Sorry, not only did it take a long time, but it's rather short. Chapter 5 will be longer, I promise :)

"I knew Erin Strauss. We were at the academy together for a short time years ago, and you're right. She was amazing, smart and beautiful in a way I never was. Even though we looked enough alike to have been twins, if she was in the room, I may as well have not existed. There was just something about her...," she said as her voice trailed off

"Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?" he asked as he turned to face her

"Because you didn't mention her name, and...Because the Bureau really does want to know if her death has affected your productivity"

"And what do you think?"

"I think, if anything, it has strengthened your determination to never let another person know the pain you have experienced at the hands of someone like John Curtis," she said quietly

"Well it looks as if we've both been "played" for lack of a better word"

"It would appear so" she replied sadly

"I don't see why this should have to spoil our lunch," he said with a wink

"You still want to stay?"

"Why wouldn't I? Technically I lied to you first so it's your call, if you want me to stay then I would love to, but if you want me to go, then I understand"

"I would really like it if you would stay. It's been such a long time since I've had anyone to really talk to... or cook for"

"Enough said" he replied as he put his arm around her and led her back to the kitchen "But I insist that you let me help"

"I would like that" she replied leaning against him

The mood at lunch was considerably lighter as David and Karen began to open up a bit about Erin and Bill, a topic that up to this point had been veiled in mystery. Karen explained that although she loved Bill, the last year of their marriage had been strained and they spent most of their time apart, and David went on to explain the struggles that Erin had with alcohol and how things were just finally beginning to turn around for her. The conversation was full of tears of both joy and sadness as the both began to realize that they had far more in common than either of them expected.

"I suppose we should really actually look at these proposed tests" said David in a slightly sarcastic tone

"If you insist, but due to the dullness of the reading material, may I suggest we read them over a glass of wine? It may somehow make them a little more interesting" she replied with a laugh

David had a rather unusual expression on his face when it suddenly occurred to her that, given that Erin was a recovering alcoholic, He most likely wasn't used to having a glass of wine whenever the spirit moved him.

"I'm sorry David, I..."

"It's alright Karen. I'm just not used to being able to have a glass of wine with a beautiful woman in the middle of the day, or any other time for that matter. I am so used to avoiding alcohol, for Erin's sake, I guess I'm a little out of practice on the social niceties is all"

"How about we just settle for coffee?" she said as she rose from the sofa and headed toward the kitchen

David rose and followed her, noticing that she had suddenly become tense and uncomfortable.

"What is it Karen?" he asked as he came to stand behind her while she attempted to make coffee

"I always seem to do this..."

"What?"

"Say the wrong thing. I just don't think. I should have realized that..."

"Hey" he said softly as he reached around her and pulled her back against him "You didn't do anything wrong." he whispered in her ear "You're not Her, and I don't expect you to adapt to her lifestyle just because you happen to look like her"

"Thank you" she replied turning in his arms so that she was facing him

David found himself staring at her, again, and just as he was about to lean down and kiss her, his phone rang.

"Excuse Me," he said, sounding annoyed as he reluctantly released her and pulled out his phone. "I've got to take this"

"Of course" she replied as she attempted to compose herself

She could tell by the sudden change in his tone that it was the office, and the team needed him. By the time he hung up the phone, she had already collected her things and was waiting for him by the door, as he still had to take her back to retrieve her car.

"Sorry about that"

"It's alright, it comes with the territory" she replied with a half hearted laugh

"We caught a rather unusual case which may take some time to sort out, but as soon as it's over, I look forward to having that cup of coffee," he said as he took a step closer to her

"I think that could be arranged, after all, we still have to read the files," she said, blushing slightly

David grinned as he leaned over and pulled her to him as he gently kissed her. Karen wasn't entirely sure the kiss was a good idea, but she leaned in and found herself responding anyway, slipping her arms around his waist, pulling him closer.

"We better get going" replied David as he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers for a moment before releasing her and opening the door.

TO BE CONTINUED...