I am so sorry, readers! School just started, and apparently the teachers don't care that none of us are used to work yet. So I've had loads of homework already, and its only been seven days of school! It might be like this from now on, with me updating every week or two. I hate it, but this is the year when grades count for colleges and stuff, so I hope you can understand...

Anyway, here's another chapter. Kind of short, but like I said- not a lot of time= not a lot of writing.

Enjoy :)

Outside the Residence of Alexandra Mills
1618 Ivory Lane
Highland Springs, Virginia
September 13th, 2010
12:36 PM

All she wanted was another shower. Or maybe a bubble bath. And a stiff drink.

Alex and Tony had managed to convince the movers to come an hour early, and they'd been pushing and carrying her stuff into the back of a moving van since a little after eleven. At the moment they were both sitting on the sidewalk, resting back on their arms, both legs stretched out before them. It was mid- September, and it was fairly warm, so the two were sitting under the shade of tree.

They were both silent, but it wasn't uncomfortable. They were both just lost in their own thoughts. Alex was thinking of what to expect for the rest of the week, or until she was out of danger. Tony was thinking of ways he could have made the moving last longer, if only to spend a few more hours with Alex.

Alex suddenly broke the silence then. "I could use a beer."

He turned to her with a grin. "You offering?"

"Well, what about this safe house or whatever? Shouldn't I be getting there now?"

He pulled his legs up to the sidewalk, and then pushed himself to the tree, leaning against it. "Sure. As soon as I get a call it's been cleared."

She looked at him with one eyebrow raised but didn't answer back.

They were both quiet then, and this time neither one could find something to say.

"Let's go get ice cream."

Alex's head shot up, and she looked at him with amusement. She teased, "Ice cream, Tony? What are you, five?"

He harrumphed. "Not quite. But no beer yet for either of us, so how about the next best thing?" He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.

She looked at him doubtfully. "What about my stuff? I can't exactly leave a van full of stuff on the side of the street."

"We can drive it to an ice cream stand," he chimed in a sing-song voice.

She chuckled. "And you know where one is near here?"

"Well, I know how to find one!" and before she could question him further, he had pulled out his phone, punched a few keys, and brought it to his ear.

Tony tapped on the curb for a few seconds as the phone rang. Then with a swift "McGee" his wait was over and he said happily, "Hey, Probie! Can you do me a favor?"

A beat passed before McGee replied, "Uh, sure Tony. Need help with the protection detail?"

"No, no, I got that covered. Just do some typing, McGeeky magic and find the nearest ice cream stand!"

McGee was obviously confused, because he didn't say anything, and Tony began to grow impatient. "McGee! Ice cream! Pronto!"

He could hear shuffling on the other end of the line, followed by the clacking of keys as McGee started a search. With a huff under his breath, he asked in a curious tone, "What's this for?"

"I want some ice cream, McObvious. Hurry up," he ordered, but with a laugh in his tone.

"Is Alex okay?"

"I said I got that covered, Probie," he said, annoyed.

More typing. McGee sighed, then, "Alright, Tony. Donnie's Ice Cream Parlor, about a block from the witness's house."

Tony grinned at the ever-curious Alex, then proclaimed, "Victory! Thanks, McGee."

"Are you sure the Boss would want you leaving-"

Tony cut him off, "It will only take a few minutes to pick it up and be back. And besides, any time now the safe house should be ready. Don't you worry, Probie. Okay, gotta go." He hung up before McGee could argue any further, and put his phone back into his side clip quickly.

He stood, offering his hand to help Alex up. She took it gently, barely even touching him. She looked directly at him, and removed her hand with a quiet "thank you".

"O'course. Now, let's take a break from all this danger business. What do you say?" He smiled at her warmly.

Might as well. Not like I have anywhere else to be. And it is hot.

She nodded, and smiled back. "Sure."

He laughed, and pulled the van's keys from his front pockets. "I'll buy, but only if you are willing to try my pistachio."

She giggled, before pulling her face into a serious look.

"I suppose I can deal with that."

She grinned at him then, and as they both walked to their sides of the cab of the van, he cheered, "You're gonna love it!"

"Whatever you say, Tony," Alex shook her head, still grinning

"The hunt is on!" he announced, putting the keys in the ignition...

...Neither of the pair noticed the shiny, black four-door car that sat a couple hundred feet down the road. It was parked on the opposite side of the street, and the windows were tinted. The driver watched the two people get into the vehicle, and as it started up, he prepared himself. If I follow them, I can probably grab her if they get separated. Hopefully they're going somewhere crowded.

The moving van pulled out of the parallel spot, and slowly drove down the street.

The man watching started his car, waited a heartbeat, and then shifted into Drive.

The hunt is on, he thought with a smirk.

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loves, WhereIsYourHeart10