Chapter 11: A political fight?

A/N: Well I'm really sorry for this being late, but my computer broke last week and then had a busy week and famiily weekend so here it's my only moment I'm able to post. I hope next week will be better. So again, thanks a lot to all who continuously review this fic and all the fav and readings.

This story hasn't been beta-ed, so all mistakes are mine.

Summary: Sequel to JBH. Mac and Stella start to take things toward a common future while a deadly killer piles up body in NYC. Whole team whump, deadly game between killer the city and the team...

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, besides the characters I created for this story. CSI NY belongs to CBS and Jerry Bruckeimer.


"Stella?" whispered Mac with pain as he shifted slowly in the bed.

Opening his eyes quickly, Mac waked up in sweat, his heart racing in his chest before he realized that everything he had witnessed was just a dream. A painful nightmare, his mind shot in dread, as he swallowed his fear and the beating, pulsing through his veins. He blinked, and thankfully the last remnants of his nightmare vanished as his eyes settled on his sleeping partner cradled against him, her head softly resting in the crook of his shoulder. With a sigh of relief, his head fell back to the pillow, and he frowned. Softly, his arms wrapped around her warm body, and she nestled deeper into his warm embrace, whispering his name in her dreams.

A faint smile appeared over his lips as he took a long breath and gazed at her. He was happy to wake up with her in his arms but the threat she had admitted receiving from Fincher had lingered in his mind all night. They were cops. She, like any of his friends, shouldn't have to worry about a jerk like Fincher. His frown deepened, and his sight wandered to the ceiling. His hands gently stroked her back, ensuring that he was keeping her close to him.

Slowly, she shifted beside him and he knew she was awake. Pulling up his best charming smile, Mac pushed aside his worry, ready to greet her. A broad smile quickly creased his face as her gleaming eyes still filled with sleep peered into his with a gentle smile.

"Hey," he whispered softly. "Slept well?"

"Like a baby," she confessed, her cheeks slightly blushing. "I guess, I'm gonna need you here more often to have greater nights like that." She smiled, and her gaze deepened into his ocean pools. "What about you?"

He smiled. "Well, let me see," he started with a boyish smile. "I had the most beautiful woman in the world in my arms all night." He glanced at the window. "There's a beautiful sun shining outside, hmm, I think it went well." He said, his smile playing over his lips and hoping she wouldn't catch his small hesitation due to his restless night.

She smirked. "I'm glad you slept well, though, hearing your tone I bet you're still thinking about those threats, right?"

He sighed and offered her a small pout, obviously he couldn't hide a lot from her. "Sorry, I just want you to be careful with him, okay?" he asked as his hand gently tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear.

Gently, she propped herself up on her elbows, her entire upper body suspended over him, and as her hair fell like a golden fall of curls around his head she peered into his eyes with a gentle smile. "Well, I promise you to be careful, okay?" She gazed at his green, ocean eyes changing into a deep, gleaming blue, and smiled. "But you got to do the same for me, Mac?"

His lips curled upward, and his ocean eyes shone with all his tenderness toward her. "Will do," he stated before a sparkle of amusement shot in his eyes.

Stella watched with delight as Mac had complied quickly, but as she caught the sparkle in his eyes she knew something was up. But before she had the time to react, she found herself back on the bed and Mac rolled over her, a boyish grin plastered on his face.

"Mac? What are you doing?" she asked with a gentle frown as she realized he had trapped her under him, and she could now barely move.

He smiled, as his face slowly approached hers. "Just getting back to you," he spoke softly before his lips slowly brushed hers and left with a teasing sparkle in his eye.

She swallowed slowly, her core burning at his approach and unable to move. Her lips were on fire and the fact he had retreated was making her even more eager to kiss him. "Mac, you can't do that," she weakly pleaded, although a smile was playing over her face.

He chuckled lightly, his eyes watching every move of her gleaming emeralds, and then, his face went closer. Gently, his lips brushed her right ear. "Will you be nice with me, next time?" he whispered playfully, referring to the previous morning when she had teased him.

