The case comes back. Thank you all for your comments/subscriptions/add favorites. They truly bring a smile to my face. I hope this kinda/sorta explains things; remember this is the thoughts of the characters trying to make sense of what's in front of them. Patience is virtue, things will clear up. Enjoy. CAli
Ch. 10 – The Next Step
"Are you okay?" Haley asked.
"If I had five dollars every time you asked me that," Nathan chuckled. "I would be a billionaire by now."
"I'm sorry." Haley said as she kissed his chest.
Haley was cuddled in his side as they just laid there in the middle of his bed. His navy blue sheets just covered his waist and Haley's bare breasts brushed against his side. It was his second favorite feeling from her. They laid there in the after-glow. The make-up sex was extraordinary, however after the passion there was still the thorn in the side.
How exactly do you discuss how your father killed your best friend?
"I don't get it," Nathan sighed. "Does he think I would talk to him again if he committed murder for me?"
"You cut him out?"
"After you left," Nathan whispered. "He didn't offer condolences or anything. Told me you were just a girl and I needed to focus on basketball. I didn't need love."
Haley could hear the bitter tone and it broke her heart. It was no secret that Dan Scott loved basketball more than his own son. That pressure to always be the best was a constant basher on his self-esteem. Dan Scott wasn't known for emotions. He was known for insults, his own son included. If Haley could shoot one person and get away with it, it would be Dan Scott without hesitation.
"Did he think this would better our relationship?" Nathan asked with his brow furrowed. "Let's kill Nathan's best friend. Maybe he would congratulate me and welcome me back in open arms. What kind of fucking logic is that?"
"Maybe he thought you weren't man enough," Haley said softly. "You know how he is. You might have cut him out of your life but you know he kept tracked of your career. Noticed how you were a hero back West and when you came East, you were a shadow. Thought maybe you were too nice so he did the work for you."
"Doesn't he get it?" Nathan asked frustrated. "It's not about fame. It's a game. A game I loved and played with the one man that was a constant for me. Skills gave me more love than my own father. Why would he take that away?"
"Maybe he was jealous. You were never used to being anybody's shadow. There had to be some kind of envy you had with Antwan when you guys were playing."
"See, that's the thing," Nathan gestured. "There wasn't any. I was proud of Skills. He had everything. Fame, family, and friends. He accomplished everything in his life and he could retire even then happy. And just like everything in my life, my father took that away."
"I'm sorry I'm not making any of this better."
"No, it's okay," Nathan kissed her forehead. "I just don't understand that man. It's just hard to process him. Can he really be capable of murder?"
"Honestly, yes," Haley sighed. "The man is crazy. I mean, he burnt you with a cigarette because you missed your 20th straight free-throw. I don't know why he did it. Quite frankly, I do not want to go in the sick mind of Dan Scott. But I will find out why. And I will make him pay."
"My hero," Nathan said pressing a soft kiss to her. "You know, Skills never like him either. He actually helped me cut Dan out of my life."
"Really?"
"Yeah, he actually slammed the door in his face." Nathan smiled at the memory.
"Huh. That may be a motive."
"What do you mean?"
"Dan probably still resents Antwan for what he did. Maybe he just finally snapped."
"After eight years?"
"I don't know," Haley said moving her head to kiss the faint scar on the inside of his left bicep. "Enough about Dan. I want you to feel better."
"I am," Nathan whispered before kissing her. "You're here."
"I have something better," Haley smiled.
Without another word, Haley moved her body so she was parallel to him. She pressed another kiss to his lips before moving across his jaw line and then down his neck. She stopped at the junction of his neck and collarbone and began to suck. She put as much pressure as she could before dragging her teeth on the salty skin and bit down. The smooth plain of her tongue jutted out before her lips sucked again. She repeated the process until she felt Nathan's large hand grip the back of her head and his hips thrust up; the tip of his member brushing up against her wetness.
Her kisses moved downwards and followed his happy trail before she sat up, straddling his legs. He gasped as the made eye contact with her as she grabbed him and firmly began to stroke from base to tip. A couple of strokes in and Haley opened her mouth wide and swallowed as much as she could.
