A/N: Sorry this update is late, but my cats broke my internet router. And until I can get a new one, I have to find time to go to the library and use their internet.

Chapter 6

Lauren stood frozen; she couldn't believe that after three years Bo was standing in front of her again. She didn't know what to do or what to say. She felt everything she ever felt for Bo, the good and the bad, bubble to the surface and threaten to overwhelm her. She tried thinking of something to say but was unable to. What do you say to the person you loved who abandoned you when their standing in front of you again? Well some things did come to Lauren's mind but none that she could speak while at work, she had an image to maintain after all. So Lauren just stood staring at Bo waiting for her to break the silence. After a couple seconds, which felt more like hours to Lauren, she did.

"Lauren. Wow... wow. You look... you look amazing." Bo step into the exam room as she took in Lauren after three years. "I...I didn't expect to see you here. Wait, are you Trick's doctor."

Lauren didn't respond.

"I thought he was being treated by the head of some department." Bo looked at her questionably.

"I am the head of a department. Two actually." Lauren responded as she continued to look at Bo emotionless.

"Wow. Wow. You always were an overachiever." Bo said while smiling. "And at one of the best hospitals in the country. I always knew you could do better than the Grand-view Clinic. You must have worked very hard to get here."

Just as Bo finished her sentence there was a knock on the open door. And Lauren turned to look. "Evony." she said as she spotted the person at the door.

"Knock knock. I'm not interrupting anything am I ." Evony strutted into the room raking her eyes over Lauren's body. "I heard your one o'clock came early making you miss lunch." Evony stepped close to Lauren completely ignoring Bo. "And well I can't have my best doctor starving. So since I was just about to go eat lunch myself, I figured I'd come down here and invite you to join me. My treat of course. So what do you say doc, want to come with me" Evony purred.

Lauren was actually glad to see Evony despite her flirting. Right now her emotions regarding Bo were in turmoil and she really needed to get away from her. Plus she was really hungry and would love to actually eat something today. "Yes, I mean no. I mean." Lauren took a breath. "No you're not interrupting anything. Bo here was just collecting her grandfather's jacket. And I would love to join you for lunch." Lauren looked at Evony not paying any attention to Bo. "I just need to put away these blood samples." Lauren lifted up the vials with Trick's blood. "Then I'll be good to go."

"Excellent." Evony clapped her hands. "I'll wait for you in my car. Please do hurry doc, you know how much I hate waiting." Evony kissed Lauren's cheek before walking out the room without sparing a glance at Bo. Lauren watched Evony go, eager to look anywhere but at Bo and wishing she hadn't been left alone with her again.

"Or maybe you didn't work so hard after all." Bo said looking a little peeved.

Lauren turned to look at Bo in anger. "And what the hell is that suppose to mean."

"Oh nothing. Just that you seem to be quite chummy with your boss." Bo looked at Lauren gauging her reaction.

Lauren was astounded. It was impossible for her to miss the tone in Bo's voice; she had often heard it when they had first began to date. But to hear it now. Bo couldn't be. No how could she. She had left Lauren, abandoned her. If she had felt something for Lauren, there was no way she could still... And even if she did, Bo had no right. She had no right to be jealous. She lost that right three years ago. Just as Lauren was about to tell Bo this, Bo began talking again.

"You know what, I'll just do what I came here to do, pick up my grandfather's jacket and leave. After all wouldn't want to leave Evony waiting." Bo ripped Trick's jacket from Lauren's hand, nearly making her drop the vials of blood, before storming out the room. Leaving a dumbfounded Lauren behind.

"What the hell." Lauren shook her head, trying to make sense of what just happened. Who the hell did Bo think she was? How dare she come back after three years and act jealous. Lauren wished that she had acted on the first instinct she had when she saw Bo, which had been to slap her. Too late for that now. Unless she saw again, in which case she'd be more than happy to slap her. With that last thought Lauren left the room and headed to the lab to put away Trick's blood before heading out to have lunch with Evony.

