A/N: I hope you like this chapter. Please read and review.

Disclaimer: I own nothing Flashpoint related...just my Original Characters and my story.

It's a Second Chance

Chapter 10

Meetings, Meetings, Meetings

Spike woke up still feeling a little unsettled although he had made a couple of decisions. He was going to square things with Sam. He had also decided that he rather liked the kiss with Anisa and would like to try it again. He hadn't decided exactly how he was going to make that happen yet. He did know that if this "relationship" was going to progress, he was going to move at his own pace not one dictated by Sam the Man.

Spike was in the locker room pulling on his shirt getting ready to work out when he heard the door open. TJ walked in and started to open his locker.

"You are not supposed be here, Ward." Spike snarled shocked that TJ had shown up.

"You're kidding. Sam just needed to cool down, right?" TJ smirked opening his locker.

Spike closed the distance be him and TJ. He slammed TJ's locker closed. "No, Sam did not need to cool down," growled Spike. "When your TL tells you not to come in, you do not come in. Or is that too hard for you to comprehend."

TJ tried to plead his case, "Oh come on. You saw that bitch headbutt me."

Spike had had it with this clown. He pushed TJ against the locker with more force than was needed. "I advised you once already against calling fellow officers bitches. Who do you think you are? Actually I don't care enough about you to want to know who you are. Just get your ass out of here. NOW!"

Just then Sam walked into the locker room and saw Spike with TJ up against the lockers. He went to back up his friend. "What are you doing here?" he said to TJ. "I told you to stay home until you heard from us. That was not a joke."

TJ looked at both of them and raised his hands defensively. "OK OK. I didn't think you were serious. I'll go home and wait for your call." With that he pushed past Spike and Sam and walked out of the the locker room. Spike and Sam looked at each other and simultaneously shook their heads in disbelief.

"Can you believe that guy? He is not right," was all Spike could say about it.

"Copy that." Sam replied putting his gear in his locker. "Hey, Spike about last night, what I said about you and Anisa...I was out of line and I'm sorry."

Spike turned to look at his friend, "Don't worry about it." He offered a smirk and said, "There is a chance I may have overreacted...slightly."

"By the way, I didn't actually get a chance to say anything to Anisa about you," Sam offered with a grin.

"Well that's a good thing," Spike said with a chuckle. "I'm not sure I would like how you might describe me...being the resident geek and all." Spike had a wide grin on his face as he slapped Sam on the shoulder good-naturedly.

"Are we good?" Sam asked

"Yeah we're good, buddy. Oh and don't worry about you and you know who...secret is safe here." Spike said with a wink and headed into the gym.

When Anisa walked into work, Ryan was sitting at his desk. "Hey, Red, where have you been? You don't return my calls... I am starting to think you don't love me anymore," Ryan teased.

"Sorry, Ry. I forgot to charge my phone last night. As a matter of fact, I didn't remember I had left it in my jacket until I got back from my run this morning. So I thought I would plug it in here."

"Did you run in the cemetery again?" he asked rolling his eyes.

"Yes... And yes I talked to Sean," she answered anticipating his follow-up question hoping that would be the end of it. Ryan shook his head and was about to start to lecture her about Sean being dead. But Anisa interjected, "I know he can't talk back to me. It just helps me sort through things. I know he is …" She swallowed hard before continuing, "not alive."

"Did you tell him about Spike?" Ryan inquired.

"Yes."

"And...?" Ryan persisted.

She knew what he was trying to do...make her realize that he was dead and that she needed to move on. "Ry, he didn't answer. He's...gone. I know that."

Ryan raised his eyebrows but decided to follow a different line of questioning, "Well, are things any clearer for you now?"

"Maybe a little," said Anisa as she began organizing her desk for the day. "I think I really like Spike. I'm just not sure what to do next. Maybe I'll just do nothing and see what happens," she said plugging in her phone. Anisa continued, "I mean, what's the rush? I'm booked this week anyway. I have class tonight and tomorrow and then I have Lambert kid duty and let's not forget girlie day on Saturday." She giggled a little at that thought. Once the battery in her phone got enough juice it started buzzing.

"Oh look, MISSED CALL FROM RYAN." She laughed showing him her phone. He couldn't help but smile at her happy mood. It had been a while since he had seen her so lighthearted. "Hmm. Here's a missed call from a number I don't know." She listened to the voice mail and said, "It was from Greg Parker. He apologized for TJ and told me that Commander Holleran might call me. I hope this does not turn into a big deal."

As if on cue, the phone on her desk rang and she picked it up, "Anisa McConnell."