She swallowed as his warm breath softly caressed her cheek while he retreated again, refusing to kiss her, and sending an army of electric chills down her spine. Oh God, whispered her mind in delight. "Mac, I... I can't promise something like that," she confessed her cheeks blushing tenderly. No, she wanted so much to be with him and discover more of him that she couldn't promise to play fair when they were together, well not that fair anyway. She smiled inwardly, he had that effect on her that she was just turning wild when he was in her arms.

A smile creased his face, and he shifted slowly from her body to her side to let her move at ease. "Can't blame me to try to win a tiebreaker," he teased, as his arm spread around her shoulders the moment she moved to nestle to his side.

She chuckled lightly as her face rested over his bare shoulder and her right hand crawled to his naked chest. "No, I won't," she said, her fingers gently caressing his warm skin.

Mindful of his wounds, her fingers gently traveled over his chest, lingering in the contact of his soft bare skin and the smooth curves made by his ribs. "Thanks for the dinner/date last night, " she said with a warm smile. "It had been a long time since I had so much fun, especially with this kind of massage right after." She raised her eyes to look at him. "I think we should do it again," she pushed softly, waiting for Mac's answer.

He looked at her with a warm smile and his arms wrapped tightly around her, bringing her even closer to him. "Will be great."

"Tonight?" she proposed. "I'll buy." She watched him but was surprised when he offered her a deep frown, his face suddenly sad.

Mac gazed at her gleaming emeralds, a line of worry creasing his face. "I can't tonight. Sorry." He sighed deeply, and propped his back up to the pillow as Stella had rolled on her side, breaking their embrace. "Sinclair cornered me into some kind of political cocktail, and well, it's gonna be pretty boring but I have to go." He looked at her embarrassed.

A small smile crept over her face, replacing her surprise. "Oh, then I can come with you. Might be less boring this way."

His brows rose in wonder. "I... I don't want you to get bored too, Stella. One of us is enough. I'll try to escape as soon as I can."

His hand cuddled her cheek as she propped herself up on her elbows, and his warmth invaded her face. She smiled. "Are you planning to visit me after?" She asked with sparkles in her eyes.

His face lighted, and he offered her a shy smile. "Well, if you agree to, I'd like to see you tonight."

Her smile widened, both from his admission and the care she could see lingering in his eyes. "I enjoy being with you Mac. And really I would like to come with you tonight. Like that I could keep you company, and cheer you up. Who knows, I could find some way to distract you," she teased with a broad smile.

"Your presence is enough to distract me," he blurted out before realizing his words, and looking at her with a sheepish grin. "Well, I mean..." He took a long breath, his eyes wandering over her face and when he saw a broad smile creeping up her lips, he gave her a shy, charming smile.

Stella eased herself up to his face, mindful of his wounds, though under his spell. Her small top grazed softly at his naked chest, her eyes twinkling as she gently brushed his lips. As his smile widened in delight, his hands tenderly cupped her face, bringing her closer to him. And as she let herself be dragged into his warm embrace, they deepened their kiss passionately. Their arms wrapping around each other, they slowly rolled on the bed together. After a long moment, their face radiated a broad smile as they finally looked at each other, taking a deep, needed breath. Their eyes connected in an infinite bond, and none wanted to talk; only lingering in the soft peace surrounding them and building their new relationship.

But then, the alarm clock noisily reminded them that work was awaiting them. Looking down at his partner pressed under him, Mac gently kissed her before he rolled on his side with a weak smile. "I'll be happy to have you by my side tonight," he softly confessed.

Stella extended her arm to shut the alarm clock, and looked at Mac. "It's a date, then," she stated with a bright smile, and gently she propped herself against him. Her hair softly brushed his naked skin and his smile widened. "Though I would like to remain like this forever, I think you should go first for the shower. I'll go prepare the breakfast."

