A/N: Daniel doesn't know about Cahale's football accident yet.

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CHAPTER 2

The next morning.

Daniel POV

I woke up bright and early the next morning for my day off. I was lucky enough to have no classes today and planned to finish, or at least make a lot of progress, on the case with Kate. I wrapped my nightgown tighter around me as it was getting chillier because it was Chicago in the winter, and went downstairs. Lewicki, as usual when he had early classes, had left my breakfast on the counter. I sat down and started to eat my apple while picking up my crossword. My doorbell chose that moment to inconsiderately ring and I had to get it myself. As I walked to the door, I remembered Kate's and my conversations last night and hoped she wouldn't bring my schizophrenia up today if it was her.

"Paul," I said surprised, "what is it?" He was wringing his hands and shuffled his feet uncomfortably before replying. "You remember asking me to not take Bryan Cahale's scholarship away because he sustained his brain injury on the field?"

There was a bad feeling in the pit my stomach as I replied, "Yes?" This time Paul looked down regretfully, "He played again, and got hit hard. He's paralyzed now."

I knew it. The boy wouldn't take me, or his problem, seriously because like every other young man, he thought he was invincible. "What hospital is he at?" I really wanted to know his reasoning for taking a chance like this.

"Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I'm heading there now, do you want a ride?" He replied as he followed me inside. "Give me ten minutes to get dressed, then I'll be ready."

oo0oo

Kate

I knew Daniel was off today but I wanted to get as much investigation does as possible before he contacting me. I rubbed my eyes as I walked into the building of sciences. He didn't seem to want to spend time with me yesterday, even more so than just not wanting to hang out, he got the case work done as quickly as possible, then bolted finding some excuse about a 'previous engagement'. I opened the door as I figured, if he doesn't want to spend time with me, I'll leave him alone. I didn't need his expertise for this case so it wouldn't be a problem.

"Can I help you with anything ma'am?" Someone who looked like one of the teachers came up to me, friendly smile on her face.

"FBI," I said while holding out my badge, "Do you know where I can find Professor Emmitt? I have some questions for her about the murder two days ago."

She looked apprehensive but pointed me in the right direction. "Julia doesn't have anything to do with it does she?"

I shook my head no while walking away. "There's a chemical experiment I need to ask her about. Thank you for the help."

I walked into Emmitt's classroom. With a whiteboard in the front, experiment benches in the back, and desks set up in groups rather than traditional rows, it very strongly gave off the 'scientific' feel. She had a video on her computer, of mice running through a maze. "Professor Emmitt, FBI, I'd like to ask you some questions about one of your experiments."

She paused the video and got up from the chair. Coming over and shaking my hand, she said cordially, "Are you here about the murder?"

I nodded, "Did you have an experiment that increased a person's aggression or chances of committing murder?" I asked her, satisfied that after I told her I was here about the murder, she'd be more genial and willing to help.

She raised her arm and rubbed her chin thoughtfully for a moment before replying, "I don't know that I have something with those exact results, I've been working on an experiment for the DoD that was designed to increase a soldiers awareness in combat even after long hours of sleep deprivation. I had to shelve that idea though; the side effects were tremendous and it would never work on the field." That was very likely what I was looking for, but the side effects could be the secret to the whole case. I replied, "What were the side effects and if you were able to find the trigger, what was it?"

Professor Emmitt had the appearance of a person preparing for a lecture. The lab coat with stains on it plus her slightly frizzy hair gave her a strong similarity to "Bill Nye the Science Guy" back from my younger days. "After about two days, twenty percent of the rats started to attack each other, or self-mutilate. With side effects like that we ended the study, but not after finding that the rats were hypersensitive to loud and/or chaotic noises. It would never work in battle. I had my lab assistant dispose of them."

I leaned forward anticipating a potential finish to this case. "And your lab assistant was Billy Mitchell?" At her nod, I thanked her for her time and hurried out of the room. If she gave the pills to Billy, and he sold them, I had a suspect list that just grew exponentially. Sadly, I couldn't confidentially finger Carl anymore. He may be an entitled little prick, but that could be all he is, not a murderer. I thought back over the case, trying to remember if anyone we had talked to had a problem with loud noises.

Then it hit me, when Annie Byers had spoken to us, she'd been incredibly stressed by her looming tests. She made a huge deal about the volume of Christana's music, even though the girl was just murdered, and didn't seem to think it was odd. I went to find Daniel, even if he didn't want to associate with me that much; he adamantly refused the idea of being kicked to the curb on this case, so he'd want to hear this.

I was hurrying around the exit corner of the science wing when I ran into someone. Apologizing before I knew who it was, I realized it was Daniel. "Kate, you're here early. Working on the case?"

I was uncomfortable because I thought I'd have the chance to open up our conversation with the information I gained on the case. "Daniel, early morning for you isn't it?" Ok maybe it was after nine, but I was nervous. He looked at me strangely for half a second before saying, "No, it's after nine…?"