"Detective McConnell? This is Commander Holleran with the SRU."

"Commander Holleran, hello." Anisa looked at Ryan and nodded. "What can I do for you?"

"I was hoping that we could have a chat. Would you be able to stop by today?"

"Um... yeah, sure. I could come by after work today. How does 6:00 sound?"

"That's fine. I'll see you then," responded Holleran.

"OK see you at 6:00."

Spike was running on the treadmill and Sam was doing presses on the bench. The rest of team was working out on various equipment in the gym. Commander Holleran stuck his head into the gym, found sound and said, "Braddock, could I speak to for a second in the briefing room?"

"Sure, on my way, sir," Sam responded putting the weights back in their proper place and followed the commander into the briefing room.

The Commander sat at the head of the table and gestured toward a chair, "Take a seat, this won't take long." Sam sat down feeling only a little nervous.

"I understand that there was an incident involving Constable TJ Ward and Detective Anisa McConnell. I would like you to tell me what happened." Sam started with the incident in the locker room the previous week. Then he relayed the events of the previous day and ended with TJ in the locker room that morning.

"Thank you Sam. I just have a couple of questions for you. To the best of your knowledge, do Ward and McConnell have any type of relationship outside of their interaction yesterday?"

"I don't think they have any type of relationship, but they have met before. Based on what Ward told me last week, several years ago, he had been called to the scene of an incident in which she and her partner were pursuing a couple of subjects. He saw her shoot the two subjects when they drew their weapons on her partner. I got the impression that he resented her from that moment. As far as I know, she does not remember that meeting."

"OK. Since you are acting as team leader for the time being, what would your recommendation for Ward be?"

Sam took a minute to think about his answer. "Honestly, sir, I don't think the SRU is the right place for him. This is no place for vendettas and grudges, but he was clearly exhibiting that behavior toward McConnell."

"Did she do anything to provoke that behavior?" Holleran continued to question.

"No, sir, not that I saw or heard. She acted professionally and she and her partner, Ryan Lambert, worked very collaboratively with us," Sam responded.

Commander Holleran was trying to make sure that he wasn't missing something, "Do you think her reaction was appropriate for the situation?"

Measuring his answer, Sam replied, "Frankly, I think Ward got off easy. Have you met her?"

"Not yet. She is coming in later today, why?" asked Holleran

"She is not a big person, about Jules' size. TJ is as big as me if not bigger. He had her pinned against the wall in an threatening manner. She did what she had to do to get free," explained Sam.

"OK, Sam thanks a lot. Unless you have anything else to add you can go. Would you mind sending in Scarlatti?" Holleran stood as he finished speaking.

"No, I think that it is. I'll get Spike," responded Sam standing to leave.

After a few minutes, Spike entered the briefing room. "Hey, Commander," said Spike as he sat down. "What can I do for you?"

"Hi, Spike. I'll get right to the point. Can you tell me what happened between Detective McConnell and Constable Ward yesterday?" So Spike relayed the events of the previous night just as Sam had. He also went into detail about the locker room conversation the previous week.

"OK, is there anything else you think I should know in regard to this situation?" Commander Holleran asked.

"Commander, there is something else. Ward came into work today after Sam specifically told him to stay home. I told him to go home, but he started with the derogatory comments about Detective McConnell." Spike inhaled and then continued, "After what he had done last night and his insolent attitude I had had it with him. I pushed him into the lockers and told him to watch his language. Then I told him to go home."

Holleran raised his eyebrows in surprise. This behavior was atypical for the bomb tech. "Braddock didn't mention this when I spoke to him."

"Well, this happened before Sam arrived. When Sam walked in, he sent Ward home. Sir, I am sorry I lost my temper. I just wanted you to hear it from me first," Spike informed the commander sheepishly. He knew that he could get in trouble for his angry outburst, but he was glad he had done it. He hoped there would be no negative repercussions.

Holleran looked at the tech. He knew that Spike was possibly the most sensitive and even-keeled member of Team One. To make Spike angry enough to throw him against a locker, this guy must have really provoked him. Holleran's normally steely gaze softened, "Thanks for letting me know, Spike. I wouldn't worry too much about it." He hoped to set Spike's mind at ease. "You can head back to the gym."

Holleran had already spoken to Greg about the situation and gotten his opinion on next steps. Before he made a final decision, he needed to speak to McConnell and finally he would have to meet with Constable Ward.

After workout, Sam and Spike were in the locker room. Spike asked Sam, "So, how did it go with Holleran?"

"Fine I guess. I just told him the truth about what happened. How about you?" responded Sam.

