K is for Karma

At a young age, Alistair's father taught him that there were consequences to his actions, and that this was the basis for karma. Karma isn't there to reward the good or punish the bad; it was just the natural result of the choices that you make.

Sharon was totally distracted at work the next day. People had to say things to her twice. She was always somewhere else. Now, her team was baffled. First, she was a cranky bitch, even for her, then she was almost normal, like she wanted to apologize, but she didn't want to even acknowledge her weird behavior or say what was causing it, and now she was freaking loopy. "If she wasn't so old, I'd say it was menopause," said Provenza.

"Maybe she's sick," suggested Sanchez.

"Maybe it's a family crisis," added Tao.

"Maybe someone, like Flynn, should ask her," said Sykes.

"Why me? She likes you."

"And I want to keep it that way. You're always in trouble anyway. What difference does it make?"

Flynn shook his head. He had a point. He sighed and knocked on her door.

"Come in!"

"Hey, Captain, are you feeling alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Now her voice was almost normal.

"Well, you seem to have gone through a lot of moods this week, and we were getting kind of worried about you."

"You all were worried about the Wicked Witch."

"No one's called you that in years, well at least not here."

"Thanks, Lieutenant, but I am just fine."

"Is it about a guy?"

"Goodbye Flynn."

"Tell Alistair I said hi."

"OUT FLYNN!"

The squad could hear her yelling at the door.

"She sounds fine to me," said Provenza with a laugh. "Andy on the other hand …."

Friday rolled around. Sharon got a message on her iPad. "I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight. Wear something comfortable" Alistair left an address for her to meet him at and a time.

"It hardly sounded like he was going to take her to a posh restaurant." Just what was this guy planning?

The team went about her day, just securing their confession, when Sharon needed to get home to change.

"Captain, we still have a deal to work out." Provenza called after her.

"I'm sure you all and the DA can handle it without me. Good night Lieutenant."

"Maybe she isn't alright," Provenza mumbled, out of earshot.

Sharon got home, took a shower and put on stretchy jeans, a tank top and wore a sweater over it in case she got chilly. She put on her makeup and then headed out.

When she got there, she realized it was just a parking lot. His car was there, and he got out of the driver seat. "Sharon, I'm glad you came out."

She blushed. He was wearing a leather jacket, a white under shirt, jeans and boots. He had this James Dean look about him, very dreamy. "Shall we?"

She got in his car, still unsure of where they were going.

"I think you'll like this," he said as he put the car in drive. Frank Sinatra began to play in the car as he drove out of the city. They left behind the flashing lights and the glamour, the only world he knew when they first crossed paths. They made small talk as they drove. Sharon told him about her latest case, a murdered insurance agent, and how it had been the result of a big scam that he helped orchestrate. About an hour later, they found themselves out of the city and in the parking lot of a recreational area. He brought her out for a night hike. There was still light out and they had a couple of hours left. He opened the trunk and revealed a picnic basket and a duffle bag. He grabbed the basket and slung the duffle back across his body.

Sharon couldn't have imagined him outdoors, in casual clothes, and now, without his sunglasses. Sharon lead the way on the hike. They got to a nice flat spot, overlooking the hills and the water and the sun was going to set soon. "This is really beautiful," Sharon was happy to be away from the bright lights and the dead bodies, well at least for one evening. They set up shop. The blankets were set down and the goodies in the basket were unveiled: watermelon and feta salad, grilled cheese with bacon and caramelized onion and two red velvet cupcakes for dinner, a bottle of wine (a small one), some water and plenty of napkins. They sat down and began their meal.

"This is lovely. Where did you get it?"

"My kitchen."

"You made this?" Sharon was impressed. It looked fantastic, everything fresh and carefully prepared.

"I bought the cupcakes, but I made the rest." I can make stuff when I try.

