A/N: Don't own anyone in HR verse but Alex….

Haddonfield…2 years earlier….

Ash groaned and absently slapped the adjacent side of the bed. His eyes flashed open with emptiness greeted his wandering arm and hand. The vacant space was still warm, though rapidly chilling with each passing moment.

He shot upright, discovering light illuminated the dining area down the hall. He wasn't concerned just dismayed. Another sleepless it seemed was in his future. It was beginning to become all too common.

"Should've never mentioned I brought those damned cases home."

Sighing, the cop snatched the faded navy boxers from the floor, slipping them over his naked hips before making his way towards the hall.

Alex scanned the report, careful to place a Post it note with a brief word or phrase before proceeding on. Ash had brought several cold cases home which seemed to the norm now. The idea of finding an overlooked clue, detail, or connection that could lead to closure for friend and family filled her soul. Too many had suffered, never to know who had robbed them of a father, mother, son, daughter, or friend. She knew Ash had been overwhelmed with boxes of file folders in varying states of thickness and age which led her to accept the challenge. It was evolving into a routine when she stayed with Ash: Toss and turn before giving in and delving into the world of the cold case.

It was the least she could.

"Hey," the solid hands suddenly appeared upon her shoulders; kneading the tense fibers through the shirt clinging to her shoulders. "Why aren't you in bed with me?"

"Couldn't sleep," Alex let the papers flutter from her fingers. She leaned back into his waiting embrace. Ash leaned over the back of the chair, letting his hands slide down the front until they were nestled just below her breasts. The green tea leaves were steeping in the bubbling water. Alex savored the drink this time of year.

Ash noticed she was clad in the light blue button up shirt that only hours before had been on the floor. It was a little large on her slender frame but she looked great nonetheless. Her hair was tousled but not tangled or ratty; just another reminder of their rather passionate lovemaking. The thin reading glasses had slid partway down her nose yet remained in place even with her tilting and craning her neck.

"I figured as much," he bent his solid frame over further to press a kiss on the top of her head before taking the chair to her right. "Which case?"

"The Hollingsworth Homicide," Alex slid the file over. "I reviewed the statements that were given by the fiancé and the cousin. At first I didn't think anything of it but then I got to thinking about it."

"About what?" Ash's interest was piqued.

"The times," Alex slid the file back towards her and lifted the first few forms. "More specifically where they claimed to be and where they really were."

"Well what about it?"

"The cousin stated they weren't at the loft at the time of the murder yet," she presented a photo with a time stamp of 09:15. "Here she is with said fiancé taking a side exit. It seems the apartment complex repaired the CCTV for that part of the building the day before the murder."

"Alex," Ash's mouth dropped open. "How did you find out?"

"Well….." she grinned shyly. "The building is in a more affluent part of town which means high class security. I went to building's website and low and behold there was a link regarding the repairs in the security system. It seems our two lovebirds didn't quite cover their tracks or rather were pretty arrogant or just plain fucking stupid."

Ash softly laughed at her declaration. Why didn't she go into law enforcement?

"But that wasn't all," Alex tapped at the fiancé's statement. "How did he know she was missing an earring? The only one who would've known that would be her murderer."

He saw the crime scene photo and reviewed it. The earring was missing. His eyes went to the statement, specifically the Post it note with the words How did he know this hastily scribbled.

"So, you find the pair, bring them in and show them they're full of shit."

"I'm impressed," Ash gathered the file and placed it to the side.

"Thanks," Alex finished off the rest of the hot tea. "Maybe they'll give you a raise."

"Not likely," he sadly shook his head.

"It's a nice thought though."

"Alex you don't have to do this." It had been more than enough that she succeeded in cracking this case.

"Ash, I want to help. Please, let me." The bright cerulean sparkled with hope which Ash found difficult to reject.

"Fine," he sighed. "But please come back to bed."

"Okay," Alex acquiesced. "Besides I hate seeing you beg. But it's cute on you." The tiny grin crept up on the corners of her lips.