I reflexively made an attempt to cover up my embarrassment, and would've made the situation worse for myself if it wasn't Daniel. "Oh is it? It's later then I thought. I have new information on the case." I said, changing course to the dormitories rather than the professor's quarters.

"What'd you find out?"

"I went to Professor Emmitt to ask her about the experiment and she confirmed that it was Billy's job to dispose of the prototypes. I also found out the reason the plan needed to be scrapped; the pills had major side effects, the rats they tested on started self-mutilating and attacking each other after only the second day when they were stimulated with loud noises."

"Wow those are some serious side effects. Wait a second; you say loud noises instigate it?" At my nod he continues, "Then it must be-,"

"Annie Byers." We both said together. He narrowed his eyes, letting me know he was thinking something. "She really didn't seem like a violent person, but I suppose experimental drugs can cause anyone to lose their head."

I nodded in agreement as we headed outside to cross the courtyard, Daniel having held open the door for me again. It was a very nice day out like yesterday, very warm for winter Chicago. There were students everywhere, enjoying the fresh air and nice weather. Being by Daniel brought back all of our conversations from last night. I really did want to know if I was the reason he was having more hallucinations, but didn't think he wanted to talk about it. He'd acted naturally with me so far today but he seemed… closed off. I didn't want to risk what little I had with him just because I'm curious. The only thing that kept me hopeful that he'd ever return my feelings was that he got an ugly look on his face, like he'd just swallowed something bitter, whenever my relationship with Michael came up.

"Doc!" Max called. We turned around to see him almost running towards us, confused look on his face. "Did you forget that you agreed to help Laura with psych right now? And I'm pretty sure she doesn't want sex anymore either. She's got a boyfriend."

What? Now this is certainly something Daniel hasn't told me. A look of realization came across his face, "Oh I forgot about Stimulus Package." He turned towards me, "She's the reason I was coming to the psych department on my off day. Just, tell her I'm working on an FBI case and we can reschedule."

"You're her professor. You're paid to make time for students that need help. Kate, is Doc needed on this case at all? Or is he just working on it because it happened on campus?"

I was stuck. Daniel very likely wanted me to tell Max that I needed his expertise, but helping his students is his job, not investigating a murder. "I don't need him, he's all yours." Daniel looked at me like I'd betrayed him. I answered his 'what the heck' before he could ask. "You're not an investigator, you're a professor, help your student. Come find me when you're done." Daniel looked like he was going to refuse anyways but Max didn't give him the chance.

"C'mon Doc. We're going to your office."

I heard him complaining until he was out of earshot, but he helped his student and I got to continue the investigation. It was a win-win situation. I went to Dean Haley's office and asked him to call up Annie.

"Please sit down, I'll call her right up. Is she in trouble?" he asked.

I took the seat he gestured to before replying, "Yes, but you understand, I can't give you any more information about an active investigation."

"Ah yes of course." He picked up the campus phone and requested that she came up. Hanging up he continued, "Now that we're just waiting for Miss Byers, I have a question for you that I would have asked earlier, but the murder was more important. I hear, correct me if I'm wrong, that you and the, multitalented Professor Cathaway are quite an item."

I was distinctly uncomfortable with this topic for conversation but I didn't want to be rude. "Yes, we've gotten together on several occasions, he's a nice guy. I don't like to talk about my personal life when I'm on the job though, so…" I paused after so to let him know the conversation was over.

"Yes yes of course, I have paperwork to do anyways. I hope you can get the investigation done as quickly as possible, so, good luck."

"Thank you," I replied, and settle down to wait. Took about a half hour but eventually there was a knock on the door. "Come in," Haley said. In walked Annie who looked quite irritated and a bit stir crazy. Her hair was frizzed up, she was wearing lounge pants and a hoodie, and her head snapped between me and Dean Haley repeatedly.

"I just have some follow up questions about the murder." As I said that, her face dropped and she started wringing her hands.

"Um ok, I kind of have like six chapters to cover before tomorrow, so brevity would be appreciated."

I raised my eyebrows at that. "Six chapters? That's quite a lot of cramming for a single night. She tossed her hair out of her eyes irritably before responding, "Yeah well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do."

I thought about the best way to bring the conversation in the direction I wanted, without straight up asking her. Young adults and teenagers are very evasive when asked something straight, so I didn't want to be forced into that. "You're very high strung. Are you taking some kind of stimulant for your studying?"

She looked like a deer caught in headlights. "He said the pills were legal. I didn't do anything wrong." I nodded agreeably. "No you didn't, but Billy did, and we need your help to nail him. Can you come into my office and answer some questions under scrutiny? I'll have you back here in no time to continue your studies."

"Of course." Annie said, jumping to her feet. She was itching to get out of Haley's office, get to the FBI, and get back to her studying. Little did she know, she'd very likely never come back.

We left the Dean's office and made our way through the entrance doors to outside. The sun was bright and a breeze was blowing. Sadly no birds were chirping. They were the only thing needed to make it a perfect morning, well that and not walking around with a suspect that may have committed a murder. I heard my name called and turned, to see Daniel hurrying towards us."Where are you going?"