Sharon started with the salad. The mix of sweet and salty was very enjoyable. Next, she tried her sandwich, more sweet and salty and the sharpness of the gouda was just right. Alistair poured the wine. He wanted to keep the date simple, but he couldn't resist bringing his favorite bottle. He usually just ordered Merlot on dates because it was easy to drink a lot of it. His favorite, as it turned out, was a pinot noir. His mother took the family to vineyards around the world to taste their wine. He had his first glass at 11 and first tour at 13. They had just come back from Portugal before her diagnosis. That trip was the fondest memory he had of her, when she was carefree and had all the time in the world.

Sharon carefully took a sip, not wanting to get too drunk. A pleasant hum crossed her lips as she tasted. The texture was silky, the taste dry and a little fruity but mostly earthy. It was elegant and quite nice. "This wine is lovely."

"It's my favorite," he said with a smile. "I first found it when I was in Burgundy. Also, I figured you would appreciate pinot noir. It's very lovely but very difficult to grow and to make. It likes to push back. They used to say God made Cabernet and the Devil made Pinot Noir."

Sharon laughed at that. Did this mean she was the devil? She had some colleagues who would agree.

After their meal, they spent some time stargazing. The moon was out, and the stars were bright. Alistair started pointing out constellations. Sharon rested her head on his shoulder. It was nice to just lie down and enjoy the weather, the sky, and the romantic feeling that was hanging in the air. When it started to get chilly, they decided to close shop and head out. Using headlamps, they made their way down the trail and back to the car. Alistair drove them to his house. Sharon didn't object. She was not in a condition to drive at this point. She wasn't hammered, not even close, but she was not at her most attentive and getting a DUI would not be a good way to end her date. Of course, Alistair had a huge house, even the driveway was huge. Alistair pulled up to the front door and led her inside. They went to the kitchen, which was very nice and had its own bar, fully stocked with wine and liquor. "Would you like a drink?"

"Water please." He poured some ice, then water and a squeeze of lemon. He made himself a Manhattan.

Here comes the awkward part of the night. They both had drinks in hand, looking at the other, unsure of how this night would go. He pushed an errant lock of hair out of her eyes, the same very eyes that had him at hello. He started to close the distance between them, but he held back. If this was going to happen, Sharon was going to have to make a move. Sharon had no idea what she was doing, why she was in this man's house, how she found herself to be dating one of the most notorious playboys in the city, but right in front of her was a man that few people ever saw, simple, unguarded, and …. Sharon grabbed his undershirt and kissed him, pulling him towards her. Alistair almost lost his balance, not prepared for such a forceful move. Sharon was unpredictable, very hard to handle, but incredibly romantic. His hands found her waist and started to gently rub the small of her back. She had him pinned to his bar, wanting needing to take control. Her tongue danced around his as traces of lemon and rye entered her mouth. Her legs moved to either side of his right leg, increasing the contact as she leaned forward. His hands just managed to find her behind before they heard a glass rattling.

The lustful moment broken, they turned to see an embarrassed woman trying to pour herself a drink. "Sharon, this is my sister, Alexis," he said, a bit curtly.

"Nice to meet you," Sharon forced out of her mouth. Well, awkward...

"Sorry. I thought I could be stealthy, but I guess not." Alexis hurried up her rum and coke and moseyed on upstairs.

The two looked at each other. Sharon's senses were beginning to come back. This was too fast, she thought. She wasn't ready to spend the night with him, although her hormones wanted that very much. Alistair could tell the mood had changed. He didn't want her to go, but he didn't want to pressure her either. "How about I get one of the guest rooms ready for you and tomorrow, I'll take you to your car."

"You don't mi..." He silenced her with a kiss.

"No need to rush. We have plenty of time."

Sharon went into the guest room and found a hershey kiss waiting on her pillow. After popping the chocolate into her mouth, she closed her eyes and had very pleasant dreams.

Alistair retreated to his bed. He had a great time, but he wished the night was still going. This is what he gets for inviting his sister for a whole week. Well, that's karma.