Ash grinned victoriously in the same fashion as a child who had beat his brother on the Playstation. He stood, taking her by the hands and prying her away from the cardboard file box. They could wait another day. His fingers and thumbs popped the dull buttons apart, showing off the sweet mounds concealed beneath. Ash felt his mouth water upon sight of them, hungering to taste them upon his lips and tongue.

"Ash," Alex groaned and fumbled with his boxers. His hands eagerly pulled the elastic away from his hips, releasing his rigid erection. They tumbled towards the couch, never letting go of one another.

"God I love you," he slid inside, feeling the cum slicken heat embrace him. Jesus she was tight! But she was his; all his.

"Ash," Alex arched her back off the plush cushions, exposing her neck for his ravenous mouth. Heated whispers were breathed across her neck and clavicle. Her fingers slid up the nape of his neck sending shivers of pleasure deeper through his body. The rhythm of his body increased, thrusting harder and faster as his lover writhed beneath him. Her legs lifted higher, letting his thick member pummel her further.

"Alex…." Ash's head flung back carrying her name across the air.

They rode out their euphoria together. Ash felt his body shudder against her, spilling thick ropes. Their bodies were lightly glistening beneath the gentle aura of the kitchen light, plastering their hair to their foreheads and necks.

Ash tucked a few damp strands behind her ears then outlined her jaw and lips with his fingers. Alex captured the traversing digits with her mouth, toying with them using her tongue.

"I love you too Ash," his fingers continued dangling between her lips. Ash stared lovingly at her, feeling his heart swell at the sight of her partially clad in his shirt, lying under him in the afterglow.

"How about we clean up before going to sleep?' His whisper was suggestive.

Alex waggled her eyebrows and kissed his fingers before releasing them. Ash kicked his boxers off and collected her in his embrace. The shirt dangled from her shoulders as he whisked her towards the waiting shower.


"AUNT ALEX!"

Alex's head snapped up, eyes following the rushing form of her nephew. Shaun was wearing the largest smile she swore had ever graced his little lips. His backpack was bouncing erratically against his back but he didn't notice or care.

"Hey Shaun," she couldn't fight the rising smile. He came to an abrupt halt before crashing into the rail of the bed. Alex ruffled his hair which garnered a squeal.

"Dad said I could visit today! I kept asking him please Dad, please Dad, can we visit Aunt Alex?"

"Yeah he did," Ethan sighed. "He asked everyday he came to the loft."

"Well I see you managed in twisting your dad's arm."

The brightness in Shaun's mocha eyes melted Alex's heart. It had been too damn long since she had seen him grin or laugh or look happy. Shaun had fallen into a slump so to speak after Jason died. He had been suffering in school and was distant towards Ethan. It was as if a streak of resentment echoed in his actions whenever he was in his father's presence. It had broken her heart.

Alex dismissed the distressful thoughts, instead focused on the squirrely brunette.

"Can I sit up there with you? Can I?"

"I don't-"

"Well of course," Alex intervened. Ethan's disproving expression earned an eye roll from his sister.

"Alex you're still recovering."

"He can sit on the edge Ethan. It isn't a big deal."

"Fine," he relented and hoisted Shaun on the edge. Shaun wriggled the pack off and ripped the zippers apart.

"Look," he happily waved a sheet of paper inches from her face. Alex caught the fluttering page and nodded with open approval.

"Look at you, Mister 'A' On His Math Homework. Soon you'll be as smart as Einstein."

"My teacher said I'm doing really well with long division."

"That's great Shaun," Alex beamed at her nephew's improvement. He had rebounded, excelling in school and cracking the shell that had been keeping him down for too damn long. "You have been kicking butt!"

"So when do you get to come home?"

"Well that's up to the doctor Kiddo."

"Is it going to be soon? I got a new poster in my room!"

Alex simply smiled at her nephew's innocence. It was nothing short of a miracle he wasn't having nightmares about the well and the rain…

"Well look who is finally awake."