Reluctantly, Mac pushed away the sheet, and offering her a small smile mixed with a slight wince, he got up, heading to the bathroom. With a smile, Stella followed his muscular frame entering the bathroom. She grinned at the ceiling, unable to contain her joy anymore as she listened to the water dripping in the bathroom. She was happy; life was good. Mac was with her and nothing was going to hinder her joy to find this day the most beautiful one, especially with another date with Mac on the evening, even if it was work related. Pushing herself up, she glanced at the rising sun. Nope, today was going to be a beautiful day.

xxx

The sun was slowly rising behind the silvery towers, and Danny muffled a small yawn as Lindsay entered the break room. He winked at her mischievously as she headed to the coffee machine with a complicit look and added a smirk.

"What is it, Montana?" he asked with a small smile. "Your husband is tired, so what so funny?"

She chuckled, and came to sit facing him with a steaming cup of coffee. "Tired, huh? You, men, have no idea of what tired means," she quipped as she sipped slowly at her cup, and grinned.

He frowned. "I don't? Well, it sure not you who spent the night cuddling Lucy to make her sleep. You know, she made two teeth at the same time, and..."

She cut him short. "Did you give birth for eleven hours?" she asked with a victory smile.

"Ah, no," he dropped in misery. Then, he pushed back his glasses up his nose. "Though you know me, I would have taken your pain away if I had been able to," he said with his boyish smile, and his eyes twinkling with mischief.

She smiled, patting gently his forearm. "I know you would, Danny, my white knight," she chuckled, offering a gentle smile.

"What would you have done?" asked a voice behind her as Flack entered the break room, a small grin already plastered on his face.

"Ah that's private stuff, Don, sorry," said quickly Danny, not wanting to have his friend teasing him about that subject.

Lindsay gave him a small laugh. "Nah, Don. You know Danny is timid in public." She winked at him. "It was pregnant woman related," she confessed with an amused expression and Danny shot her a surprised look.

Don chuckled, and raised his brows, already taking notes to tease his friend when they would be alone. "Has someone seen Mac this morning?" he asked leisurely, grabbing a cup cake and leaning against the vending machine, his brown jacket opening to reveal his white shirt.

"Nope," replied quickly Danny with a frown.

"He was tired last night," said Lindsay, thinking back at the talk she had with Stella the day before. "So, it's a good sign if he's delayed a little bit. Might mean he's finally taking a rest for once."

"Rest?" quipped Don as he exchanged a complicit grin with Danny. "That depends," he added, his grin turning into a boyish smile, and Danny shook his head in understanding.

"Depends of what?" asked Lindsay, her brows rose.

Don shook his head with a broad smile. "I think it's more a who."

Lindsay looked at Don and then at Danny nodding sheepishly. "Oh, c'mon guys. He had a hell of a day, yesterday. I talked to Stella and Sheldon, and even if he's with someone..."

"You mean his new girl, the dancer," cut shortly Don with a wicked grin.

Lindsay raised her eyes to the ceiling. "Whatever!"

"So what, Linds, you're not in the game anymore?" pushed Don with a broad smile. "Don't want to know who is that woman who robbed his heart?"

She sighed. "I know that already," she smirked, sadly. "And I'm pretty sure you think the same way, Don."

"Hey guys," said Sheldon as he entered the break room and grabbed an apple. He looked at them and stopped as he was heading toward the exit but had noticed their broad smiles. "What's up?"

Don shrugged and glanced quickly at Lindsay.

"Lindsay thinks she knows who's the mysterious woman with Mac," said Danny. "And I can't believe she didn't tell me, yet." He shot her a surprised glance.

"Danny, that's not our business," she offered him, patting his shoulder and heading for the door. "See you guys later."

Don shook his head, and turned toward Danny. "She's your wife, Danny Boy, she's got to tell you if she knows something," he said with a broad grin.

"I'm in her side," said Sheldon, and his friends raised surprised looks towards him. "You guys have a lot of stuff to take care, right?"

"Oh, c'mon, Sheldon. Ain't you curious to know with who Mac, and even Stella were this weekend? You know, just a small intel," Don said, his face creased with a smile.

