A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates this week... I haven't been well so found it difficult to write. Anyway I hope you all enjoy the new chapter...

Randy tapped his fingers impatiently on the desk as he waited for the phone to be answered on the other end. This was the third time he'd called during the day and he was getting both concerned and angry that Cody was getting caught up in this. It wasn't a concern for his safety, Randy's concerns over his health had ended vehemently when he'd found out Cody was involved with someone else. It was more concerns over who or indeed what he was investigating for Otunga.

"This is the voicemail for-"

Randy slammed the phone down in annoyance. It was getting late in the day and he had been hoping to clear this up while he was at work. He didn't want it playing on his mind while he was trying to work tonight. He had too much to go through.

"Cap'n you mind if I head off early? Nattie's got her last scan today," Tyson said coming into his office.

"How's she doing? I haven't seen her in a while," Randy said welcoming the distraction.

"Oh man, she's getting big," Tyson said. "She keeps asking me if I think she's putting on weight... it's a stupid question, she's pregnant, she's going to put on weight."

Randy laughed at Tyson's dilemma. He remembered his brother in law's recent troubles when his sister used to get concerned about her size. In the end everyone in the family learnt to side skirt the question, including his mom who'd gone through it herself three times.

"Just remember to compliment her a lot, and if she asks the question, distract her with something else," Randy said. "She'll be a little unreasonable when it comes to her weight for a while, but she'll come around."

"Any idea when?" Tyson grumbled.

"With my sister, it was about six months after she went back to work," Randy said joking.

"When did she go back?"

"Next week," Randy joked again.

"Not funny sir," Tyson said looking annoyed.

"Go already," Randy ordered. "And tell her to come in this week; we all want to see her."

Tyson nodded and left Randy to his work. He swore the paperwork side to his job getting more and more and there were some days he didn't feel like he left his office, let alone the precinct. He wished he could find an excuse to leave so he could go and see John, his thoughts drifting to him more and more.

He pulled the chain out from beneath his shirt and held John's ring tight in his hand. It was the closest he was going to get to him at the moment. He'd risked everything just a few days ago. So far there hadn't been any repercussions of the events but he couldn't be sure nothing would happen. One thing he knew, Del-Rio had patience.

He picked up the phone on his desk and dialled Cody's office number one more time hoping to get through. It rang three times before the one voice he didn't want to hear answered.

"Rhodes Investigations," the southern voice said.

"Fucking fantastic," Randy said more to himself than the person who picked.

"Who is this?"

"Ted, it's Randy, is he there, I've been trying to get hold of him all day," Randy said his annoyance clear in his voice.

"Randy, you've got to get over this," Ted said. "He's moved on and so should you."

"I've got news for you Ted, I moved on a long time ago," Randy spat. "It's just a shame he moved on to you before we finished it."

"Look, he's out of town on business. What do you want?" Ted snapped.

Randy pondered over whether to raise the issue with Ted. He knew Ted knew everything about the business and although he wasn't the owner, he was involved in the majority of the cases, since he did the leg work. Cody was simply the front of the company, dealing with the clients.

Ted searched the records and tracked people down, capturing them in photos doing whatever nasty they were involved in.

"I'm looking into someone, heard his name mentioned. I need to know what investigations he has going on at the moment," Randy explained deciding he didn't have a choice. He needed to know.

"There are a few different cases," Ted said skirting around the question.

"I'm not looking for details. I just need to know if one of the clients is a lawyer," Randy said.

"Randy, that's privileged information. If it's anything to do with a police investigation, then you'll have to go through the system and get a warrant," Ted said. "Until then, the detail stays locked in the safe in Cody's office. You know how it goes."

Before Randy could ask anything else, Ted hung up and Randy was left with a dial tone. Randy thought back over the conversation and realised Ted was trying to be as helpful as possible, even if it didn't appear that way. It was clear Ted knew something was going on and even told Randy where to find the information, knowing he knew the combination to Cody's safe.