So much for a quiet day…..

Blake sauntered in the room. He was alone which was slightly surprising as Ash was normally latched to him like a bitch would latch onto his pimp.

Alex exhaled annoyingly in the cop's presence.

"Can I help you Lieutenant Blake?"

"Yep," Blake intentionally blocked Ethan from her sight. "I found out you're going to be discharged this week. It's about time you got booted out."

"Why am I not surprised you know this? Let me guess: You bullied the staff. You puffed your chest like a rooster in the yard."

Blake laughed humorlessly.

"No," the smile dropped leaving no trace of its presence. "But I have my ways."

"She's not being booted out!" Shaun shouted, bouncing on the mattress. "Leave my aunt alone!"

"Shaun," Alex wrapped her arms around her nephew's waist quelling the younger Mars. "You don't yell at an adult even if they are being a jerk."

"I'm sorry," the little guy huffed.

"It's okay." Alex kissed the top of his head. "Have you found anything? Any new leads?"

"Nope," Blake snorted.

"He doesn't leave anything behind does he? God, it's like chasing a ghost! Then again those in charge aren't exactly-"

"Alex," Ethan sternly warned his sister.

"Fine," she pouted and narrowed her eyes at the cop.

"And once you're out, uniforms will be assigned to your loft."

"No they won't," Ethan rose from the chair. "She's coming to stay with us. I can take care of her and Madison is finally on her way back."

"Hey what about what Alex wants?! She's sitting right here you know."

"You're not fully healed Alexandra," Ethan held his ground, using her full name.

"And I'm not 10 years old either Ethan."

"You nearly died and I am NOT losing another loved one."

There it was. He pulled the family card. Alex seethed as Ethan crossed his arms and stared her down.

"Fine," Alex slouched against the pillows. "I'll stay with you."

"Thank you," he nodded and smirked.

"You can sleep in my bed Aunt Alex!" Shaun eagerly chimed in.

"Sweetie I'm too big to sleep in your bed but thank you for the offer. I think your dad has other plans."

Shaun frowned at her polite refusal but it was temporary.

"Okay," he shrugged.

"Hey Shaun, let's go get something in the cafeteria? Aunt Alex needs to talk to the lieutenant."

While his words expressed one thing, his voice carried concern. Agent Jayden wasn't there to run interference on Blake but he wished to keep Shaun from hearing anything graphic. He didn't need to know his aunt had been brutalized; tormented and broken until she had been found on that street.

"I'll be fine Ethan; go ahead and take Shaun downstairs."

Blake felt a surge of victory as his sight trailed the pair out the door and around the corner.

"Now that is more like it." The lieutenant grinned wide and proceeded to make himself comfortable in the chair. "Now that we are finally able to talk Alexandra, tell me everything you've told Jayden."

"Excuse me?" Alex shouldn't be surprised by the level of his smugness but she found herself a little unnerved.

"Oh you heard me right. I know you told him more than you're leading on. You realize I could have you arrested for obstruction of justice right?"

"Your Nazi style scare tactics may work on the simple minded street level drug dealers Blake but they won't work on me. So save your breath."

"Whatever Alex," Blake rolled his eyes and slipped the notebook from his jacket pocket. The pen clicked sharply then rested against the pristine blank canvas of white and slender blue.

"Look I told Agent Jayden what I remembered which you and Ash were present for. I can't snap my fingers and dredge up what happened because you're in a pissing contest with him. Jesus, what did you expect?! I may never regain that part back. But then again maybe that part of me experienced such a horrid traumatic ordeal that remembering it would be worse."

"Well you better start jogging that memory of yours before more women die."

Alex felt her breathing and heart cease. Had Blake just implied it would be her fault if more women became victims?

"That's it," Alex wasn't going take any more of it. "You need to go. I will NOT sit here and listen to you be belligerent towards me because you don't have the one up on Agent Jayden. Do you listen to yourself when you speak?"