Her talented mouth did all the work. She deep throated him the first time, and then went back to the torture. She'd take his head in, suck gently, then swirled her tongue around it. She'd popped him out of her mouth before stoking him in two long strides. She would then take him a quarter down, suck, and lick. Two long strokes. Halfway in, suck in deeply where her cheeks were hallowed, lick, and then gently drag her teeth along, creating a sensitive but pleasurable sensation. Two strokes. Three quarters in and Nathan is gripping the back of her head and he's thrusting. His moans fill the room and Haley couldn't help but roll her eyes in the back of her head in appreciation. Definitely one of the better sounds of her life. Before she could repeat her technique though, she feels his hot liquid shoot inside her mouth and she eagerly gathers as much as she can before swallowing. Nathan slumps down breathing hard through his nose and Haley evilly thinks this is just the beginning.
She gives him his time before Haley grows bored and gently grabs his dick. She knows her boyfriend well and like predicted, after a few strokes by her soft small hand, he's thick and ready for attention. Without breaking her hand's pace, Haley gets up and makes sure her dripping pussy is hovering junior. His eyes are closed as he quietly moans, but Nathan's ice-blue eyes snap open as he feels her feminine walls clamp down on his cock. Oh. My. Fucking. God.
"Baby," Nathan groaned.
Haley presses a heated kiss to his lips and pulls back whispering, "Shh. I'm gonna make you feel good, baby. I love you."
She increases her pace as the length of him rubs against her clit, making her moan loudly. Haley grabs Nathan's hands to play with her breasts and instantly she feels the pain/pleasure in the sensitivity when he rolls her hardened nipples. She bites her lips as she bounces freely on his cock, enjoying the ride. Soon, she feels him thrusting back and the movements are increasingly stimulating her clit that is practically throbbing to be released. She doesn't want to come though. Not before her boyfriend.
Suddenly, Haley is flipped on her back and Nathan hurriedly grabs her leg and throws it over his broad shoulder. "I love you too," Nathan whispered quickly. "But I want you to cum." Without another word, Nathan begins to pound harder and harder into her and she can feel the headboard and whole bed moving back and forth.
She can't contain the loud moan even if she tried. It's the most fucking sexiest thing ever. Nathan taking control like that and fucking her senseless. The angle he is at brings a new high she's never experienced and her clamping walls suck so tight Nathan can barely move. His tip hits that spot and she cums hard and long. She chants his name as she screams for a record of 60 seconds and for the fourth time that time, she feels his liquid inside her. And it's one of the best things she loves.
He collapses on top of her and whispers his love before passing out.
Streets
It is four o'clock in the morning and Haley can't sleep. The most logical thing?
Go to a bar.
After the majority of the night making love to Nathan, Haley woke up helplessly in the middle of night. She turned her head and saw that Nathan went from on top of her to his stomach beside her and his muscular arm wrapped across her chest. His hair disheveled and a light trail of drool was evident and Haley smiled. She tried to go back to sleep but couldn't and felt the need to blow off some steam.
Ergo, Scooter's.
Haley silently climbs on top of a stool in front of the bar and nods at Scooter himself. He looks at her incredulously before shaking his head and made his way over. The bar owner silently grabbed a cup and made her a rum and coke and walked away muttering Haley's luck that he likes her. Haley smirked before taking a sip of her drink.
She doesn't know how long she was there. Her rum and coke is more than half-full and Haley realizes just how much she's changed. She's not drunk right now when normally before Nathan, she'd probably be on her fifth glass by now. It's not an Oh my God moment or anything, but it is a light bulb. She was so distracted by her thoughts all over her brain, Haley didn't realize she wasn't alone until she heard the legs of the stool scraping against the wooden floor.
She decided to ignore him. Whoever he was. She prayed that he wouldn't talk, forcing her to conversation and then be a bitch. It's dark out, still morning. Have some mercy.
"Haley."
Of course. God loves to fuck with her. It's not just a guy. It's the one guy she doesn't want to talk to.
"Go fuck Peyton and leave me alone, Jake." Haley sighed.
"I can't sleep. And I know you can't either. Please hear me out?"
She finally gives him her full attention. Haley can feel the hurt and betrayal build up again but she refuses to hide out. He wants forgiveness? She wasn't going to make it easy. She was going to make him feel like the worst douche bag ever.
"I spent four years with you as my partner," Haley didn't even attempt to hide her anger. "And this is how you repay me?"