Spike took a moment and then said, "OK. I did the same thing, told him what happened. I did mention how I lost my temper at TJ and pushed him against the lockers this morning. I shouldn't have done that, but he gets under mys skin."

Sam let out a little chuckle and said,"Hah... I would have done the same thing...or worse. Glad I wasn't here when he got here."

Picturing that made Spike smile, "Yeah well, I'm not you, Sam. And remind me not to ever piss you off."

It was 6:03 when Anisa entered the SRU building.

"Hey Anisa" came Wordy's booming voice. "What brings you here this evening?" he asked with a grin.

"Hi, Wordy. Commander Holleran wanted to see me," answered Anisa with a smile.

"He probably wants to to recruit you," responded Wordy as he gave her a playful nudge with his elbow.

"Ha Ha, I doubt that." she bantered. "You heading out?"

Wordy headed toward the locker room as he responded, "Yeah, shift just ended. See you around."

"See ya." Anisa answered. She had hoped she might catch a glimpse of Spike. But on the other hand, she wasn't sure what she would say to him, so it was probably best that they hadn't crossed paths until she had figured out what to do or say. As she approached the front desk, she greeted Winnie with a smile, "Hi, Winnie, I'm here to see Commander Holleran."

Winnie gave Anisa a big smile, "Hi Detective McConnell. The Commander is in the briefing room waiting for you."

"Thanks... and call me Anisa, OK?"she responded giving Winnie a warm smile.

"You got it."

Anisa tapped lightly on the door to the briefing room. Holleran looked up from the papers on the table as he waved her in. "Detective McConnell?" He said standing up and extending his hand for a handshake. He noticed the she was indeed about Jules' height, but with a slightly smaller frame. He didn't think that was possible.

Anisa took his hand, smiled and said, "Please call me Anisa." She sat down across from him at the table.

Holleran began with, "Thank you very much for coming to speak with me today. Do you know why I asked you here?"

"I assume it has to do with what happened with Constable Ward yesterday. Is there something else?"

"No, that is correct. Could you please tell me about what happened yesterday in regard to Constable Ward? prompted Commander Holleran.

"Well, after we got off shift, my partner and I joined Team One for a beer at The Goose. I received a call from my boss so I stepped out to take it. When I finished the call I turned to go back inside, and Ward approached me. He told me to apologize to him, but for what, I don't know. He blocked my path and then backed me up me against the wall. He then told me he was going to teach me some respect." Anisa wasn't sure if Holleran had spoken to Ward yet or if Ward had made some sort of injury claim against her. So, before she continued, she wanted to Holleran to understand that she had intentionally mot hurt Ward. "Now Commander, I want to be clear here. I gave him a warning. I told him to step back and that if he did not then I was going to hurt him. At this point he laughed and placed his hands on my shoulders and had me pinned against the wall. That is when I head butted him and kicked him in the crotch. I can assure you that my actions were calculated and measured to simply get me free from him. I did not have any intention of causing serious or long term harm. At this point Constables Braddock and Scarlatti came out. Braddock told Ward to leave and Scarlatti checked on my condition, assuming a scuffle had taken place. Then we went back into The Goose." Anisa stopped talking and sat back in her chair assuming he had questions for her.

"Could I ask you a few questions?"

Anisa nodded her head, "Of course you may ask me some questions."

"Did Ward hurt you?" probed Holleran.

"No sir, the only injury I sustained was from when I head butted him." She lifter her hair to show the bruise that had replaced the bump on her forehead. "And I have had worse bruises from bumping into a table at my home," she added with a chuckle trying to lighten Holleran's expression.

Holleran smiled back and continued his questioning. "Do you believe Ward intended to harm you?"

"Sir, I don't really know for sure, but I don't think so. I think he came outside to scare me and 'put me in my place'," Anisa answered honestly.

"Did you feel threatened?" continued the Commander.

Anisa thought for a minute, "Not really. Although when he placed his hands on my shoulders and had me pinned against the wall, I felt that I should extricate myself from the situation as quickly as possible. As I mentioned, I don't think it was his intent to cause harm, but it has been my experience that when you mix alcohol with anger you can have unpredictable results. I was simply trying to preserve my own safety, sir." Anisa could tell that Commander Holleran was all business and wanted to keep the discussion at that level.

"I am sorry to have to ask you this, but I need an honest answer, please. Did you feel at anytime during this incident that Ward was a sexual threat to you. By that I mean, did you feel that he intended to rape you or harm you in anyway sexually?"

Anisa was a little surprised by this question, but answered honestly, "No sir. I do not.I think he had not physical interest in me. As a matter of fact I think he thought I was a lesbian."

