**I own nothing but the character of Madison. Thanks for sticking with me. This story is pretty fluid and, in my head anyway, it's constantly changing. **

"Spike," Greg yelled through the headset.

Spike stepped out. "No harm," he said.

"What the hell was that," Greg asked.

"That was someone's idea of a joke," Spike said as he shook his head and brushed off the flour and sugar that was in his hair and on his uniform.

"What is that smell? It smells like horse…" Sam said before Spike interrupted.

"That's because it is. That and flour and sugar. This was a joke," Spike said.

"Talk about a dirty bomb," Ed said.

Everyone groaned. "Seriously," Jules asked.

Ed looked at everyone. "Too soon," Ed asked, smiling.

"It's gonna take forever to get this smell out of the trucks," Raf said.

"Forget the trucks. How am I going to see Maddie tonight if I smell like...this," Spike asked, clearly pissed.

The rest of the team laughed at him.

"They make this thing called a shower. You get in, soap up and should be good to go," Jules said.

Spike rolled his eyes.

Jules laughed and headed to her locker room.

Spike stripped off the filthy, smelly uniform and tossed it in the trash.

He showered and hoped he got the smell off of him.

He changed into jeans and a long-sleeve tan shirt and pulled on his jacket.

He grabbed his bag and headed out of the locker room.

"Plans," Raf asked.

"With Madison," Spike said.

"Of course. Should have known that," Ed said.

"Her stalker bothering her," Greg asked.

"Maddie hasn't had anymore notes or texts. I don't know if I should be relieved or worried," Spike said.

"Both. Be careful," Greg said.

Spike nodded and left the barn.

Meanwhile, Madison's stalker was working overtime. They were trying to keep Madison from Mike and frame someone else for the stalking.

They crept into Simon Hilliard's office and opened a bottom drawer. They stuck a bunch of computer paper that had been used to write the notes to Madison. He then stuck a bunch of pictures he'd taken of Madison and Mike's dates and stuck them in a book. He wanted it to look like he didn't expect them to be found, but not believing anyone would look for them.

He stuck used, capped syringes in the bottom of another drawer.

As they left the office they smiled. Setting Simon up to take the fall for Madison's stalking was getting her paranoid because Simon was her closest confidante at the hospital and the stalkers primary competition for chief of staff.

He pulled out a pre-paid cell and made a call.

Two hours later, RCMP were at the hospital. The officer in charge had a warrant with permission to search Dr. Hilliard's office.
Simon was shocked, but allowed the search because he had nothing to hide. It didn't take them long to find the evidence that was planted in his office.

"Dr. Hilliard, we're arresting you for the stalking and attempted murder of Dr. Madison McKenna," the officer in charge said as another officer cuffed him.
"Stalking of Dr. McKenna! This is crazy. I am not stalking Madison," Simon said as the cops dragged him down the hall.
"Madison, tell them I'm not stalking you," Simon said as they passed Madison in the hall.
"Simon's under arrest for stalking me? What," she asked.
"Take him out, now," the officer said.

"We found pictures in his office along with the paper used to write the notes and syringes with traces of what look like oil or maybe brake fluid. We'll running an analysis as soon as we get back," another officer said to Madison.

Madison watched with confusion. She didn't understand how Simon could be her stalker. Simon wasn't that type of person.

"Someone will contact you, Dr. McKenna to get a statement," the first officer said before leaving.

Madison sat on a bench in the hallway and let the events wash over her. She pulled out her cell and called Spike.
"Hey, beautiful," he answered.
"Spike, they just arrested Simon for my stalking," she said.
"Simon? Simon's your stalker," he asked, unsure of how he felt about it.

"They said they found pictures, paper and something that might have been used to drain the brake fluid from my car. But Simon couldn't be the stalker. He's never shown any of that behaviour toward me," Madison said.

"If they have evidence, Madison," Spike said.

"I know, but I can't imagine he'd do this," Madison said.

"OK. We'll talk tonight. I'll do whatever I can," he said.
"Thank you, Spike. You still planning to stay with me tonight," she asked.
"Unless you want to be alone," he said.
"I'll see you after shift," she said.
"OK. I love you," he said.
"I love you," she answered before ending the call.

She slipped the phone back into her lab coat and got off the bench. Something about this didn't seem right. She knew she should feel happy because her stalker had been arrested, but she still felt unsettled.

She went back to work and was relieved when the shift was over and she could meet Spike. She wanted nothing more than to curl up on the couch with him. She'd gladly listen to him read comic books to her. She just needed to be near him.

A week later, Madison knew nothing of the investigation into her stalker. She was getting frustrated and snapping at Spike for everything. He knew it wasn't personal but it still hurt him to know something was hurting her and he couldn't fix it.