He battled with himself for a few moments before making his decision. It was against everything he was taught at the academy, but he had to find out what investigation was being done for Otunga.

As soon as the end of his shift struck, he was up from his desk and into the locker rooms to change into his street clothes. He jumped in his hummer and almost broke the speed limit heading to Cody's office. He parked a couple of doors up from the building so he could make sure no one was about.

Happy there was no one in the building, he went along and used the lock picking tools he had to gain access to the building. He'd been with Cody for long enough to know the security level of his building and there wasn't a lot to it. That was the whole reason he owned a safe to keep all of his files in there.

There had been a couple of other businesses in the building though as he made his way up the stairs he could tell the others had vacated and from the looks of the first floor it was hastily as well. As he reached the top floor where Cody's office was, he looked around as though unsure there wasn't someone else there.

He used his tool to open the office door and then went through to Cody's office. He pulled the bookcase away from the wall where the safe was hidden and entered the code. It wasn't hard to remember. Ever since he purchased the safe it's been the same code 010477. Randy couldn't understand why he'd insisted on putting in his birthday, and for that matter why he hadn't changed it when they split.

He opened it up and found a stack of files, he quickly looked at the filenames and Cody's naming system hadn't improved. It wasn't people's names or their addresses, instead it was stupid things like the one he held in his hand, Exes that Fuck Around and Fuck Things Up.

"Can't you name things like a normal person, Cody," Randy grumbled to himself.

"He knows what he means," Ted said walking into the room. "And he can tell you everything to know about the cases as well."

"Good for him," Randy said, a little startled that Ted was here. "I thought you couldn't help."

"I forgot my jacket," Ted said shrugging his shoulders.

"No you didn't," Randy said pointedly before turning back to the files. He wanted to find the file he needed and get out there.

"You want the file which says Legal Mumbo Jumbo for Rich Shits," Ted said going to the outer office where his desk was.

Randy still wasn't sure why Ted was helping. It didn't make sense as to why he would release the information. Right now though he didn't care why Ted was or wasn't helping. He pulled the file out and was surprised to see it was slightly thinner than the others. He opened it up and was presented with photos of John's workplace and pictures of him on his breaks while getting some food and drink.

It wasn't a huge surprise, John had already mentioned he thought he was being followed and they were convinced when he left the café. What surprised Randy more was the envelope at the back of the file. It was sealed with a post it note attached to it reading 'Cody has seen these yet'. He put the files back and took the envelope to Cody's desk where he opened it, hanging his head when he saw the photos.

It had happened twice, now.

"Call it off before you both get killed," Ted said standing in the doorway.

"Why haven't you shown them to Cody?"

"Because Cody's not the man I fell in love with," Ted said quietly. "He's not the man you fell in love with either."

"I don't think either of us loved each other," Randy said with a shrug. He wasn't worried about his past with Cody. They were over long before Cody cheated. "Is he involved with Del-Rio?"

"I think so. But I don't know to what extent," Ted said. "I've been dragging my heels with this because I've been trying to figure out what's going on with Cody. I'm not getting anywhere with it though."

"Ted, why haven't-"

"I think he's killed someone for Del-Rio," Ted said interrupting. "Once upon a time we were friends. I don't want the same to happen to you."

Randy put the photos back in the envelope and as he went to leave the room, he handed them back to Ted.

"Keep them. It's long passed since I could have used those," Ted said.

Randy brushed by him and went for the exit. Ted was right, one upon a time they were friends. But that was a long time ago. Everyone felt like he was still caught up on Cody when in fact he had moved on straight away. Still he resented the way Cody let things end. Instead of being faithful and honest, he had gone behind his back. Truth was he could see Cody and Ted made a god couple. Sounds like things have changed though.

"I'm not sure when… but I'm leaving town soon," Ted said over his shoulder. "This place isn't the same anymore."

"I take it Cody doesn't know," Randy commented turning back to look at Ted.

"No; Cody left orders for your boy to be followed," Ted advised him with a sigh. "If you two get up to anything, I won't have a choice but to show him."