"It's... complicated." Jake finished lamely.
Haley scoffed. "Complicated? How long have you been fucking her?"
"We've been in a relationship two years. I'm sorry I didn't tell you and treated you like crap with Nathan. I just... I never saw you like that before. And it scared me how you personality changed with just one conversation with him.
"I'm an idiot. I'm an asshole. I'm everything in the book, Haley, and I'm sorry. I didn't handle the situation the best way. And I betrayed your trust. And that hurts me just as much as it hurts you."
By the time Jake finished his speech, Haley was already facing away from him. She stayed quiet for a few minutes before she quietly asked a simple question. One that perplexed Jake.
"What is your relationship like with her?" Haley asked.
"What?"
"Describe your relationship with our boss, Jake." Haley stated.
"It's like every love cliché," Jake shrugged. "When I'm around her, I can't breathe. When I'm not, I still can't breathe. She's the last thing on my mind before I fall asleep and the first thing when I wake up. Everything about her makes me feel special. Makes me want to be a better man for her. I would sacrifice everything to be with her and keep her. I love her to death."
"Everything you just said," Haley finally looked at him. "Is just like me and Nathan. Yes, Jake, he is my first love. We had a bad break-up, which made me who you were used to, and unfortunately eight years later we meet under the wrong circumstances. One look, that's what it just took.
"I understand, I really do. Why you freaked out. But to take it out on me and him and act like you're holier than thou? It's really fucked up."
"I know," Jake said quietly.
"He didn't do it. Evidence cleared him."
"I understand that."
"I spent eight fucking miserable years without him. You wanna know the difference between me and Nathan in those years?"
"What?"
"Nathan had Antwan. I didn't have anybody and that's the reason why I'm a stone-cold bitch. His best friend died and his father is responsible and we don't why," Haley paused and looks dead straight in Jake's eye. "This is very rare. You come after him, and I will fucking kill you."
"This isn't about my dislike towards Nathan Scott," Jake vowed. "For real, this is about putting Antwan Taylor's murderer in jail."
"I'm never gonna leave Nathan," Haley vows vehemently. "Not even for this case."
"Understood," Jake agreed. "For what it's worth, I am truly sorry."
"You want out of my doghouse? You don't fuck up this rare second chance."
Without another word, Haley finishes her drink and lays a couple of bills on the bar. She walks off with Jake sitting there with his head in his hands.
NYPD
"Thanks for coming in," Peyton said.
"Did I have a choice?" Haley said as she walked past her boss.
Peyton tried really hard not to roll her eyes at Haley's tone. Her detective was obviously not over the revelation that went down yesterday and it was gonna take a lot of self-control not to snap at the overly sarcastic tone. Peyton made brief eye contact with her boyfriend as he walked in after Haley and he slightly nodded his head. She had no idea where he went when she woke up at six a.m. to an empty bed, but she trusted him.
To say things are awkward would be an understatement. The tension in Peyton's office was as thick as putting Osama Bin Laden and George W. Bush in a room together. Peyton had to be careful. She knew she got on Haley's nerves and the feelings were mutual. Haley is a loose-cannon. She didn't take shit from nobody and is a 24-hour bitch. Her temper can fly off in 0.05 seconds and she acts like she has God-complex because she's a damn good cop. But her negatives were also positives when it came to getting criminals off the streets. It was probably the reason Peyton put up with Haley.
Peyton watches Haley sit down in a chair with Jake closely behind following. Haley slouches in the seat and waits for her to close the door as Peyton keenly notes Jake looking down at the floor. She felt bad for him. He was always caught between her and Haley's bitch fights and there was nothing he could really do now. Especially now. Figuratively speaking, both of them were in the doghouse with Haley.
Peyton firmly closes her door and coolly takes her seat behind her desk. Haley has her infamous glare aimed straight at her and Peyton chooses to be the professional and adult here. She wasn't going to roll her eyes and tell her detective to grow up. She knew how Jake was feeling. So she completely ignored him. They can straighten up their mess later. Now is business.
"Tim Smith told me about the DNA in the blood drop," Peyton told Haley.
"Yeah," Haley said. "It wasn't my boyfriend, Nathan Scott."
Peyton frowned at the tone and cocky look on her detective.
