Disclaimers, etc in Chapter 1

There's a really small reference to one of my alltime favorite movies in here. I don't own those characters, and I didn't write the line. But it's perfect and it fits. :)


I wake up with the sun shining on my bed. It's the first weekend in November, and there's a chill in the air, but the warmth of the sun is absolutely wonderful. I stretch out and sit up with a start when I hear someone knocking at my door. I look at the clock beside me. 7:45 am – that's not too early. I grab my phone, wrap my robe around me and head downstairs. I look out the window first and see a shiny black Tahoe in my driveway. I know that car, all too well. Even though we're definitely together, we thought it best – at least for now – to be at home most nights; especially since he testifies in just over one week. I smile and shake my head as I open the door.

"Good morning."

"It is."

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I bring culinary delights from the deli. May I?"

He holds up a coffee tray and paper bag as I close my eyes in complete gratitude.

"Oh please, come in."

I close the door and lean against it.

"Did I wake you?"

I shake my head.

"No, I was just getting up, I had a late night."

He raises his eyebrow at me.

"Really?"

"Honestly, Sean. I'm surprised you haven't run away screaming tho. I woke up literally three minutes before you knocked."

He stands directly in front of me and softly, gently touches his lips to my forehead. I will not purr, I will not purr.

"You look perfect. Come have some coffee and a bagel."

He puts the coffee tray and bag on the coffee table and sits on the couch beside me. I reach for a coffee cup and take a sip.

"Now that is good coffee."

He smiles.

"Cops always know where to get good coffee. Bagel?"

"Oui, merci beaucoup."

Taking a bite of my delicious breakfast, we sit here being quite relaxed.

"So what brings you by this morning?"

"Well, I thought that you might like to go to the art museum with me. "

I can't help but smile.

"That'd be really nice, actually. But don't you have to work?"

"I'm always on call, but I cashed in a little personal time this morning."

"Really?"

He nods his head as he takes a sip from his cup.

"So, being unreachable until around 1:00, I thought to myself – who would I rather spend time with? So here I am."

After eating our breakfast and chatting about current events I stand up.

"Well, I need to have a quick shower and get into normal clothes. I'll be right back. What time does the museum open?"

"I believe it opens at 10:00, but take your time. I'll be right here."

I head upstairs with a smile on my face, wondering what on earth I did to deserve him.


It's Monday morning and I park my car in the garage. For some reason I'm in a fantastic mood this morning. I haven't the slightest idea why. Despite my good mood, I have to maintain my stoic demeanor with my staff. I enter the bullpen and am greeted as I take a sip of my coffee.

"Good morning, Captain."

"Hank. How was your weekend?"

"Not bad, pretty uneventful. Yours?"

"Good thanks. Any word from Nick?"

"I stopped by on Saturday to see how he was doing. All things considered he seems okay. How well can you expect the man to be tho knowing what he's been through in the last few weeks?"

"Fair enough. I'm glad he took a little vacation time to help him deal with... things. Any update on the Simmons case?"

"Not as of yet. I have a few calls in to different friends, acquaintances to try and dig up a few leads. Should have something soon tho, I'll let you know what I get."

"Thanks. Keep me in the loop as much as possible on this one. I know you'll want to involve Nick eventually because of that slant, but until we absolutely can't go any further without him we need to work at it on our own."

He nods his head.

"I agree. It sucks about the trailer."

"Tell me about it."

I head into my office and open my computer, checking my emails from the weekend. Work, work, work, work, work... hey. Hold on a second. I scroll back and open an email that I normally would have scrolled past. After reading it I realize that I have a quick phone call to make before I reply.


"Good morning, District Attorney's Office."

"Good morning, may I speak with Miss O'Connor please?"

"I'm sorry but she's on a conference call right now, can I take a message?"

"It's actually quite urgent I speak with her. I promise I'll take less than a minute."

"I'll buzz her and ask. Your name please, Sir?"