"Find peace Teddy," Randy said leaving Ted in the office.

When Randy pulled into his driveway, he felt like he could breakdown and cry. All he wanted to do was protect John, but every time they were together they were caught on camera. He felt like he was going to go into work tomorrow and be confronted by someone with photos of them on his desk.

It didn't bother being caught himself. His only concern was John. He didn't want to find he'd put him in harm's way with Del-Rio.

He threw the door to his hummer open and then headed inside. He was about to put his gun away in the closet when he noticed the door to his basement ajar. Pulling his gun from its holster, Randy edged closer to the door. He didn't know who was down there but his life was becoming an open book to some people and he wasn't prepared to risk John's life for it.

Randy was tying his hardest to stay calm in all the mayhem of what his life was becoming. He didn't resent John for it. He loved him, he would always love him, but his life was starting to be a constant strain. He never knew that one car accident could change his life so drastically.

Knowing exactly where the stairs creaked in his house, Randy stealthily made his way down the stairs of his basement, making sure he kept quiet. Whoever was down here was going to find themselves in serious trouble. You don't break into the house of a police officer and get away without even a slap of the wrist.

As he reached the bottom step, he listened out to see if he could hear anything. When he heard papers shuffling around the corner from where he stood, it was confirmed someone had snuck into his home. He considered who it could be, Farrelly or one of his agents could be taking a look round to check what he was up to. Then again, it could be one of Del-Rio's henchmen. He could have been checking him out after Randy's last visit to his house.

Taking a deep breath he held tight to his weapon and spun around the corner of the door jamb, pulling the gun on his intruder. What he was faced with was the last person he thought would be there. It took half a minute to realise the man's face was ashen and when he lowered his gun and reached for him, the man pulled away.

"John, I'm sorry," Randy said still trying to get near him. John was backing himself into a corner and Randy cursed himself for not checking who it may have been before pulling the gun on them. "Johnny, I'm sorry, baby, please."

John pushed back against the wall as though he was trying to hide away from Randy. This was the one place he had where he felt safe and now Randy made it worse for him. Randy holstered his weapon and removed his belt putting it on the pool table covered in documents.

"I… I…" John stammered.

"You're safe Johnny," Randy said moving back to him, this time with more luck as John let him get closer, though he still stayed against the wall.

"I'm sorry, I was just looking," John said looking away.

"It's okay, I promise, how did you get in here?" Randy asked leading him away from the wall and taking him in his arms.

"You showed me where the spare key was," John said into Randy's chest as he reminded him before taking him home on his last visit.

"I meant here, in the basement, I keep it locked," Randy clarified.

"I saw you last time I was here. When you got your keys for the car, I saw the key," John said with a shrug. "I wanted to see the rest of your house. When the door was locked, I put two and two together. What is all this?"

"Everything I've got on him," Randy explained, taking a quick look at the room. He hadn't tidied up after himself the previous night and was planning on getting straight back to it tonight.

"How much have I got caught up in this?" John asked pressing himself into the safety of Randy's arms.

"What do you mean?" Randy asked siting back against the edge of the pool table.

"Can't help but notice the photos I'm in," John murmured, turning his head to look at the wall where Randy had pinned some photos.

"You're only mentioned a couple of times," Randy said as he ran a soothing hand over his back. "Those pictures are there for three reasons."

"What are they?"

"One, to remind me to keep going when I get frustrated; some nights aren't as productive as others when I'm working and I need some inspiration. Two, a way to see you without putting you in harm's way; it was getting harder not to stop when driving passed your house on the way home from work," Randy explained.

"Surely that's at least a ten minute diversion from your way home," John said confused.

"Or, the more romantic way of looking at is, I just have to see you so I went out of my way just on the off chance of seeing you," Randy joked brushing his lips to side of John's head.

"How many times did that work out for you?" John asked looking up at him smiling.

"More times than you could imagine," Randy said kissing John on the lips. "I followed you home one night; which reminds me… I need to teach you how to notice if someone is following you."