"But it's similar?" Peyton forced out.
"Yeah, DNA is 100 percent not Nathan's, but does have pairs," Haley paused quietly. "His father, Dan Scott, killed Antwan Taylor."
"Explain."
"You mean theories? Shouldn't you ask your boyfriend? My partner, Jake Jagielski."
"Haley," Jake quietly said.
"I'd rather hear your theories, Detective James," Peyton interrupted.
"Why? It's not like you cared what I had to say before," Haley smirked.
Count to ten, Peyton told herself.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," a cop popped his head in. "But Detectives Jagielski and James are needed in the AV Lab. Security video finally came in."
"Thank you," Peyton said. "You guys go ahead. We'll talk theories tomorrow."
Jake immediately got up and left, not that Peyton blamed him. But she had other things to worry about besides her boyfriend's discomfort. She had to at least clear some of the bridge. She waited until Haley's back was turned and starting to open her glass door when Peyton made her move.
"Haley," she said. "Wait a second."
"I knew there was an ulterior motive," Haley said before turning to face her. "So which one is it, boss? Threaten me, bribe me, or beg me that I won't go to the board?"
"You do that," Peyton said sitting on the edge of the desk. "And I'll just take you off this case and possibly suspend you for being involved with a witness."
"You need me on this case. I have home-court advantage on the fucked-up mind of Dan Scott."
"Then I guess we're at crossroads," Peyton crossed her arms.
Haley took a step forward, also crossing her arms. "I guess we are."
"Look, Haley I didn't call you back for a pissing contest," Peyton lowered her head. "I called you back to see maybe we can find a solution for our hatred with each other."
"Why do you hate me?"
"I wouldn't say hate," Peyton sighed. "More like jealous."
Peyton raised her head in time to see the shock on Haley's face. It wasn't a "Oh my God" moment, but the shock was clearly written. She sighed before continuing her explanation.
"You're a bitch," Peyton started. "You act like you're a lone cop with God complex and you don't take shit from anybody. I don't know what's worse for you, taking orders from a man or taking orders from a woman. You don't like being told what to do and it's infuriating.
"But it's also admiring. It's a pain in the ass getting respect around here especially when I have you to try and control. Every bad move this place makes and it's on me and let's just say some of your tactics aren't ethical. So I'm hard on you because what I would do to be in your place. To be this bitch that people fear on the street and making it better at least one by one with each prick you pick up."
"I know I'm a handful," Haley said after a moment.
"You are, but you're the best damn cop I have. And you take my bitching without complaints," Peyton said sincerely. "Look, I know me explaining myself might bring you perspective and we're not friends but I know it took a lot for you to trust Jake. And nothing hurts more than seeing him in pain. I'm sorry I made him lie."
"Why did you start dating him?"
"At first it was comfort. But it grew. I love him. I would do anything for him, including sacrificing my career if you report us."
"Nathan Scott is the love of my life," Haley said. "We were apart once and it was hell and I'm not going back. Even if I ruin and lose my career over him, it'll be the best damn decision I made in eight years."
Peyton could hear the love and finality in Haley's voice. It sounded just like her with her relationship with Jake.
"So we have something in common," Peyton concluded.
"Weird."
Haley gave Peyton the tiniest hint of a smile and Peyton right out laughed. She stuck out her hand in a truce and Haley looked at it for some time.
"No," Haley responded. "I'll shake your hand when we catch the sonofvabitch."
Haley walked away and silently closed her door. It was a start.
Hallway
"Detective James?"
Haley barely got Peyton's door closed when she heard her name. Thankfully the voice was behind her and Haley took the opportunity to roll her eyes. If this was the bad side of being a celebrity, she'd rather be one of those anonymous people of New York. She has a newfound respect for Nathan.
Haley turned and was glad it wasn't the stupid paparazzi still questioning the forbidden love! But she was shocked as to why she was approaching her like a child who did something bad.
"Mrs. Taylor," Haley said. "What are you doing here?"
"Bevin, please," Bevin corrected her. "Um, I'm sorry to bother you at work."
"No, no, it's fine," Haley said as she surveyed the kind woman. She was apprehensive. "Here, let's go somewhere private."