She reached for the pager but the pronounced screaming in her abdomen slowed her efforts. Blake quickly noticed the pager and swiped it from her grasp.

"Give that back asshole," she cast an icy glare, infuriated he was playing these fucking games.

"No," Blake tightly shook his head then with a snide smirk he placed the remote on the other side of his body.

"NURSE!" Alex hollered as hard and loud as her lungs would allow. This was game over for Blake.

"FUCK!" Blake chucked the remote back at Alex, aiming for the bed. It bounced twice then off her knee before coming to rest precariously close to the edge. "Alright fine! There you happy now?!"

"What the HELL is going on in here?!" Nurse Ratchet was blocking the doorway. The lines which were normally modest in appearance that ran along her cheeks, beside the corners of her lips, and kissed the very edges of her eyes had deepened into miniature crags, aging her 20 years more. Her face was sour towards Blake who bit his tongue as hard as he could.

"I'm sorry Nurse Allit," Alex apologized in her sweetest voice. "That was the TV you heard. I'm into the daytime soaps."

The beady eyes squinted at the patient, not fully buying what she was selling. It sounded more like her voice.

"Well you remember the doctors' orders to remain calm and relaxed or else all visitors are prohibited until you're discharged."

"I understand," Alex continued play submissive patient, hoping the old bat would leave soon. The sooner she left, the sooner Blake could get what he wanted and leave her the hell alone!

"Alright then," the elder nurse added gruffly before turning and vanishing down the hall. Blake really despised that woman with every bone in his body. He had been in her presence more than once on a few other unrelated cases and she was still the cast iron bitch he so fondly recalled.

"Now where were we?" Blake resumed interrogation mode once again leaving Alex groaning outward. "You were going to tell me what you told Jayden. I will charge you with obstruction of justice."

"Which is what Blake? You're paranoid you know that? You think that everyone is keeping something from you; well you know what I can see why they would. You're just a bully who flashes a badge and pushes people around to get what he wants. He doesn't care if people are wrongly accused because all he cares about is closing the case. He hides behind his captain because Daddy Perry will clean up his mess and turn a blind eye to what his little lieutenant is doing."

Blake's teeth were grinding so hard against one another Alex could hear the random crunching and scraping from where she was.

"Look Blake, before you blow a gasket over there, I'll tell you what I did remember."

"I knew it," he let his mouth part into a wide grin which made Alex nauseous.

"Okay before you turn all holier than thou let me tell you something: You like making Agent Jayden's life Hell. Ever since he got here you've been a dick to him. He wants to find the Ripper just like you but your Alpha male mentality gets in the way. You hate him. I get it but back off him. You two have to work together so keep the asshole in check."

"You're telling me what to do?"

"No, I'm not telling what to do Blake. Call it some friendly advice."

"Where do you come off soliciting advice to me!?"

"No one like you Blake. I've noticed your partner, Ash, cringes when you puff out your chest and strut around like the rooster of the coop."

She watched his ego take a shallow strike, not enough to completely deflate him but enough to dampen his spirits. It would have to suffice.

"Are you done now?"

"Yeah I am," Alex sighed and leaned back into the pillows. "I'll tell you what little I remembered. Don't read into it."

Finally! He was going to be on the same level as that little prick Jayden.


Ash stepped off the elevator without looking up or around. His shoulders bumped a couple of medical staff that scurried by but too preoccupied to take notice. Jayden had been nowhere to be seen since the earlier skirmish in Alex's room.

His hope was to talk to Alex alone.

He knew he couldn't push the boundaries which were set forth in her mind; understanding the consequences.

His feet carried him to the threshold of her room, halting upon sight of his partner.

Shit…..

"I hope you're satisfied Blake."

Alex huffed in disgust.

"Absolutely," the slick grin graced his lips. "Your cooperation is greatly appreciated."

"Fuck off," came the reply from beneath her breath.

Blake's sneer amplified as he slipped the notebook back in its resting place.

"Ash," the presence of the younger man jolted the lieutenant.