Spike knew Madison was frustrated by the lack of progress. Simon was out on bail, but Madison had already said she didn't believe Simon was responsible. Spike hated to see her so tense. He knew she was trying to continue on but it was hard to see her flinching every time her phone rang or waiting to see if she had another note on her locker.

"Mikey," Michelina called downstairs.
"Yeah, Ma," Spike said.

"Will Madison come for dinner tonight," she asked as Spike climbed the stairs.

"I haven't asked her. I'm working tonight but I'll let her know the invitation is open. I know she's planning to come by Wednesday night so you can go to Mass," Spike said.

"She's such a thoughtful girl, Mikey," Michelina said.
"Yeah, she's pretty special," Spike said.
"You leaving now," Michelina asked. Spike saw his father sitting in his chair in the living room watching soccer highlights.

"I've got something to pick up before work. Call if you need me," he said, giving his mom a hug. He patted his dad on the shoulder and picked up his bag and walked out the kitchen door.

His errand led him to the jewelry store. He'd been shopping for rings for Madison and he'd finally found the one he'd knew was perfect for her. He hoped it would bring a smile to her face. He was hoping this whole stalker thing would be finished and they could look toward the future.

He parked in front of the store and headed inside.

"Michelangelo," the store owner, Alessandro, greeted him. Alessandro and Dominic had been childhood friends who moved to the same neighborhood. Spike had grown up with Alessandro's kids and Alessandro's grandchildren called him Uncle Spike. That family was what Spike wanted with Madison.

"Alex," Spike said, accepting a hug from both Alessandro and his wife Elisabetta.

"You here to get that ring for your fidanzada," he asked.

"Yes I am," he said.

"Your mother will be so happy," Elisabetta said.

"I just hope my girlfriend is happy about it," Spike said, smiling.

Alessandro came out of the vault with a ring. The emerald cut diamond with diamonds around the band. It sparkled in the light. Alessandro put the ring in a black velvet box.
"Is this OK," the jeweler asked.
"It's perfect, Alex. Thank you," he said.
"She will be happy. It's beautiful and it's from you," Elisabetta said.

"Thank you both. I'll make sure you get invited to the wedding, if she says yes," Spike said.
"The woman would be a fool to not say yes. I'm just sorry you and Bridget didn't work out," Elisabetta said.

Spike smiled. "Bridget and I just didn't work together, Elisabetta. She couldn't handle having a cop in her life and I get that. I wish her happiness. I really do," Spike said.
"A mom can dream. How did you meet her," she asked.
"Her name is Madison McKenna. She's a doctor at Sunnybrook. She was the one that admitted dad to the hospital when they found the cancer. She's in emergency and trauma. She's smart, funny and beautiful. She's the best thing to ever happen to me," Spike said.
"She sounds lovely. Your mom is always talking about her at church. Bridget is working at Sunnybrook now as a nurse. I wonder if she's meet Madison," Alessandro thought aloud.

"I'm sure Ma likes bragging on her. Madison pretty easy to brag about. I didn't know she was back in town. I'll see if Madison's met her. I'll let mom know you guys need to have dinner together," Spike said.
"Congratulations," Alessandro said.

Spike signed the receipt and slipped the ring into his pocket.

As he exited the shop, he saw a blast from his past. Bridget came down the sidewalk. Her parents, Alex and Elisabetta had said she was back in town, but Spike hadn't planned on seeing her.
"Mike," she said as she quickly wrapped him in a hug.

"Bridget! What a surprise," Spike said.
"You're looking good! What have you been doing with yourself," she asked him.
"Thanks. Not much. Still keeping the peace. I thought you were in Ottawa," he said.

"For a few months. That thing with Jean-Claude didn't work out. I decided to come back here. I'm working as a nurse at Sunnybrook now," she said.
"You're parents just got done telling me. How long have you been there," he asked, trying to be polite. She'd kept her hand on his wrist after their initial hug and Spike wondered what it was all about.

"About three months. I'm switching departments today, though," Bridget said.
"Sounds exciting," he said, checking his watch.

"What's with the jewelry store? Getting something for your mom for Christmas," she asked.
"Actually, I was getting something for my girlfriend, Madison," Spike said.

"Girlfriend? So you're seeing someone," she said.
"Yeah, for a while now. She's pretty great. I'm surprised your parents didn't mention it. My mom is certainly talking a lot about it," Spike said.
"They might have and I just didn't pay attention. I'll have to meet her some time," Bridget said, clearly disappointed.

"Sure. I'll check Madison's schedule and we'll see what works. I'm sure Madison will like that," Spike said.