Haley gently offered her hand and led Bevin to a secluded conference room. Haley got the sense that Bevin wanted to talk to her but didn't know how exactly to go about it. A bunch of scenarios passed through Haley, but she forced herself not to jump to conclusions. The last thing she wanted was to scare the fragile Bevin Taylor.
"Is everything okay?" Haley questioned as soon as she got the privacy they needed. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm... getting better," Bevin started. "Again, I'm sorry for stopping by unannounced."
"Don't worry about," Haley assured. "Are you here for an update?"
"No, actually, um... it's about Nathan."
Oh, shit. "Oh?"
"Um, I know this might sound stupid, because he never said anything to me," Bevin fidgeted with her hands and Haley cocked an eyebrow. "But the tabloids..."
Oh. "It's a high-profile case," Haley said calmly. "They'll print anything to stir up controversy.
"I know, but... I don't know Antwan said something about you two. I just didn't put it together until now."
Haley took her time to answer. "Let's say hypothetically I'm... friendly with him. What's wrong with Mr. Scott?"
"He hasn't been around. And I know it's only been a couple days since the funeral and then tabloids came out, and I'm probably freaking out over nothing, but... he's never spent a single day without seeing us. Especially since the murder.
"I don't know," Bevin shook her head. "Cali's asking questions. He hasn't been apart from her since the day she was born. I'm just worried about him. He has to know I don't believe the trash they're saying about him. I know he didn't kill Antwan. He loved Antwan."
"Did you try calling him?"
"Yes! He's screening my calls. He'll listen to you. Please."
"Look, I'm not confirming anything... but I'll try."
"Thank you, Detective."
"I'll give you an update soon," Haley smiled avoiding confirmation.
She led Bevin out of the conference room and was taken by surprise when Bevin turned and hugged her fiercely. Haley tentatively reciprocated and smiled softly again before watching Bevin pull away and walk towards the exit. Haley shook her head sadly before making her way to the CSI Lab. After this case, Haley firmly decided to take a two-week vacation to Cancun.
Nathan's Condo
"Hey!" Haley shouted slightly out of breath.
Nathan came out of his kitchen with two half-full glasses of wine. He met Haley in the middle of his foyer and surveyed her slightly bent frame and shot his eyebrows up curiously. Was his fearless girlfriend out of breath ditching the paparazzi?
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Yeah," Haley said reaching up for a kiss. "Fucking paparazzi."
"Ah, the life of a celebrity. Here."
He handed a glass to Haley and started to walk away to the living room. He barely made a stride when Haley grabbed his arm and she gently swinged him so he was facing her. Her soft lips crashed against his and he didn't hesitate to grunt his surprise. The grunt turned to a sexy moan and the same hand that stopped him moved to the back of his head and gripped the short hair.
Damn, what this woman does to him!
She broke the kiss only to pepper his lips with small kisses. She breaks the steamy kiss with a gentle bite on his lower lip before coming back down to her original height. He didn't hide the fact that he was breathless.
"Wow," Nathan grinned. "What was that for?"
"I can't kiss my boyfriend whom I love hello?"
"If that's the kind of kisses I'm gonna get I might as well put a ring on your finger right now."
"Hmm, only going to marry me for my kisses?"
"And so much more," he smiled. "Come on. Tell me about your day."
Nathan led her to his living room and he sat down comfortably. He waited the few seconds it took Haley to slip off her shoes and in no time she was snuggled close in his side, cradling her drink under her chin. He lovingly wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her forehead before leaning for a chaste kiss.
"How was your meeting?" He asked.
Haley sighed before answering. "Awkward. But okay, I guess. Some evidence came."
"Oh?" Nathan showed interested before schooling his face to a mask of indifference. He gulped his wine before speaking again. "You don't have to say anything."
"No," Haley sipped her wine too. "I'd rather keep you in the loop then have the trust issue fight again."
"If you want to."
"Surveillance video finally came in. Our mystery man has made several visits in the past two weeks. Seemed like he was mapping out the place. He matches your father's height and weight but no positive ID."
"What about facial recognition?"
"No can do," Haley shook her head. "Cap's on pretty low and the best angle we could get was a small side view. Was there any way maybe you saw him? A glimpse, maybe?"
"I wouldn't know. I never pay attention to the stands. But the owners and security know I don't want anything to do with him."