I looked at him as meaningfully as I could so he wouldn't tell Annie she was the prime suspect. "Heading back to the FBI, Annie has been willing enough to give a statement about the study aide she received from Billy."

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Daniel POV

Something felt off about this case. Compared to the seven others I had worked with Kate since she'd returned from DC, I hadn't really participated in this one. I was going to change that. This crime may not be relating to psychology, but it happened in my backyard. I was going to ask Kate about why I was kicked to the curb as soon as I got the chance.

"Ok, well then I'll tag along." I started walking towards Kate's official vehicle and they quickly fell into step beside me. We got into her car and got going. I started talking in a lower voice, so Annie didn't think I was talking to her. "Why have I been kicked to the curb on this one?"

After we got out of the campus parking lots she replied, staring alimentally ahead. "This isn't a case where I need your help. There is no psychological aspect to it. So if I find something I can do without needing to wait for you, I'll do it."

I accepted her response but something still felt off. Maybe she was taking my refusals to just "hanging out" personally. I'd have to find out once I could talk to her alone. I participated in a bit of small talk with Annie before sitting the rest of the ride to the FBI, in silence.

oo0oo

"I needed an edge, for the MCATs and Billy said that the pills would help me study harder and better than ever. And he was right; I studied for days and remembered everything I read." I looked at Kate and we both had the same thought. That, was the good side of the pill, the bad, well we were about to get that out of Annie.

"Wow, did you find that loud noises became unpleasant like, Christina's music?" As I said this, I looked imploringly at Kate, both for her to understand what I was trying, and for Annie to see I sympathized with her. Annie got an ugly look on her face. "It was driving me crazy. I had been cramming for three days."

I took another opportunity to come across as the 'good cop', "And then she starts blasting her tunes, pretty inconsiderate."

Kate, now understanding what I was doing, jumped into the questioning. "Did you ask her to turn it down?"

Kate and I both continued emphasizing with her, getting her more and more indignant until, "I took the window and I slammed it on her neck." That was it, the confession. "She knew I had the MCATs, and she didn't even care." Annie didn't seem to realize what she'd said.

"What did you do then?" I asked.

"Turned off the music, went back to my room and studied. Without all that noise I could get a lot done; now I knew I could totally ace the MCATs. And I did."

Kate stood up, "You're under arrest for the murder of Christina Hunter. You have the right to-" and she continued with the obligated speech. Realization that she was under arrest hit the girl right then. She looked like all her dreams had been crushed, which, in a way, they had.

As we walked down the steps and out into the sun, I saw the light hit Kate's face, and was seized with the strongest sense of appreciation. She'd been one of my favorite students, and now worked with me in the real world. She gave me puzzles, and respected my illness. I decided, right then, that things would have to change.

"Dinner sometime Kate?" She looked like she got hit by a truck, and then smiled. That made me smile. Even with the time spent in a public place and surrounded by well dressed likely rich people, that smile was worth it, even though inside I cried out with horror.

"Of course, are you busy tonight?" I looked at her with one eyebrow raised before half smiling. "As you well know, I have no classes today, and no other commitments so no, I am not."

She nodded, hesitated and then asked, "Is seven good then?"

I managed to get out a half smile and nodded. Turning and walking away I let out a little wave and got one last look at her face. Her smile was dazzling and I felt an uncomfortable pang before I forced my mind off her.

oo0oo

Kate

I couldn't wait. I know this shouldn't feel like a date but it did. I thought about it hard, how Daniel turned me down yesterday, and then instigates it today, it just doesn't make any sense. I watched him walk away, anticipation rushing through my veins. I still had seven hours before it was time, but my heart still beat faster.

"It isn't a date. It isn't a date." I kept repeating this to myself but it didn't seem to have any effect.

"Kate. Kate!" I heard Michael's voice and thought 'oh crap'."I heard you finished the case; I want to hear all about it over dinner. I found this amazing new sushi bar, they fly in their-"

"Michael. Um, I don't think it's gonna work." His face dropped but I felt I had to explain myself. "Not the sushi, the whole us. Maybe it's because I'm still technically married or maybe because I'm married to my job. I don't know." He interrupted me by saying my name.

"Kate. I get it, but you know what I think? It's not the job, or the divorce, it's a, it's just not that I'm the guy for you. Take care Kate." He then kissed me on the cheek and walked away. 'He wasn't the guy for me'? What did that mean? Was I really that obvious? Then I remembered our last date, and how he had started kissing me but my phone rang. I pulled away, answered it, and then left because it was Daniel. That is the one thing you shouldn't do on a date, and I had done it. Well, on the bright side that break up (is it a break up if you're not even together?) went a lot easier than I expected. I could now get excited for tonight, in peace.

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A/N: Please read and review. I don't have a beta reader so if you see any grammar mistakes, PM me. Thank you

Geheim