"Lieutenant Ash," Alex presumed all formalities. "What brings you here?"

He noticed her greeting was even and cordial but not unexpected.

"Alex," his willed his voice to remain neutral in Blake's presence. "Captain called; we're needed back at the precinct. "

"Alright." The indifferent shrug sent a stab of concern in Ash. What had he done or said? Clearly it was something in his favor as his mouth was curled upward instead of in the normal frown or snarl when he was here.

Alex was relieved to be rid of cocky fuck but catching a glimpse of Ash's pained expression set her elation back.

I'll be back

His lips formed the words but his tongue lay silent.

Alex nodded as he regrettably turned and followed his partner towards the car.

She sat and waited for 10 minutes before picking up the throwback phone off the stand.


Jayden resume examining the files of the Ripper's victims. He started with the first victim: Martha Robertson. Perhaps if he assumed the search at the beginning it would detail the picture that was agonizingly and painfully being drawn before him.

"Martha Robertson, age 17. She was a local known prostitute to police and started prostituting at the age of 15. Mother was a drug addict and father was absent from her life. She has previous arrests for soliciting prostitution, lewd conduct, possession, and possession of controlled substance."

The agent sat back allowing this information to soak in for a moment. Initially the police indicated there was no known connection or underlying factor to these women. Perhaps it was because the factor wasn't so obvious.

"Medical examiner report indicates a high frequency of stab wounds centered around the breasts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and genitals. Additional internal injuries identified around the cervix and vaginal area. Unidentified sharp object source of numerous lacerations to tissues. Bruising around anal region indicates large blunt object inserted and repeatedly assaulted."

The photos Jayden had in the files were enough to make his freeze.

The lower region of the girl's abdomen didn't have any more than one inch of skin free of any stab wound. Her genitals, particularly the labia, had been hacked with erratic deep wounds. This was done out of rage. Several slivers of skin and muscle had been dangling by millimeters of skin. Her lower abdomen was shredded; butchered and mutilated without reason. Just like Mary Kelly, the patterns or lack thereof indicated the Ripper was enraged, perhaps blinded with pure hatred when he was slashing his victims. The missing labia from the latest victim, the nipples ripped apart with a tool, perhaps pliers, and the areas of greatest injury made sense.

He hated women.

Something had triggered this unbridled anger.

Jayden took a deep breath, finding the graphic images disturbing even for him. These women suffered and such a word was being light.

"The wounds were done post mortem. In death they couldn't find peace. He wasn't going to grant them such…Son of a bitch."

He plucked the shades off, gingerly rubbing his eyes. This guy was on sick bastard. As if torturing the victims wasn't satisfactory he hacked their bodies as a starving dog would ravenously tear apart a hunk of meat.

Thank god Alex got away…

Norman couldn't but help to thinly smile at the notion. Whatever she did it saved her life. He didn't need to be told Alex was a fighter. He could see that when she faced off against Blake.

The abrupt buzzing and generic ringtone echoed through the room, pulling Norman away from his work.

"Agent Jayden."

"Agent Jayden, it's Alex."

He picked up the partial panic in her voice.

"Alex is everything alright? Did something happen?"

"Blake was here and I…..I told him what I told you. I'm sorry."

"Alex you don't need to apologize."

"I wanted to buy you time."

She was crestfallen over what she perceived as a betrayal of sort. Jayden found himself wishing he could comfort the agitated woman; tell her she didn't do anything wrong.

"He threatened to charge me with obstruction of justice."

"Asshole," Jayden cursed, holding his resentment for the cop in every syllable he breathed.

"I told Ethan and he's pissed about it. I told him whatever he did wouldn't do anything. Philly PD would find a way to spin it in their favor; place the blame on me in some subtle way."

"That's not fair to you!"

"Whoever said life would be fair? Again we Mars seem to have a good run of bad luck."

"No," Jayden was shaking his head despite knowing Alex couldn't see it. He wished she could see his face then.

"I thought you should know about it because he'll rub it in your face some way."