John playfully slapped Randy's chest before wrapping his arms around Randy's neck, bringing their lips together and kissing properly for the first time since Randy arrived home. Even though it's only been a few days since they last saw one another, John can't contain his emotion. He starts grabbing at Randy's skin, desperate to feel the connection they have, whether it's physical or emotional.

John twines his fingers up into Randy's hair as Randy pushes his tongue into John's mouth, easily able to tell what John needs at this moment. He battles with John for a moment, looking for dominance over the kiss, when John doesn't back down, Randy runs his hands roughly down John's back and over the curve of John's ass. His fingers graze the skin at the top of hamstrings and Randy grabs John's ass hauling him from the floor where he stood.

John moaned into Randy's mouth at the force he was using, though his own grabbing didn't cease as he pulled Randy's shirt from his pants, raking his fingers against Randy's skin as he went. He let his hands travel around to Randy's chest, sliding his hands between their bodies as Randy suddenly turned them around shoving John against the table.

John was feeling more and more excited as he felt Randy's lower body pressing hard against his. His moans got louder as Randy rubbed against him. He soon realised the louder his moans became the harder Randy rubbed their bodies together which in turn made him louder still. He was becoming so turned on by Randy's actions he was sure he was going to lose it in his shorts.

He reluctantly pulled away from Randy's lips as the room started to spin from the lack of oxygen but it didn't stop Randy. His lover's lips went straight to John's neck and started attacking the skin. John was aware his own hands had stopped their exploration but Randy's actions were too much for him, and his hands weren't connecting to his brain.

"R-Ran…" he breathed, trying to find the ability to speak. Randy was clearly too lost in his explorations to stop, and John wasn't complaining. The whole scene, in John's mind was amazing. He was right here with his fiancé, being devoured as though there wasn't enough time left in the world, and all around the room was information about the man who trapped him, who claimed him as his own. Where most people would feel as though they were being watched and be intimidated it, John was getting turned on. Whenever he was with Randy, he felt like he was in control of his life. More importantly, with Randy, he was allowed to be in control of his life. And with the way he was being made to feel, he was very much allowing this to happen.

Deciding he didn't want this to end while they were both still fully clothed, John's fingers caught hold of Randy's shirts and whilst at first he was planning on simply unbuttoning the shirt, something came over him he wrenched the shirt apart, hearing the buttons rip from the material. He pushed the shirt from Randy's shoulders and let his hands run over the well-defined abs of his lover, before they sank lower and started working on the belt to Randy's pants. As soon as the belt was loose, John pushed Randy's pants down his legs along with his boxers.

"Mmm, my man came alive," Randy murmured in John's ear as his hands gripped the waistband of John's shorts. "Did I tell you how much I like your uniform?"

Before John could answer, Randy yanked John's shorts down far enough that he had the access he was looking craving.

"Randy… please," John begged, needing to feel Randy inside of him.

"You need to get a little more naked," Randy said. "Take the shirt off. I want to see those muscles."

John whipped his shirt off without making a show of it, he was too needy at this moment and all he wanted was Randy. Randy held his fingers out for John to take and John took them into his mouth, lubing them generously, knowing Randy would only make sure they were, never wishing to hurt him.

When he released Randy's fingers, Randy pushed him down so he was led on the pool table. He raised one of John's legs to rest on his shoulder as then positioned his fingers at John's opening, running one over the entrance before gently probing in. Randy, as he always did, took his time making sure he was prepared but this time John, already close to the edge, was struggling to keep his composure, he knew the moment Randy touched the bundle of nerves inside him, he would shoot his load all over himself.

"I can't tell whether you're in ecstasy or agony, baby," Randy said. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just… oh god I don't think I can last," John moaned as Randy's worked a second finger into him, stretching his entrance.