"Yeah. Just send me an email or something. Good seeing you, Mike," Bridget said.
Spike waved at her and crossed the street.

He got into his car and headed toward the barn. He wondered if he should tell Madison about Bridget working at Sunnybrook, but the place was so big he doubted she'd run into her. He'd tell her when he saw her that night.

Now the biggest part was to figure out how to propose to Madison. He wanted to make it something to remember, for both of them.

Bridget pulled out her cell phone. She hit a number on the speed dial.

"You didn't tell me he had girlfriend," Bridget said.

"I'll take care of her," the voice said.

"Do I need to do anything? You want to tell me who it is," Bridget asked.

"I'll take care of her. I want her for myself. Why you want that geeky cop is beyond me, but whatever. Don't call me again. It's bad enough the administration knows you're my sister now. Why you had to go all crazy on Jean-Claude, I'll never understand. Keep the crazy to a minimum here," the voice said.

Bridget hung up the phone and put it in her purse. She and Mike had been friends in high school and reconnected in Jamaica. It was a wild time, but when she found out what he did, she was afraid he'd be taken away. So, she'd cheated on him with Jean-Claude. Little did she know, Jean-Claude was using her for sex. He had a wife he was keeping who had a lot of money. Bridget had gone a little crazy when Jean-Claude had ended things. She had left Ottawa before charges were filed and had asked her half-brother to get her a job at Sunnybrook. She headed toward the deli near the jewelry store and got her dinner for her evening shift.

Madison changed into her scrubs in the locker room. She sent a quick text to Spike. 'SORRY.' Madison had yelled at Spike that morning because he hadn't emptied the dishwasher like he'd promised. He was planning to empty it, but he'd taken care of starting the laundry for Madison. She had ignored the completely nice thing he'd done and focused on what he hadn't done. She felt like a total bitch and knew it was because of the stress of the stalker. She knew because they had arrested Simon she should feel somewhat at ease. She didn't. And she was taking it out on the one person she could count on and that she loved more than anything.

As she pulled out her stethoscope, her phone ring.

She knew by the ring tone that it was Spike.

"Hey," she said.
"Hey Sweetheart. There's nothing to be sorry about," Spike said.
"You called just to tell me I didn't have to apologize for being a total bitch," Madison asked.
"Just wanted to hear your voice before I went into the locker room," Spike said.

"Thank you for calling. It's turning out to be a crazy shift. And there's a new nurse starting tonight," Madison said.
That made Spike think of Bridget.

"You know, I ran into Bridget today," he said.

"Bridget? Jamaica Bridget," Madison asked.

"Yeah. She's apparently working as a nurse at Sunnybrook. I wonder if she's going to be the new nurse in trauma," Spike said.

"I'll let you know in a few minutes," she said.

"OK. I'll talk to you later," he said as he approached the dispatch desk.

"I'll call you later. We meeting at my place," she asked.
"Yeah. Mom and Dad invited you over for dinner tonight. And don't say you can't go because I'm not there. You go over sometimes when I'm working," Spike said.

"I'll call you mom and let her know. It depends on the shift. I might want to go home and crash," she said.
"Whatever you need to do. Mom said the door's always open. I'll come over after the shift. Should get off around 2 unless something happens," Spike said.
"Then I'll see you after work," Madison said.
"Count on it. I love you," he said.
"I love you, too," she send, ending the call.

"You guys are so sweet, I'm getting a toothache," Raf said as he walked into the locker room.
"You're just jealous," Spike said, tucking the ring into his duffel bag.

"What's that," Sam asked as he entered the locker room.

Spike zipped up his bag and turned to face Sam.

"Nothing," Spike said, setting his uniform on the bench.

"You sure, Spike," Sam asked.

"It's nothing important," Spike said.

"What's not important," Ed asked as he and Greg came into the locker room.

"Spike's hiding something," Sam said.

The guys looked at Spike.
"It's private, OK. I don't have to share everything with you guys," he said, unbuttoning his shirt.
"Come on, Spike. No secrets in the team," Ed said.

"It's private," Spike said, putting on his uniform.

"You better tell us or Ed will break into your locker," Sam said, recalling the time Ed thought Wordy was keeping a secret and had broken the lock on his locker to discover the truth.

Spike zipped up his uniform and faced the team.

"Fine. I just bought Madison an engagement ring. I'm going to ask her to marry me. Now, you think you could keep that to yourselves until I actually share it with her," he said.

Everyone looked at Spike. No one said anything for a full minute.

Spike was getting worried when Sam finally spoke up.
"Think I could see the ring? I might need a few pointers," Sam said, causing everyone to laugh.

"Congrats, Spike. Wow! This is big," Greg said.
Spike opened his locker and took the ring out of the bag.