Jayden thought it peculiar how she spoke of Blake as she did. Her attitude was dark and sounded as if she knew the cop on a deeper or personal level. It had been in the hospital; the exchanges between her and Blake. The subtle gestures, language, and underlying meanings of words and phrases launched at the other.

"Agent Jayden are you still there?"

"Oh uh yeah I'm still here." His cheeks reddened but he was grateful she couldn't see it.

"I just wanted to let you know-"

"Alex, none of this is your fault. Blake is an unstable egotistical asshole."

"You're being too kind."

A momentary lapse passed before Alex spoke again.

"I'm being discharged tomorrow. Will you be there when-"

"Yes. Your brother already asked me and I will be there."

"You will?"

The agent smiled though she couldn't witness such. It was rare for him to smile, at least in the field anyways.

"Alex, I will be there tomorrow."

"Thank you so much Agent Jayden."

"No need to thank me. Perhaps you should get some rest."

What he was saying was, "sleep as once you leave the hospital you have a long fight ahead of you."

But I won't let you fight it alone. Your brother and Madison won't either.


Alex groaned and rolled around in the bed, freezing as she recalled the IV line still attached.

"Wait," she whispered and patted the top of her left hand. "They took it out yesterday."

For the last couple of weeks the clear narrow tube had been her constant companion; providing life giving hydration, mind blowing and numbing pain killers, and lifesaving antibiotics. It felt strange not having the X created out of tape plastered on her skin or the faint sensation of the needle that had called her vein home.

Her throat was quiet. The final splinters of irritation from the respirator tube silenced. Going to the bathroom and taking a shower meant getting up and out of the bed and yes a couple of brief ventures into the hallway to exercise.

Ethan had been there with a supportive hand as she took baby steps across the slick shiny tiles. Ash has been around, watching her as she continued recovering. The longing stares weren't unnoticed as she had passed by him the last time. Alex could see how the urge to jump out, take her in his arms, and tell her everything, even with Ethan present had been difficult to control. A part of her craved the same as he.

Agent Jayden had been away, reviewing the files and keeping away from the bastard Blake. But he would be there today.

A light rapping on her door alerted her to Ash entering the room.

"Ash, what are you doing here so early? Did they find something new?" She stifled a yawn and realized it was 630 in the morning.

"No," he spoke softly. "I wanted to see you before everyone showed up."

He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling awkward over the whole thing. Words weren't exactly coming to surface as he had hoped they would.

"I see," she wasn't upset to see him just surprised. "My brother and Madison are coming at around 10 so you have time."

"Thanks….for not kicking me out." He resided to sit on her bed.

"Well you are working the Ripper case. It only makes sense you being here. I told Blake what I remembered and told Agent Jayden."

"Yeah," Ash snarled. "I read the notes."

"I couldn't feel anything the first several hours after that. My face…..my face was the only thing that felt it. He….He….he cut me Ash. It was as if he knew when it wore off."

"Shhh," he reached out, cupping her face in his chilled hands. "Alex, Alex look at me. I'm here. I promise I won't let that bastard hurt you."

Her eyes expelled a few tears which were swept aside by his thumbs.

He felt himself closing the space between them, drawing her trembling lips to his.

"I love you," he whispered sadly. Alex closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to his, covering his hands with hers.


Norman froze in the doorway, incredulous over what his eyes were showing him.

Lieutenant Ash was holding Alex?! His hand was carding through her hair. What the FUCK was going on!? Were they together?!

Alex opened her eyes, catching the partially shocked, hurt, and angered expression lining the agent's face. Her heart ceased at the moment.

No….this is bad! So so bad! SHIT!

Her eyes widened then softened as though she wanted to tell him something. Jayden felt his feet stay frozen. He couldn't be mad. He shouldn't be mad. But he was mad; mad at Ash.

Agent Jayden please DON'T GO!

Please….She mouthed to him, silently beseeching him.

Is that the Green Eyed Monster we be seeing now?