"Will this help?" Randy asked before lowering his head and capturing John's cock in his mouth. The large muscle was oozing generous amounts of precum and Randy lapped it up, still pressing his fingers into John. He could feel the swell in John's cock as well as hearing his breath get shallower and Randy smirked around John's member. He changed the angle his fingers were moving into John and purposely hit the bundle of nerves, swallowing around John's member as he did, causing the muscular man to shoot his load.

"Fuuuccckkk," John cried, taken by surprise at the feeling. He grabbed Randy's head, holding him onto his member as he worked his talented mouth over his cock.

"Reckon you can manage a second so soon, or do you need time to recuperate?" Randy asked with a wink as he pulled off from John.

"I think I can handle it," John said smiling as Randy kicked his boots off, followed by his pants. He climbed onto the pool table, lying over John, wrapping John's legs around his waist. As he lay there, John's hands travelled over his arms and shoulders and around his neck. Randy could feel John fiddling with something and it was only when he saw the chain fall into view, he realised what.

"I wish you could wear that twenty-four/seven," Randy said watching John place the ring on his finger.

"Make love to me," John whispered before taking Randy's lips with his.

They kept the kiss soft as they tasted one another. The insatiable heat they felt between one another pacified for the time being, they could take their time. Randy lubed himself before lining up with John's opening, and he gently pushed in, letting John grow accustomed to his size once more.

Once John relaxed against the invasion, Randy slowly pulled out, pushing in at the same pace. Randy leant in and captured John's lips keeping the kiss as gentle as his lovemaking. He rocked their bodies together, letting the slow pace push them nearer to a shared ecstasy.

Their hands explored one another as they moved; though this time it was about memorising every inch of the other's body than needing to feel the connection. As they grew closer to the edge, John clung tight to Randy's body, their skin pressed against one another.

"Randy," John breathed quietly against Randy's ear.

"I'm with you," Randy whispered in return feeling his end nearing. "Cum with me."

"Every time," John moaned lightly. Just a few strokes later, Randy buried his head in John's neck, moaning his name as he came inside of him, triggering John's release.

The pair lay entwined for some time after their climaxes, Randy the first to move as he rolled to the side. His fingers travelled over John's skin, memorising his body again, as though it had changed since they finished their fun.

"Penny for your thoughts," John said, running his hand along Randy's arm.

"Same as ever, I wish we could have more than a few hours together," Randy said, unable to meet John's eyes. "I wish our forever could get started already."

"Will twenty-four hours do?" John asked, lacing their hands together.

"What?" Randy asked, too shocked to believe he heard it correctly.

"He's out of town on business," John said with a shrug. "I've got twenty-four hours."

"Out of town?" Randy asked.

"Yes," John said smiling.

"So, it's just you and me?" Randy clarified. "What about the others?"

"Well… I suppose I could ring all the other cops I'm with… tell them something came up," John sassed.

"Funny, Cena," Randy said.

"I thought so," John said laughing before turning serious. "There all out of town. I was supposed to go, but I told him I couldn't get out of working. I just hope he hasn't got anyone following me."

Randy suddenly felt a shiver run down his back as he remembered Ted's photos, not to mention the photo's Farrelly had of them together. He sat up and shifted himself to edge of the table to get down. He found his pants and pulled them on, chucking John his shorts and shirt. Without saying anything, he went over to the filing cabinet and found the envelope of pictures from Farrelly.

"What's going on?" John asked tentatively.

Randy didn't speak, just grabbed John's wrist and pulled him up the stairs to the house. He found the folder full of Ted's pictures and then led John to the sofa.

"We've got to be more careful," Randy said not looking at John. "I shouldn't have got carried away down there."

"It wasn't just you," John said smiling letting his hand fall to Randy's thigh.

"You didn't know what I knew," Randy said. He handed the envelope to John and indicated for him to open it. He watched John leaf through the photos and was waiting for the wave of emotion to hit. This would be devastating to him.

"W-who took these?" John stammered, though keeping his voice in check.

"An FBI agent. He's been investigating Del-Rio," Randy explained. "He noticed I was looking at the files, some of his agents spotted me at your place. This guy wanted to know how I was involved."