"I'm sure both will talk when they have the opportunity to, though honestly I don't see why they should. That's private and it doesn't alter their work," he said with a serious face.

"Are ya kiddin' me!" said Don with a smile. "It's Mac we're talking! The most private man I either met. Knowing something like that about him it's making the watergate scandal a child play." He grinned and Danny smiled at the joke.

Sheldon offered him a smile. "Yep, that's why I'm sure we won't know anything before he has made up his mind. And look, what if it was you? Would you talk to everyone about it?"

"Of course I would," smiled Don.

"And what about Jess? You never talked about her, right?" pushed Sheldon, his eyes sparkling with a grin of victory.

"Huh, right, I see what you mean," finally admitted Don.

"Exactly, the more it's serious the less we will see a thing about it before he has made up his mind. Always easy to talk about friends, and less when it's something deep clawed into your heart," said Sheldon with a serious look.

Don seemed to think about Sheldon's words for a moment. It was true that with Jess the things had developed without even them noticing it. And honestly he didn't remember the day he had told the team about them. No, at first it was just fantastic to keep it for themselves and as their relationship had grown stronger, they had just found the team knowing without realizing how.

He smiled. Yep, Mac would do just the same. After the initial loving rush, he would probably be more and more incline to talk about her and things would go on from there, so naturally that he wouldn't even notice the moment he would tell them all. He smiled. So, yeah, Sheldon was right. Though he was probably going to tease Mac a little bit, after all, it wasn't everyday that his friend was dating someone nobody knew. He grinned, and that he could tease him about that. Yep, this way, it was going to be fun, and the same with Stella.

"And Stella?" asked Danny as if he had read his friend's mind. "You got news, Sheldon?"

Sheldon smiled, amused at Danny's words. He bit hungrily at his apple, and headed for the door with sparkles in his eyes.

"What did I say?" asked Danny to Don, who was looking at him with a puzzled look.

"Gee, don't ask me, Danny Boy! Women don't usually come to tell me if things aren't working or with who they're dating. And especially Stella. I don't want to piss her off. Why haven't you tried your own to know more?"

Danny shook his head and rolled his eyes. "With two back home? Hell no, I wasn't wondering about a third one until you mentioned Mac."

"Yeah well..." Don stopped as both spotted Stella walking in the corridor. "Here she is," said Don as he ran after her. "Catch up later, Danny," he tossed as he left quickly the break room, leaving a thoughtful Danny.

xxx

"Hey Stella?" called out Don in the middle of the corridor.

"Don?" Stella offered him a smile as the young detective sprang towards her.

"You've seen Mac this morning?" he asked directly.

"Ah, he must be in his office, you know him," she said a bit evasive. "Always the earliest to arrive and the last to go." She said, although yesterday had been a bit different, and she was glad for it.

"Yea, but not today. Wonder why," Don replied quickly with a smirk before he left for Mac's office.

She frowned as she watched Don entering her partner's office. Hopefully, nothing important had happened while they were together. She sighed for once that Mac had come like anybody working at the lab, Don had to notice that. No luck. She frowned and headed toward her office.

As always, Lindsay was at her desk and a small smile played over her lips when she sat behind her own. "Morning, Linds," she said ignoring the small glance from her younger friend.

"Running late, Stell?" quipped Lindsay as she raised a pair of hazel nut toward her friend.

Stella smiled. "I'm on time kiddo, though I had already a busy morning with the traffic." She replied, remembering how she had lingered in Mac's comforting presence in the car. It was true that this morning the traffic had been awful, which had got them a bit later than what they intended to, but it had meant few more minutes together as well, and for that she was thankful.

Lindsay threw her a glance meaning she didn't really believe her. "Hot morning?" she tried. And as Stella blushed slightly, Lindsay knew she was right. Her lips formed a grin. "Well, always better than when it's your daughter crying all night."

A frown creased Stella's forehead. "Ah, Lucy still having her tooth growing?"

