me, with one eyebrow raised.

"No...No" I began, trying to clear my thoughts. "No punching necessary."

"Hey, you weren't thinking about Vincent were you?" Tess leant across her table, lowering her voice. I shook my head.

"Of course not. We broke up. No more thought necessary." I clicked my mouse a few times staring at my monitor in an effort to avoid her eyes. Tess always knew when something was up. Things have still been weird between us, to say the least. But for the moment she hasn't demanded that I tell her why I was tampering with evidence, and there has been no confirmation that i'll be receiving a new partner anytime soon...so things are looking up. As if the stars had aligned Joe walked out of his office, handing Tess a case folder.

"What you've got for us?" Tess didn't make eye contact with Bishop. We haven't really had a chance to talk about it, with Tess's new ignoring policy when it comes to personal matters. Apparently its too friendly, and are friendship is still on hold. At least for the moment. From what I can gather however, I reckon Tess is still pissed off at Joe for not leaving his wife. Especially after what happened to his brother...I should really check in with Heather.

"Chandler, you ok?" Joe mentioned, as he tilted his head to the side.

"Yeah, she's been zoning in and out all day." Tess said, as she flipped through a few pages in the file.

"All good." I said with a smile. "What we got?" Tess handed the folder to me.

"Carol Wilson, aged forty-two, found dead in her lab yesterday. Cause of death is still undecided..."

"What kind of lab?" I couldn't help but ask, as I flipped through the folder.

"Chemistry..." Tess added, looking a bit confused at my question. "No suspects as such, so should probably do some poking around." All of my time spent with Vincent has probably just allowed for a touch of paranoia to sink in...I was being crazy. This won't be related to Vincent. I mean people die all the time, especially when your working homicide.

"Sounds like a plan."

The ride over was awkward. I mean, what are two people who are on a friendship pause supposed to talk about...work? pah-lease.

"Have you spoken to Joe, about..you know?" I tried to prompt a conversation out of Tess but she wasn't budging. She just shook her head.

"Heather seems to be doing ok. Throwing herself back into her work. She's actually hosting this mascarade ball on friday if you'd like to come? I can get us in for free." Was I trying too hard?

"Listen Cat, you need to give a girl some space. I'm not sure how to deal with..." Yeah I was trying too hard.

"I understand."

"Do you though? Because for some strange reason I get this sense that you aren't as broken up over getting caught tampering with evidence."

"I'm trying to look on the bright side..." I suggested. Tess's knuckles turned white on the steering wheel as she clenched her hands.

"There is no bright side when your tampering with evidence Cat! Its a federal offense...but the real think that pisses me off is that you haven't even given me a reason. Not like i'd even believe you right now with the lies that seem to just crawl out of your ass. Its got to be something to do with Vincent right...he's a drug lord and you needed steal some evidence for..."

"Its got nothing to do with Vincent, Tess." I tried to remain calm, but knew I was starting to sound annoyed. "And I understand that your angry, but I can't tell you. I just need for you to trust me on this."

"Riiiiigggght" Tess drew out the word as she shook her head. "Because your the queen of trust." I folded my arms across my chest.

"We're here."

Bane Enterprise was an ugly building. More jail than turn of the century medicine establishment. After several security checks, we were cleared to visit the crime scene.

"So there were no signs of a struggle?" I asked Tess, as we began to search Wilson's lab. She was looking over a few books.

"Nope. Just dead." Tess pulled a book from a silver shelf, examining it. I made my way over to Carol's desk, looking through a few things on top. Nothing. "Evan should be back with a verdict soon."

"I'm getting nothing. Maybe someone worked close with her an knows something. I'm going to go and ask a few questions." I said, leaving Wilson's lab. As I left I bumped into a blonde girl with a white lab coat. The paper that she had been holding flew everywhere. "Im so sorry" I bent down, helping her scoop things up.

"Its not your fault. I'm a bit of a cluts" The girl mentioned. Once the paper was in order we both stood.

"I'm Catherine Chandler by the way, I'm investigating Carol Wilson's murder. Would you be able to answer a few questions?" The girl nodded.

"Sure, but I'm not really sure how much help I'll be."

"And why is that?"

"Because no body really knew her."

After the lab, Tess and I decided to get lunch. Separately. I'd filled her in on what Jordan had said. Carol pretty much kept to herself, her research unknown, in fact most of the time others didn't even notice she was there. I had just gotten my sandwich from my favorite deli when my phone buzzed. I couldn't help but smile -ALLEY - it read. I turned a corner at the end of the street, heading down the alley slowly. I had just past the dumpster when a a hand reached out and pulled me up against the brick wall. Vincent was closer, comfortably close...but I wanted him to be closer.

"Hey" I managed, after my heart began to beat at a normal pace again. Vincent lips curled into a smile.

"Hi." Was the last word he said before his lips found mine. They entwined rapidly and I couldn't help but moan as he sucked my lower lip into his mouth, his hands roaming down my body resting on my backside. I jumped, folding my legs around his waist, letting him push even closer towards me. My body was pulsing now, every touch was like fire coursing through my veins. Vincent pulled back resting his forehead against mine. "I could get used to this." He managed through ragged breath.

"What? Dumpster make-out sessions? Cause I think its a bit stinky.." His whole body moved as he chuckled.

"No." He lowered his head moving his lips across my neck. "Being close with you. You can't even imagine how many times i've imagined being able to kiss you. Every day, all day."

"I think I could." I said with a mad smile "I've maybe been thinking the same thing."

"Well I sure haven't." Vincent and I froze at the sound of Tess's voice. I unhooked my legs, as Vincent protectively stood in front of me.

"Tess? What brings you down this alley?" I was trying to act casual, but she was giving the evil eye. I hate that evil eye.

"I didn't show you this at the lab..." She took a step toward me, completely ignoring the fact that I had just been caught making out with the guy I told her i'd broken up with. It was a book. Now whose been tampering with evidence? I couldn't help but think.

"This mean anything to you." She continued.

"B.F Skinner; Behaviourism." I read allowed. "Should it?" Cause it did. Behaviorism was about conditioning. I'd seen a similar book on JT's shelf once. I looked at Vincent, who furrowed his brows.

"Open it." Tess insisted.

There in perfect cursive was a list of names. Vincent's was on it. And so was mine.

Hey Readers :) So i'm justing giving this story a go, getting a feel for the characters...so let me know what you think? I can't wait till the 14th of March because I am seriously obsessed with this show! xxox Happy Reading!