"If they're helping you why are they taking pictures of us?" John asked confused.

"They're not helping me. I've been working my own investigation, apparently I've stepped on a few toes," Randy said. "He was giving me a warning, a chance to back off before going to my supervisors."

"Could you lose your job?" John asked.

"That, or busted back down to a traffic cop," Randy said. "There's more."

"What else could there possibly be?"

Randy handed him Ted's folder and he saw the emotion he was expecting to see on the first set of photos. He went to take John into his arms, but the emotional response soon turned to anger, and John pushed away from him and started pacing the room.

"You've lost your job… because of me," John yelled. "I hate this, that he can ruin things for me, even without doing anything."

"Baby, what do you mean?" Randy said trying again to get close to John but without success.

"I find a chance at happiness, and he has it taken from me. I love you, and you're trying to help, but you end up losing your job," John said pacing the room, tears of anger running down his face.

"John I haven't lost my job," Randy said stopping John's pacing. "That second set was from the private investigator you heard about."

"What?"

"Del-Rio has been following you," Randy said. "At least via Otunga. They hired someone and he's been following you. Or at least one of his associates has."

"So Alberto knows?" John asked.

"No, I don't believe so," Randy clarified. "I know the investigator and his associate. His associate's a good guy… sort of. He hasn't given the photos to Cody."

"Why is he "sort of" a good guy?"

Randy took a deep breath before answering. He wasn't sure how John would react knowing his ex was involved. He took John's hand and led him back to the sofa.

"Cody, the investigator, he and I… we used to be together," Randy said. "It was a while back, over six months ago. We weren't really working out but neither of us could be bothered to end things. Then I found out he was sleeping with Ted, his associate."

"Why would he help you?"

"Something about Cody changing since he's got involved with Del-Rio," Randy said.

"Yeah, that happens," John said with a sad, knowing smile. "Ran, this isn't your fault, though. I dragged you into this. It's my fault."

"You didn't drag me into this, I was more than willing to help you," Randy said. "I was head over heels from the moment we met. This isn't your fault. I'm a police officer. I should be more careful."

"Can't we just forget about these? Pretend like we haven't seen them," John suggested. "I love you. I don't care about some photos, as long as Alberto doesn't see them. You don't want me hurt, but just as much, I don't want you hurt."

"I love you too," Randy said cupping John's face and kissing him.

"I've got an idea," John said pulling Randy up from the sofa, photos in his hand and out toward the back door. "It's a nice night, how about we sit out back by the glow of a nice fire."

Randy laughed as they dropped the photos into a metal bin, "Do you want to do the honours?"

Randy held one last photo up, handing John his lighter so he could light the picture. He watched as John lit the corner of the picture he held and then took it from Randy, dropping it into the bin. Randy quickly moved the bin away from the decking and the pair sat on the steps leading down in the garden.

"You never told me the third reason earlier," John said after a few minutes. Leaning back against Randy's bare chest, he looked up at the man.

"What third reason, baby?"

"For the photos of me," John said reminding him.

"Oh, that's easy… you're hot, I like a nice bit of eye candy," Randy said winking down at John before kissing him.

"So you keep saying," John said laughing with Randy. "So… what are we doing for the next twenty-four hours?"

"I don't know about the next twenty-four hours, but I'm hoping to persuade you to work your magic in the kitchen," Randy said. "I haven't eaten since lunch."

"I'm going to end up being your housewife aren't I?" John asked laughing again.

"I was thinking more along the lines of man-servant," Randy said trying not to laugh. "I'd pay you, benefits as well."

"Such as?"

"Food… shelter… good sex… clothing," Randy said with a shrug.

"How about a trial run?"

"I guess; if you won't take the offer as it stands… I can do a trial run," Randy said. "Now, the uniform… what you're wearing is okay, but ideally you should be naked… you can wear an apron in the kitchen when cooking, of course… we don't want any accidents."

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed. Please review...