"Changed his appearance maybe? He seemed to know what security guards are on duty and his way around the area to avoid all the cameras."
"Maybe. He tried seeing me back in L.A. and I flat out refused. Went to the owners, security, everybody that worked in Staples Center that whatever happens, I don't want to see my father. Did the same thing here. Figured he just gave up or something. Pretty stupid now."
"It's going to be okay."
"Why are you trying to prove he was here? Doesn't the blood drop to that for you?"
"It has pairs, but we need his DNA. And you know even if I asked nicely, he won't consent. So our best bet is to prove he was in New York for a judge to subpoena. The odds are against him. We just need a slip-up."
"I wish I could help, but it sounds like the impossible," Nathan made eye-contact. "Dan Scott is all about perfection."
"Nobody's that perfect. Your father's ass is mine."
"I have complete faith in you," Nathan smiled. "Anything else?"
"It's a long shot," Haley said arching into him as she pulled a piece of paper out her back pocket unfolding it. "Is this your dad?"
Nathan took the blown-up picture of a man with a red cap. He could now see how really screwed up this case was for Haley. Nathan shook his head in sadness.
"I'm sorry, I don't know."
"It's okay," Haley said gently. "Don't worry about it."
She took the paper and carelessly tossed in on the coffee table. She snuggled closer into Nathan and they both took the opportunity to sit in silence. Nathan lazily traced patterns on her exposed shoulder and every once in awhile they took sips of their wine. Haley took the opportunity to breach the subject of Bevin. She knew Nathan was hurting and he felt guilty if he was avoiding Bevin.
Fucking paparazzi.
"You know something else came up today," Haley started. "Something interesting."
"Really? What?"
"Bevin came by to see me," she paused. "About you."
"Oh?" Nathan said uncomfortably, yet trying to play cool.
"You've been screening her calls?"
"Yeah," he sighed.
"You know what happened to Antwan wasn't your fault," she said gently. "She needs you, you know."
"I know, it's just... hard. I feel so ashamed."
"She doesn't blame you, Nathan. She just wants the strongest people around her to help her heal. There's only so much a little girl can do."
"The added attention is just making me hesitate, is all," he mumbled. "It's fine, really."
"It's not, and you shouldn't let those jackasses make you afraid. She loves you and believes in you. You need to help her, Nathan. Do what Antwan did for you."
"How much restraint did you use to refrain from calling me a pussy?" Nathan smiled.
"Pussy," Haley threw back with a smile.
"Cali's even asking about you," Haley said quietly.
She hid her secret smile when he cracked in three, two, one...
"Okay," Nathan sighed. "I'll see them. Tomorrow."
A secret about her boyfriend? He melts at the sight of kids. Shh.
"What about you?" Nathan asked kissing her forehead. "What are you doing tomorrow?"
"A meeting," Haley said grabbing Nathan's glass and setting both of theirs on the coffee table. "Come up with theories about taking down your father."
"But in the mean time," Haley said straddling his hips and grinned at his smirk. "I need some relaxation."
"Oh?"
"Mmhmm," Haley whispered before kissing him deeply. "I haven't had my Nathan fix since this morning. And I'm dyyyying. Save me."
Their tongues battled as his large hands explored down her body and stopped at her luscious ass. They found purchase when he squeezed and felt a moan rip and die in the middle of her throat. She continued to kiss him hard and deep, forcing his head to fully fall back on the headrest. Her fingers started to unbutton his pale blue shirt that brought out his eyes and they spread across his hard chest and down his abs. She loved when they contracted at her heated touch. She felt his erection rise in his pants and she rubbed her core a couple times to earn a hiss.
His hips thrusted up in her motions and immediately his hands went from her ass to her stomach, trying to find peace in getting her more naked then him. His rough calluses made contact with her soft abs which like his, contracted at the touch and his hands moved up to cup her breasts. God, how he loved her breasts. Immediately, his thumb and pointer fingers found her nipples and rolled, pinched, and overall played until they were hard and waiting to be sucked. His hands traveled down and he heard her groan before rocking into his erection again and he gave back the groan. She bit his lip again in satisfaction.