He held it open and the men immediately gasped.
"That's impressive, Spike," Ed said.

"Wow. Don't show that to Jules," Sam said, smiling at Spike.

"Let us know when it happens so we can throw you both a party," Greg said.

"She has to say yes first," Spike said, putting the ring back in the bag.

"If you gave me a ring like that, I'd marry you," Raf said, causing everyone to laugh.

"She loves you. She'll say yes," Ed said.

The team went into the briefing room for another round of drug warrants. Spike and Sam, Jules and Greg, Raf and Ed were the teams. Each took their warrant and proceeded to the SUV's to serve them.
"We're not expecting too much excitement, but keep your eyes open, guys," Greg said.

"Copy that," they all responded.

As Sam and Spike headed for their address, Sam turned to Spike. "Any news on Madison's stalker," he asked.
"Nothing new. All the evidence against Simon is circumstantial Madison's convinced he's innocent. Nothing's happened while Simon was in jail, but his preliminarily hearing is tomorrow. The prosecutor doesn't think Madison needs to be there. Especially since she doesn't think he's guilty. Agh! This is just so frustrating," Spike said, pounding his fist on his knee.

"What's different," Sam asked.
"I don't know. I mean, if Simon's guilty, that would explain why nothing has happened. I'm just ready for this to be over," Spike said.

Before Sam and Spike could get to their location, Winnie's voice came over the headset.

"Team One Hot Call," she said.
"What have we got, Winnie," Greg asked.
"Home invasion," she said. "Home owner is a doctor. 911 came in through the security company. The wrong code was entered and when the homeowner was contacted, they gave the code phrase for a problem. Nothing else from the 911 or the security company," Winnie said.
"Copy that," Greg said.
Ed and Greg pulled up down the street form the house.

The other members of the team arrived in quick succession. Winnie sent another constable to the scene with the command truck. "He's five minutes away, Sarge," Winnie said.

"OK, we got a plan," Greg asked Ed.

Spike whipped out his laptop and, doing the magic he does with his computer, pulled up a schematic on the house.

"OK, three floors. Several entrances. I'm trying to tap into the security cameras," Spike said, typing on the laptop.

"Once we have the schematic and eyes in, Ed, you work on a tac plan," Greg said.
"We got eyes, boss," Spike said.

The screen filled with four different video feeds of the interior of the house. It showed the main foyer, upstairs hallway, downstairs living room and the kitchen. Each of those areas had an entrance to the outside. They saw what appeared to be the homeowner cowered on the floor in the doorway of the bedroom. Two intruders with masks over their face were holding guns on him.
"Spike, can we get audio," Greg asked.

Without comment, Spike turned the intercom speakers on so they could hear the conversation.

"Now, Dr. Harris, you're going to call the pharmacy and you're going to get them to refill prescriptions for these patients. And you're going to do it now or I'm going to kill you and wait for your family to come home," the gunman said.

"The pharmacy is going to know something is up. They're going to suspect something if I call in twenty prescriptions," Dr. Harris said.
"You're not using the same pharmacy. You're going to use different ones, scattered through out the area. By the time they figure out what is happening, the prescriptions will be filled and we'll be long gone. You won't be able to identify us. And if you do, I'll just have to do something to your family," the gunman said.

"OK, Team. We now know a motive for this robbery. We have to get this doctor out safely," Greg said.

The command truck arrived at the scene and Spike quickly jumped inside and hooked up the laptop.

"What do we know about Dr. Harris," Greg asked.
Spike started typing on his computer. Something seemed off about this whole thing but he wasn't sure what it was.

"He's been flagged by Health Canada. He's apparently pretty fast and loose with his prescription pad. Dozens of phony prescriptions have been written by Harris in the last year. Agency is working to find out if he's addicted or if he's taking money from patients for the pills or if he's selling them himself," Spike said, typing more on his laptop.

"Dr. Harris, everyone knows what you do. Everyone knows you have a stash of stuff in your house just in case things get too hot and you can't prescribe as much as before. Everyone knows, so you might as well share with us because we're not going anywhere until we get what we want," the gunman said.

"I don't think they're going to pay attention to the monitors. Let's go in fast, blind them with a flash-bang and get the hostage and arrest the suspects," Ed said.

"Go," Greg said.
"Spike, we need you on entry," Ed said.

"Copy that," Spike said, grabbing his gun and helmet and going to meet Ed and the rest of the team.

"We're going to come in through that balcony entrance," Ed said, pointing at the second floor balcony on the schematic.

"Hard entry and then flash-bangs. Hopefully confusion with reign and we can get everyone out before anyone knows what happened," Ed said.

Greg gave the go ahead and the team prepared for entry.