"It's Captain Sean Renard."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Captain, I didn't recognize your voice. I'll let her know you're on the line. One moment please."


One of the things I hate about this job is conference calls with long winded boring lawyers. It seems the more people who they have as a 'captive' audience the longer they talk – about nothing. Now he's talking about the expenses for his shipping vessel acquisition. Someone just shoot me now. This impacts my life in literally no significant manner.

"So as I mentioned, I estimate that the total of our expenses for this case would be..."

There's a knock at the door.

"One moment please gentlemen. Yes, Margaret."

She peeks her head in the door.

"I'm so sorry, but there's a call on the other line for you."

"I'm on a conference call right now, Margaret. Can't it wait?"

She shakes her head.

"I'm sorry, but he said it was urgent."

"Who is it then?"

"Captain Renard."

I know I look flustered – I think she caught it but she's ignoring it.

"Gentlemen, I'll have to put you on hold for a moment. One of my witnesses for next week is on the other line."

"Go ahead. We'll wait."

Oh lucky me. They're waiting. I press the hold button.

"Which line, Margaret?"

"Three."

"Thank you."

I pick up the receiver and wait until Margaret leaves to release the hold.

"Sean, what's wrong? Margaret said it was urgent."

"Winifred. It is urgent, however it's not work related. I'm terribly sorry to interrupt your conference call."

"That's quite alright, believe me. What's going on?"

"I need to know if you're free on Friday evening, and please don't ask questions."

"Okay, let me check my book."

I thumb through my appointment book.

"So far it looks like I am. Is everything alright?"

I can feel him smile on the other end of the phone.

"Everything is perfect now. Do you have a formal dress?"

"I can purchase one this afternoon. Why? What's going on?"

"Perfect. I'll see you on Friday at 6:30. Formal dress code. That's all I'm saying."

"What's going on? Sean? Sean?"

He hung up. I'm sitting in my office with a dumbfounded expression on my face and a phone receiver in my hand as I speak outloud – as though he'll hear me.

"I'm going to kill you. I'm going to kill you, get arrested and get thrown in jail. No, I'm going to have you give your testimony on Tuesday morning, and then I'm going to kill you, get arrested and thrown in jail."

What could this possibly be? I get jolted back to the present when I hear my line beeping to remind me that these boring people are on hold. Yeah. I'll really be able to concentrate on this call now.


I hit the reply button, type my message and click send.

'Message: Pleased to be able to make it. My guest and I will be there for 7:00. Will come by your offices to settle with you at my earliest ability.

Captain Sean Renard'

She's going to love this.


Three days later, I arrive at the Precinct, just to go over things with Sean one more time for his testimony next week. At least, that's what I keep telling myself. I walk inside the station and am immediately greeted by Sergeant Wu.

"Good morning, Winnie."

"Good morning, Sergeant Wu. How's the day going so far?"

"Two overnight domestics with weapons and a mugging. It's a light day."

"That's a light day? It's only 9:30."

"Welcome to Portland."

I roll my eyes and walk into the bullpen, which is fluttering with activity. I reach his office and knock.

"Come in."

I open the door and he looks up, standing immediately when he sees me.

"Winifred."

"Sean."

I close the door behind me.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

I wait to hear the door close behind me before I ask.

"Where are we going tomorrow?"

He looks at me with that infamous smirk and I know I won't get an answer.

"I figured I'd try. I was on my way to pick up my dress before heading into work, and realized that I need to go over a few things with you before next week. Regardless of your position as Captain and the fact that, quite frankly I'd trust you with my life, I go over testimony with every witness at least twice. Do you have time now?"

He gestures for me to sit.

"I'll make time."

"Do you know what time it is?"

He smirks at me as he sits.

"Yes, I do."

I smile in return.

"Good. You listened."