"Why do you say that?"

"He used an derogatory epithet in reference to my presumed sexual orientation." Holleran shook his head and then tried to hide his disgust at Ward's behavior. He was getting a pretty clear picture of this guy.

"So finally, what would you like to see happen, since you are the victim here." It was obvious that Holleran was concerned about her welfare, but was also trying to protect the SRU from any possible liability. She had not intention of making a big deal of this. As far as she was concerned, this was over.

Anisa tilted her head to the side and said, "With all due respect, sir, I do not feel like a victim. There was an issue and it was resolved. End of story. I do think, however, that you may wish to reconsider Ward's application to the SRU, but ultimately that is your decision and I will respect what ever decision you make."

Holleran leaned back in his chair and looked at the detective across from him. She was clearly a polished professional and did not appear to carry grudge against anyone even TJ Ward. "Detective, I mean Anisa. Thank you again for coming in. Is there anything else you would like to share regarding these events?"

"No, sir. I believe that about covers it." Commander Holleran stood and walked her to the door where they said their good byes and Anisa headed to the parking lot. She had 45 minutes to get to her class. As she took out her keys to unlock her car, she heard someone call her name. "Hey Anisa." She recognized the voice and involuntarily smiled. 'Oh crap,' she thought, I haven't figure out what to say.

She turned around and said "Hey Spike. How are you?"

He walked over to her and said, "I'm good, but the question is how are you?" He was standing very close to her now looking at the bruise on her head. "It looks like the bump has gone down."

Anisa's stomach was doing flips. "Yeah, just a bruise." She had to say something about the elephant in the room...the kiss. "Spike, I'm really sorry about last night, you know the kiss."

Spike looked into her eyes and replied softly, "Oh, really?...well I'm not. I kinda liked it." He put his hands in his pockets and looked at the ground. "I almost tried to kiss you on Sunday, but your phone rang."

"You did? She asked with genuine astonishment." Anisa remembered that night wishing that he would kiss her.

Spike took his hands out of his pockets and looked at her, "Yeah. I would actually like to try it again."

She tried to not sound like an over eager school girl but when she opened her mouth her response came out as a squeak, "OK."

That was all he needed. He brought his hand to her face and cupped her chin tilting it upward. Anisa rose onto her toes and inhaled his scent..oh gosh she loved that scent. As he lowered his lips to hers she closed her eyes. He touched his lips to hers gently at first. As he felt her relax into the kiss he pressed a little harder wrapping his other hand softly around her waist. She felt the warmth of his body closer to hers and moved her hand to his shoulder. Oh heavens he felt so good. Anisa pressed her lips into his and her body closer to his.

Spike pulled back and opened his eyes. Anisa could get lost in those chocolate pools. He raised a questioning eyebrow at her. Anisa smiled and said in answer to the unspoken question, "I kinda liked it too." With that she slid her arms around his neck, tilted her head to the side and took his lips with her own. Spike responded by sliding both of his arms around her waist. They remained intertwined for an eternity or was it a minute? Finally they parted looked into each other's eyes for a moment. Anisa took a small step away from him letting her arms slide from his neck and rest on his upper arms. Once she caught her breath, she asked in a ragged voice, "Now what?"

Spike smiled and said, "I think it is time I take you out on a date. What do you think?"

"I think that sounds nice." Her brain was barely able to process all that was happening. She had seen Spike and he had kissed her and then he asked her out on a date. She hadn't screwed anything up yet. It was a miracle!

"OK, Wanna grab a bite tonight?" He was trying to remain calm.

"I can't I have class tonight and tomorrow night," Anisa replied with disappointment.

Spike thought for a moment, "Well I can't do Friday, how about Saturday?"

"I'm supposed to hang out with Jules and I am not sure what time that will end," responded Anisa trying to hide the desperation in her voice.

Spike wrinkled his brow and suggested, "OK, Sunday?"

Anisa said, "I hate to take you away from your Sunday family dinner two weeks and a row."

Spike smiled, "Trust me, that is not a problem. So let's say Sunday and I'll call you with details."

Oh those dimples was all she could think about. She hoped she was agreeing with him because her brain had turned to mush."OK that 's sounds great." She took another step back "But I gotta run to class. I'm sorry." She opened her door and began to get into the car.

"OK, so I'll talk to you later." He paused ..."Maybe one more?" Spike questioned and he leaned in for another little kiss.

A/N: OK so let me know what you think. For the next couple of chapters I can go in a couple of directions. Do you want TJ to disappear into the sunset? Or do you want him to reappear to wreak more havoc?