I have to apologise for this being so short, but the next bit might end up quite long and I'll probably need another week to finish it, so thought it best to post this in the meantime to keep it going. The reviews have been amazing as ever and I can't quite believe the number of hit's I'm getting! Hope you enjoy this small morsel.

Chapter 10

The drive to the station was completed in tense silence. Edmund leaned back into his seat with smug indifference, watching the passing scenery and James didn't trust himself to speak without saying something detrimental. Especially when every time he caught sight of him in his rearview mirror, his hands itched to pummel that smirk off his weasel-like face and it was all he could do to keep them firmly placed on the wheel. Likewise he couldn't allow himself to dwell on the fact that not fifteen minutes ago he was kissing Juliet – and she had most definitely kissed him back. If he allowed his thoughts free reign in that direction, chances are he'd end up crashing and kill them both. Not that killing the prick in the backseat would be a heartache, but it was probably best he kept his concentration firmly on the road if he ever wanted the chance to kiss her again.

Fortunately it was a relatively short drive and he was quickly pulling into the station. Parking in his spot, he quickly got out and opened the back door.

"We're here," he stated flatly as Edmund slowly got out.

"Really? I wouldn't have noticed." Was his smart assed reply as he sauntered past and headed towards the entrance. James glowered at his back, but at least he was willingly co-operating, he noted. Sighing, he hurried to catch up, reaching him in time to place a restraining hand on they guy's arm as they entered the precinct. He had to at least give the impression he was in control here. Nodding to the desk sergeant as he led him in, he stopped them briefly on the way past.

"Get Straume, tell him I need him in interrogation, now. This way Dr. Burke." Saying his name left a bad taste in his mouth and for the first time he wondered why she hadn't changed it after the divorce. They entered the bullpen and caught the attention of his Lieutenant.

"Hey Daniels, what's free?" His superior looked Edmund up and down with interest before checking a board beside him.

"Two."

"Great. If you see Miles, tell him I need him pronto?" Daniels nodded and returned his attention to the auto magazine on his desk. James led them through the room and into the interrogation room, inviting the doctor to take a seat before retrieving a cup of water from a cooler in the corner.

"I'd like a coffee."

"No can do. Machine's broke," James lied. He took a chair opposite and leant back, folding his arms and silently regarded the man before him. It was a cool and collected gaze that was returned to him and both men were content to size each other up for a few seconds. It was the doctor that finally broke the silence, just as James knew he would. He looked like the kinda guy who couldn't help himself.

"You know, this feels awfully like an arrest here, yet I've still to have my rights read or my lawyer contacted. Unfortunately he's in Miami, so might take him a while to get here. You've also still to inform me what this is all about, Detective. As cosy as this little outing is, I'd rather get on with it if you don't mind." James prolonged his silence a beat longer than necessary, calculating his next move.

"No arrest sir, we'd just like to ask you a few questions to help our enquiries. It's regarding the break-in that occurred at Dr. Burke's facility last week." The sorry son-of-a-bitch had the audacity to shake his head in sorrow.

"I'd heard about that. Dreadful business. However I don't see how I could be of assistance, but of course detective, anything I can do to help. Ask away," he smarmed insincerely.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to wait for my partner."

"Not at all. But since we have the time, perhaps you could answer something I've been curious about. Just how it came to be that you were out on my wife's balcony in the middle of the afternoon? Kinda strange place to conduct an investigation wouldn't you say?" His tone and accompanying smirk made James' blood boil and it took all his willpower to remain seated and calm.

"Ex-wife," he practically growled. Edmund tilted his head slightly as if considering this.

"Well technically, you could say that – but she'll always be mine. Even kept my name, you'll notice. As I'm sure you'll have also noticed her beauty. I have to admit I was surprised today, she always used to hide behind such dowdy clothes. Maybe if she'd made more of an effort then I wouldn't have left her." James couldn't hide his surprise at the audacity of this speech.

"I wouldn't get my hopes up, Detective. It takes a lot to keep up with her… intellect." At this barb, James couldn't help but slam his hand down on the table. The man before him jumped slightly and raised a brow in interest, aware his comments had hit their mark. James cursed himself for reacting. Where the hell was Miles?

"Yes, I saw your insults to her intellect, amongst other things, on Monday." He struggled to maintain an even tone to his voice. "Are you in the habit of such charming correspondence with your ex-wife, doctor?" A slight flicker of alarm flashed briefly across his adversary's eyes and he continued, "Here's somethin' I've been curious about, as I understand it you were in Mexico on vacation at the time, boy news must sure travel fast for you to know about it so quick." Any answer, however, was interrupted by the door opening and Miles sticking his head in questioningly.

"Excuse us a minute. Make yourself at home, doc." He quickly stood and ushered his partner back out.

"What's up?" Miles asked in confusion once the door was closed behind them. "Who's that dude?"

"Where the hell ya been?" James asked in agitation.

"Uh getting a coffee down the street. I am allowed to leave this place from time to time. Calm down, man."

"Sorry," he muttered, placing his hands on his hips. "That's Juliet's ex. Seems I didn't have to do much lookin'. He practically came to me. Or rather, her."

"Couldn't keep away, huh? You charging him?" Miles asked, taking a sip from his take-out coffee cup.

"For starters I want to throw the book at him and do him for assault!" He slammed a clenched fist into the wall behind him and Miles raised his eyebrows in question. "When I came across them, he had his filthy paw clenched around her wrist – looked painful. Also looked like it wouldn't have stopped there if I hadn't interrupted. But I can't," he sighed in frustration. "Not until I know if she wants to press charges."

"So you bide your time, deal with the break-in first." Miles shrugged, not seeing what the problem was. Sawyer sighed once more and ran a hand through his hair. He didn't want to, but knew for the good of the case he had to ask the next question.

"You've read the file right? Up on everything?"

"Yeah?" Miles replied cagily.

"Good, I need you to lead the questioning."

"Why? Thought you'd relish the opportunity." James crossed his arms over his chest defensively and steeled himself for the ridiculing he knew was coming his way.

"Here's the thing. I think I've become too close. Right now all I want to do is smash his face into the mirror. Questionin' him… I don't think I can trust myself to keep cool and that will only hurt the case. I need to step back. I need you to take charge." Realisation and a shit-eating grin spread across Miles' face.

"You dog! Have you been sleeping with her? On the job? Oh how the mighty Detective Ford has fallen!"

"No! We haven't, I swear. But I have gotten emotionally involved. Go on laugh it up," he growled as Miles slapped his thigh in glee, "But I need you to get yer head in the game. The reason I was there when he showed up… I was there havin' lunch… socially. And I'm pretty sure that bastard in there has figured that out."

"OK," Miles nodded his head, serious once more, "How do you want to play it?"

"How about bad cop, silent cop? I'll sit in the back and just watch. Next door if need be."

"Cool. Let's do it." The two men nodded in understanding and headed back into the room.

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