Evony had taken Lauren to an Italian restaurant for lunch, and had spent most of the time flirting with her. Lauren did her best to deflect Evony's flirting without offending her, and had eventually been able to turn the conversation to the new project her team had been working on. The results were looking promising which had Evony excited. If there was anything Evony liked more than flirting, it was hearing about the projects her doctors and scientist worked on, especially when the result looked good. So the rest of their lunch together Lauren had sat talking to Evony about hers. When they were done Evony had dropped Lauren off at the hospital to finish the rest of her shift before heading off to a meeting she had with her investors.

The first thing Lauren did when she got back was to head to the lab to begin testing Trick's blood. She prepared the blood and ran the test. Normally the test she needed to run would take a day to get results, but thanks to Evony stocking the hospital with the best equipment Lauren wouldn't have to wait that long. She would get the result in an hour. While Lauren would've like to stay till she got the result she had an appointment scheduled in ten minutes, so she left the lab with instruction to one of the techs to bring her the result to her when they were out before making her way to the exam rooms. When Lauren got there she was informed her patient was already waiting for her.

After Lauren was finished with her patient, she made her way to her office where her assistant had put the results of Trick's tests on her desk. Lauren made her way over and picked up the folder, she crossed her fingers hoping it'd tell her she no longer had to deal with Trick. She opened the folder and read the results, after processing the information Lauren let out a joyful shout. Yes yes yes she thought as the folder showed her theory had been right. Lauren was in the middle of a happy dance when someone cleared their throat behind her. Lauren's movements froze and she slowly turned around. Her face which had been red turned even redder when she saw Dyson and her assistant standing at the door. Lauren cleared her throat and stood up straight.

"Yes." She said with as much dignity as she could muster.

Both Dyson and her assistant stared at her with barely contained smiles. After awhile her assistant excused herself chuckling and shaking her head, leaving Lauren and Dyson alone. Dyson stepped into Lauren's office and closed the door behind him, he stood staring at Lauren.

"You got some moves Lo. Is that how you pull in all the ladies?"

Lauren groaned and covered her face with her hand. " Is there a reason you're here Dyson."

Dyson chuckled at Lauren's embarrassment before turning serious. He held out a folder he was holding out to Lauren. "I need your help on a case."

Lauren took the file, and read its contents, before looking at Dyson in confusion. "It's an animal mauling in the woods. Maulings happen all the time Dyson. Hikers, hunters like the vic. There's nothing difficult to figure out about it, so why are asking for my help." Lauren tuned back to the file, looking for the reason Dyson would ask for her help.

"Mauling is what the coroner ruled it as well. But a weird DNA sample was found on the body." Dyson responded.

Lauren looked back at Dyson. "Weird, weird how."

"It was animal DNA. They said most likely a large predator. Except."

"Except" Lauren prompted Dyson.

"It contained markers only found in humans."

"So there was cross contamination."

"The lab tech on the case doesn't think so. He said the sample appeared to come from a human- animal hybrid."

"So you're saying we just found proof of big foot?" Lauren lifted an eyebrow, to which Dyson just shrugged. "Come on Dy. There's no such thing. It's just cross contamination, and the lab tech is either too green or too stupid to see it."

Dyson looked straight into Lauren's eyes "Whatever killed the vic was smart. It stalked him for over a mile and waited to attack him when he was in his truck sleeping. And it opened the door to his truck, which he left unlocked."

"A lot of animals can do that. Bears do it all the time." Lauren countered.

"Not without leaving major damage. The door to his truck only had a couple scratches. And no he didn't get out himself." Dyson said as he saw Lauren about to interrupt. "He was dragged out. There were scratches on the seats from where he tried to hold on. He was also hit over the head with a blunt object. How many animals you know do that?"

"Well unless there was an elephant in the woods working with a dog or cougar. Hmm. Was there any signs that a human was involved. Any at all." Lauren looked at Dyson but he just shook his head. "The case has been closed I take it, otherwise you wouldn't come to me."

Dyson shook his head. "Like I said, said the coroner ruled it a mauling. And they don't want to waste any more resources on a case that seems obvious. But I feel it, in my gut. There is something more to this. This wasn't done by an ordinary animal. It's smart, which makes it very dangerous. And with hunting season just gearing up, if we can't convince people of its existence. Then I fear this will be the first of many kills. So please Lo. Help me prove this." Dyson looked at Lauren pleadingly.