Not once did he stop his actions however. His hands left the inside of her shirt and reached the end. His fingers gripped the fabric at the end and pulled. One swift motion and the love of his life was only clad in her business pants and white lace bra. He died and gone to heaven. The kiss broke momentarily for him to admire before letting out a growl. Haley held on for dear life when Nathan suddenly jumped up, roughly grabbing her thighs and pushed her closer to him. Instinctively, she wrapped her strong legs around his waist and went to assault his collarbone as he carried her to the bedroom, leaving his own mark in the same area of her beautiful neck.
NYPD
"Theories, now."
Haley rolled her eyes at Peyton's impatience. She sat down comfortably the conference room and lounged. Jake sat beside her but avoided everybody's eyes and everybody's favorite CSI Tim Smith sat at rapid attention; his pen ready to write the yellow notepad.
How cute, Haley thought with bitter humor.
Peyton stood in front of them with a look of impatience. Haley guessed the board was cracking down her with the extra attention of the paparazzi. Haley felt a tiny sympathy towards her boss. It must be annoying to get the same phone calls every day and be criticized and judged by a bunch of old-school assholes. So Haley decided to review. But she wouldn't be herself if she wasn't sarcastic.
They had appearances to keep, of course.
Haley rolled her eyes. "Basics," she started. "Blood drop found at the crime scene has pairs to Nathan Scott, which suggests is a relative. The prime suspect is Daniel Royal Scott, Nathan's father.
"I know from experience that Dan Scott loves basketball than his own son. I believe he killed Antwan Taylor and that he is in fact, or mystery man."
"It's hard to tell with the pictures, however," Tim chipped in. "We went through countless hours yesterday and we can prove that Mr. Scott has been visiting the Garden for quite some time but can't prove it is actually Mr. Scott."
"We need proof," Jake said.
"I don't care," Peyton snapped. "This is the same trivial shit. I want theories. James? You seem to know Dan Scott intimately."
"It's simple. Dan Scott loves basketball. He's crazy enough to kill for it. And he did. For his son, but the thing is Nathan doesn't want anything to do with him. They haven't talked for years?"
"Then why?"
"Jealousy. Antwan was Nathan's best friend. He helped Nathan and he was better than him in the NBA. Since Nathan was a little boy, he was best. Dan trained him that way. Look at the statistics, Nathan was king up until two years ago when he got traded to the Knicks. Star player to bench?" Haley shook her head. "Dan wouldn't allow it."
"The motive sounds fucked up," Jake chimed in, shaking his head. "If he hasn't seen his son for years and Nathan's performance has been downhill for two years, why snap now?"
"Dan Scott is fucked up," Haley said seriously. "I don't want to know what goes on his mind. I just want the fucker out for good."
"Okay, where are we at proving he did this?" Peyton asked.
"We still can't tell if the pairs are father and son," Tim said. "Our best bet is to get his DNA."
"So get a warrant and that's it?"
"Not quite," Tim licked his lips. "From what was said, Mr. Scott sounds like he doesn't live here."
"That's right," Haley said. "Last I checked he still lives in North Carolina."
"That makes him a North Carolina resident," Tim said. "Not New York. Courts won't allow it."
"Even if we have evidence that suspects him as the murderer?" Peyton asked incredulously.
"It's fucked up, yes," Tim said calmly. "But unless we subpoena his hospital records and get a blood sample, we can't touch him. And explain that to a judge of New York. This is going to be public anyway and nobody wants that headache. Nobody wants to be made a jackass."
"Fucking politics," Peyton murmured.
"So we have to prove Dan Scott was in New York at the time of the murder to get his DNA?" Jake asked.
"Correct," Tim nodded.
"It's more than that," Haley said. "We need that murder weapon."
"Any leads?" Peyton asked Tim.
"None," Tim sighed. "Still working on it, even on that zip-lock bag even though there's a good chance there's nothing on it."
"He wouldn't be stupid enough," Haley said lowly. "Dan's way too smart to leave with the weapon, but we didn't find any at the crime scene..."
"So how do we move forward?" Peyton said, totally blasé on Haley's train of thought.
Everybody stared down, thinking. Their backs were against the wall. It was going to take a fucking miracle to prove Dan was there. And even if the DNA matched, they still didn't have a murder weapon. Everything was just so fucked up!
"There is one thing," Haley spoke up after a minute of silence.
"What?" Peyton sighed.
"I go undercover."