We discuss a few points that have come up in Defence Council's disclosure, and I get his response so I know exactly what his statement will be. About an hour has passed, and I know he's ready for his testimony. I had no doubt that he was, but you don't get to be the DA by leaving yourself open to a surprise attack in the Courtroom.

"Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow, I guess."

He nods as he stands and walks to the door. He puts his hand on it but doesn't open it just yet. He speaks very quietly, barely above a whisper.

"Winifred, we've known each other for how long now?"

"Four or five weeks, give or take."

"In that time have I ever done anything that would cause you to distrust me?"

He's got me and he knows it.

"No. Not yet, anyway."

"You'll just have to trust me on this one. However I have one question for you before you go."

"Shoot."

"What color is your dress?"

"Really? This is your question?"

He nods his head.

"Neon green with purple polka dots."

Again, I get the raised eyebrow and I can't help but laugh.

"It's black, Sean. Calm down."

The eyebrow returns to normal as he opens the door.

"6:30 tomorrow."

"I'll see you then, Captain."


I look at my watch for the 75th time in the past hour. I can't concentrate despite the amount of cases my precinct has on its plate. I close my computer, turn the blinds in my office, grab my coat and turn off the lights.

"Heading home, Captain?"

"Yes. I'll be unreachable from around 6:30 tonight on, but if it's an emergency and anyone needs me, send a text. But don't need me. Spread the word."

"Yes, Sir. Have a good night."

"I hope to. You as well."

I adjust the collar on my coat and drive home in the freezing cold weather. I reach my house and pick up the phone, waiting for the voice on the other end.

"Hello."

"Winifred."

"Sean. Did you just get home?"

"I did. I had to stay as late as I could, but it won't take me long. I might be a few minutes later than 6:30, but I'll be there as quickly as I can."

"Alright. I'll see you soon."

I hang up my phone running upstairs. I have just 20 minutes to get ready. I can do this.


6:22. He's going to be here any minute. I shouldn't be nervous, but I can't help but be. I sit in front of my vanity and take one final look. Hair looks good – half up, but swept to the side with a little wave in it. The earrings I have chosen were my grandmothers. Diamond studs but they are definitely statement earrings – 2 carats each. I put the studs in my ears and the moment I do there's a knock at my door. Of course. He said he would be late, and he's early. I stand up and carefully walk down the stairs, not wanting to fall. It's a full skirt floor length dress and the very last thing I want to do is trip. I peek out the window and see the infamous black Tahoe in the driveway so I open the door and tell him to come in. He does and I close the door behind him. I turn and see him staring at me.

"I'm speechless."

I run my hands over my dress in worry.

"Too much?"

He pulls me toward him and presses his lips onto mine, catching me completely by surprise.

"Absolutely perfect, change nothing. Well, maybe put on shoes."

I walk to the closet and get out my dress heels; 3 ½ inches high. He's 6'4" so I can wear the big heels tonight. He extends his hand to help my balance as I put them on, and as I stand I notice what is in his other hand.

"Sean, this is beautiful."

"Well, it's our first official public event together and I thought you would like it."

"A purple orchid stem in November? This must have cost a fortune."

He says nothing, so I stand on my tip toes and give him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you. I'm going go put this in water then we can go wherever we're going, alright?"

He nods his head and I get a vase from the Living Room, fill it with water and put the beautiful flower in. I put it on the coffee table where it's the first thing I will see when I get home tonight.

"Sean, could you get my black dress coat out of the closet for me please?"

He does, and has it open and waiting for me as we step out the front door, locking it behind us. I stop for a moment, turn and look at him.

"May I run the risk of being completely silly and increase the odds of jinxing everything?"

"Of course."

"In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight."

The elusive smile.

"Thank you, as did I. Shall we?"

He extends an arm for me to hold to help me to the car, and before we know it, we arrive at our destination, his hand leaving mine only momentarily to walk to my side of the car. I'm amazed. I'm blown away, touched that he remembered.


TBC - Reviews are wonderful - like purple orchids in November.