Lauren wasn't convince but Dyson was her best friend. She couldn't just turn her back on him. So she took a breath before speaking. "Of course Dy. You know I'll always help you." The friends smiled at each other before Dyson spoke up again.

"Thanks Lo, I can always count on you….So… out of curiosity, why were you dancing when I came."

"Ugh, I knew you would bring that up again." Lauren shook her head while smiling.

"Well I am your best friend. And anything that makes you wiggle your butt so…joyfully is something I have to know. Otherwise how can I celebrate with you?" Dyson gave Lauren his sweetest smile.

"You're not going to wiggle your butt are you?"

"I make no promises."

"I guess it alright, as long as you don't take your shirt off and dance. Like that time you were drunk and hungry like the wolf was playing." Lauren shuddered. "Ten years later and I'm still traumatized."

Dyson gave a throaty chuckle. "At least you didn't catch me having sex on the kitchen counter."

"Well maybe next time you'll knock. And ugh, I'd die of shock and disgust." Lauren faked gagged.

"Yea, well that's what happens when you invite a friend over and don't lock your door." Dyson said with a laugh in his voice. "But anyways, back to why you were dancing."

Lauren squealed and clapped her hands. "I found what was wrong with Trick. And now I don't have to deal with him again. I just pass his case on to another doctor to treat. yea."

Dyson looked impressed. "Wow that didn't take you long. You really do deserve your reputation."

"I know, I'm so happy. No more Trick for me."

"So no more chance of running into… she who will not be named."

"Uh, I actually ran into her. Right after I took my final sample from Trick. I was this close to not seeing her." Lauren illustrated with her thumb and forefinger. "But Trick left his jacket and she was the one to come get it."

Dyson looked concernedly at Lauren. "What happen? Did you guys talk? Did you slap her? Please tell me you slapped her."

"We did talk. Or I should say she talked, I didn't say much. I didn't know what to say. And no, I didn't slap her." Lauren laughed at Dyson's disappointed face. "I wanted to though. After she had the nerve to get all jealous."

"Why'd she get jealous?" Dyson asked curiously.

"Evony." Lauren got a knowing look from Dyson. "She came in and invited me to lunch."

"Just invited you to lunch? There was no flirting and leering looks." Dyson cocked an eyebrow.

Lauren rolled her eyes. "Well it was Evony. She might have also given me a kiss on the cheek." Lauren saw a smirk on Dyson's face. "But Bo had no right to suggest I got my high position by sleeping with her! And storming out like a…like a …like a brat!" Lauren started getting emotional.

"Or another B word." Dyson mumbled.

"She left me…She left me! And now she thinks she can come back and act that way. She didn't even give me an explanation to why she left. She just came in and started smiling, then getting all jealous. I loved her! And she…she can't… she can't ev-" Lauren finished with a sob.

Dyson walked over and pulled Lauren into his arms. He petted Lauren's hair soothing her. "Hey hey, don't cry. She not worth it. Let's go back to celebrating no more ass wholes in your life. Well except for the one you can't get rid of."

Lauren laughed against Dyson's chest. "You mean you."

Dyson pulled away from her and scowled at her. "I was referring to the one crap comes from." Lauren arched a brow making Dyson scowl more. "The one attached to you." Lauren looked between herself and Dyson whose arms were still around her. "You know what that the last time I try and comfort you." Dyson let her go and crossed his arms across his chest.

Lauren walked to him and hugged him. "I'm sorry Dy. You know I love you." Lauren nuzzled his chest. "And crap doesn't come out of you. Well except for you know. Most of the time anyway." Lauren mumbled the last but Dyson heard and rolled his eyes.

Dyson hugged Lauren back. "I love you too Lo. How bout we go to Planet Side bar tonight and celebrate your accomplishment and drink till you can't recall your name let alone hers."

"Sounds like a plan. How bout at eight." Lauren said as she pulled away from Dyson.

"Eight it is. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm due back at the station in ten minutes." Dyson waved goodbye to Lauren as he exited the room. Lauren watched him once again thankful to have such a caring friend, before getting back to work, looking forward to tonight.

