Disclaimer: I don't own Psych or any of its related characters. This is just for my own enjoyment and the potential enjoyment of other Psych-Os like me, and no monetary gain was expected or received.

Rating: M+

Spoilers: Through season 4 episode 16, "Mr. Yin Presents," some minor spoilers through current episodes.

Chapter Ten: Stay of Execution

"Detectives, I'd like you to meet Carlos Reyes, Chief of the San Francisco Police Department," Chief Vick said as they entered her office. The tall, grey-haired man standing beside her desk nodded politely. "Chief Reyes, this is my Head Detective, Carlton Lassiter, and his partner Juliet O'Hara."

"Pleased to meet you both," Reyes said, and offered a round of handshakes. "Particularly you, Detective Lassiter. Your reputation is why I'm here today."

My reputation? Lassiter thought wildly. For drawing my gun on innocent civilians? For drawing my other service weapon on any and all female partners up to and possibly including those of the canine persuasion?

"Carlton's fame has spread all the way to San Francisco?" Juliet joked lightly, stepping into the breach of Lassiter's confusion. "Can't say I'm surprised, though I am a little dubious that you drove five hundred miles just to shake his hand. What's going on in San Francisco that you need my partner for?"

Reyes sighed and the corners of his already turned-down mouth turned down even further. "I only wish I'd come just to shake hands," he said. "The fact is I've got big problems, and I need help. There've been a rash of murders in my jurisdiction and it looks like a serial killer. I've had my men working overtime on it but we haven't gotten very far. The State Police and the Feds are still letting me head up the investigation but it won't be long before they step in and take the reins away. I don't mind who gets the credit as long as this sick SOB gets caught, but I'd like to be able to say I gave it my all before it's out of my hands. That's why I'm here, detectives. Your department's record for clearances on just this kind of case is the most impressive in the state, and I'm told Detective Lassiter's reputation for relentlessness is well-deserved. I'm planning an undercover sting that I hope will nab this killer and I think that this team would be perfect for it. I want to borrow the two of you away from Santa Barbara."

"Ah," Vick said. "I suspected as much when you called me, Carlos. I hope you understand that Detective Lassiter does not…exactly…have a flair for undercover work? And they just came off a case that was quite traumatic, to say the least."

"I understand, Karen. I know all about what happened to Detective O'Hara, but I've heard it said by no less an authority than Detective Lassiter himself that Juliet O'Hara has got more grit than a platoon full of seasoned marines, and I'm hoping that's true. I'm also hoping that it's mostly Detective Lassiter's local notoriety that precludes his undercover work. His face isn't as widely known as his name in San Fran."

"Did you really say that about me?" Juliet whispered to Lassiter.

"Er…I might have…on one or two occasions."

"That is so sweet of you."

"Uh…really? Well then, you're welcome, I guess."

"Well, while I don't exactly relish the idea of relinquishing my best team," Chief Vick said, "I certainly understand the urgency of this case and I'm certain we all appreciate the implied compliment. Detectives, I leave it up to you."

Lassiter looked at Juliet. "I…think we probably have to take a little time to talk about it, don't you, O'Hara?"

"Probably a good idea," she said. "We have something we wanted to talk with Chief Vick about, after all, which may have some peripheral effect on this…"

"Understood, detectives," Chief Reyes said. "Take some time to decide - Karen has my cell phone number. I'll be in town for the night and head back to San Francisco tomorrow morning. I hope by then to have you on board."

Another round of handshakes and the man left. Vick eyed her head detective and his partner speculatively. "You said you had something to speak with me about?" she asked.

"Yes, Chief," Lassiter said courageously. "Er…you…might want to sit down…"