Lauren entered the bar looking for Dyson, who had agreed to meet her there. As she looked around she noticed a cheering crowd gathered round something on the other side of the bar. Lauren as curious as she was made her way over to see what the excitement was about. When she pushed through the crowd she was met with a sight that made her smile. Seemed the bar had decided to bring in a mechanical bull. It had been two years since Lauren had ridden one, not having had time to go to out. She smiled as she recalled Dyson owed her a match, which it seem she would get to collected tonight. But since Dyson wasn't here yet, Lauren figured she could get in a practice ride, just to make sure she still had the skills.

When the operator asked who was next, Lauren eagerly waved her arm in the air. Lauren was chosen and led up to the bull. Lauren climbed on and got a good grip on the handle. Lauren relaxed her upper body and squeezed her thighs in anticipation. She stuck out her left hand ready to use it to help her balance. Lauren took a deep breath, as she let it out the bull kicked into action. Lauren squeezed her thighs harder to maintain her grip. As the bull tilted left she tilted right, when it bucked head up Lauren shifted her pelvic area down. Then up as the bull bucked in the opposite direction. Lauren kept shifting her body up and down left and right as the bull bucked around. The crowd was cheering and Lauren felt energized, she was lost in the thrill of the ride she failed to notice a pair of eyes staring at her more intensely than the others. At around the 40 second mark Lauren was unable to hold on any longer and was thrown off the bull. Lauren stood up laughing and lifted her arms on the air, which was greeted by the cheer of the crowd. But Lauren glee quickly left her when a voice broke through the noise.

"Wow, that was sooo hot."

Lauren turned to see a smiling Bo looking at her hungrily.

"If I had known you could ride like that, ummm." Bo's voice sounded husky.

Lauren ignored Bo and walked pass her making her way to the bar. She sat down and ordered two tequila shots. Bo of coursed followed her and sat on the stool next to her ordering a beer. Lauren still didn't turn to her as she downed one of the shots. She could feel Bo's eyes on her, but refused to acknowledge her.

"Lauren." Bo reached out and touched Lauren's arm. "Look at me please."

She sounded so pleading, but still Lauren refused to look at her. She hoped Dyson got here soon.

Bo sighed. "Lauren, look I'm sorry for what I said earlier at the hospital. For that way I acted. It's just… Seeing Evony." Bo said her name with disdain. "Seeing her act that way towards you it…It… got me a little mad."

"Why?" Lauren finally turned to look at Bo.

"Uh."

"Why'd it get you mad? Cause you were jealous."

Bo opened her mouth to respond but Lauren cut her off.

"You have no right to be jealous. You left me, remember. I thought we were happy. I thought we were forever. Remember that Bo, me and you forever. Your words." Lauren's voice was beginning to rise. "I was a fool to ever believe you loved me."

Bo looked at Lauren wanting to reach out and wipe the pained look from her eyes. "Lauren. I did. I did love you. I still do. And I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you."

Lauren let out a harsh laugh. "You never meant to hurt me. You sneak away while I'm at work, and you leave no note, no voicemail, and no text. You don't even send a god damn email, explaining to me why! And that was suppose to not hurt me." Lauren let at another laugh. "and you come back three years later, and dare to have the nerve to get jealous that someone else wants what you threw away. You. Are. Un-believable. You know what Bo, you can go to hell." Lauren got up threw money on the bar and quickly walked away. "And stay away from me." She shouted over her shoulder.

Lauren marched her way outside, she needed fresh air, and to get away from Bo. Lauren threw the door to the bar open and stormed off into the night. She welcomed the cool night air on her face and really needed to walk off her anger. Lauren shook her head, she couldn't believe that woman. She was infuriating. How the hell did she think leaving the way she did wouldn't hurt Lauren. Bo must have contracted stupidity if she really thought that. Uhh, and Lauren had forgotten to slap her. Maybe that would have woke her brain again, she should go back and see. Even if it didn't the action would at least make Lauren happy.

Lauren stopped, suddenly realizing that in her anger she had walked far away from the bar and was now in less hospitable surroundings. Lauren looked around making sure she was alone, then turned around and hurried back to the bar. She really should paid attention to where she was going. Lauren had been walking back for awhile when suddenly she was grabbed and thrown against a wall. She felt a knife being held to her throat before a voice broke the silence.

"Don't move bitch."

Yes I know I'm mean.