"Yep, and Daddy fought all night to comfort her." She smiled. "And he thinks it's the most tiring job on earth." A broad smirk covered her lips. "Men..." She let out with her eyes rolling to the ceiling.

Even if she tried to, Stella had a hard time to see Mac saying he was tired this way. She smiled realizing her thoughts had brought her to think at Mac and her but with a long term relationship, one which could last for life. Once again, she felt her cheeks blushing, as heat invaded her face. Maybe, her mind gently whispered.

"You alright?" asked Lindsay amused.

"Yep, no worry Linds. I'm fine," said Stella.

Lindsay looked at her mischievously. Even if Stella was keeping the name of her hot date to herself, Lindsay could see how happy she was, and just for that, she was happy for her friend too. Must be very special to make her have this look. She frowned slightly, wondering if maybe her hypothesis could be right. A small smile played over her lips. Who ever he was, she knew that her friend would talk soon. So for once in four days, she didn't push further to know, and went back to their case. "I put the unknown compound in the database, maybe we'll be lucky and will get a hit today," she said as Stella looked at her with a serious look.

"We'd better. So far we have nothing," She stated, remembering that the suspect they had seen yesterday had driven them to a dead end.

"Well, will still have two names on your list, right?"

Stella shook her head. "Yes, Sean O'nessy living in Parker's building, and Joe King. But I checked the time they left, and Flack managed to find them last night. They have alibis. Both had been at Parker's place, but left an hour before he was murdered so it can't be anyone of them."

Lindsay shook her head, bitterly. "So we're really in a dead end."

With a glance to the shining sun outside, Stella pouted. As much as she had to admit it, three days on this case, and they had nothing so far. She sighed. It wasn't uncommon to turn in circles with some cases, but this one was starting to get on her nerves too as she had to cope with Fincher as well. She frowned, and her mind slowly drifted to Mac as she stared at her screen. With tonight, she would have to choose carefully what she would wear to that event. Even if it was work, it was another date with Mac, and she wanted to make a good impression. Her lips slowly curled upward, though she had the feeling, that whatever she would wear it would be fine with him.

xxx

"Hey, Mac," said Don as he pushed the glass door with a smile. "Running late today?" he quipped lightly, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Mac looked up from the file he was reading, a small frown plastered on his face. All right he hadn't arrived at his usual hour but it was still early, and he wasn't late for his shift. He sighed inwardly, but knowing Don was trying to pry into his life once again, he preferred to duck the subject. "You wanted to see me, Don?"

Don erased his boyish smile, taking his professional stare, obviously his friend wasn't in the mood to talk about his night. Good or bad, Mac wanted to keep it for himself. He sighed inwardly, as if Mac would have talked anyway. Who was he kidding? "I checked the names from the list you got yesterday. Half of them has left the state in the last six months. As for the others I haven't found anything suspicious."

Mac nodded with a pout. "So our only suspect is Trent then," he stated grimly. As Danny had reported him the day before, their suspect was out of town when Don and Danny had come to interview him.

Don shook his head. "It seems so. What do you want us to do?"

His lips tight, Mac stood up and turned toward the tower bathed by the rising sun behind him, thinking. His case was getting nowhere, and he was just getting even more frustrated as things had been so jumbled out. Though last night, he and Stella, had managed to get some peace among this chaotic world. His lips curled upward at the thought of his partner and her delicate body pressed against him. For a second he closed his eyes before he turned toward Don, his face back in professional mode. "Call me when your guys have found him. For the moment he's our best lead."

"Will do, Mac." said Don, nodding. Then, a small smile played over his lips as he stared at his friend. "So, great night, huh?" he teased. Don knew he should probably have kept his mouth shut, but really he just wanted a small hint, something about the dancer being hot or anything that would feed his hungry mind, and loosened up Mac.

Mac smiled, unable to keep a straight face at the mention of the delighting night he had spent with Stella. "Great night," he repeated softly. Then his brows rose with a slight smirk. "Though you're not going to learn more than that," added Mac with a mischievous grin.

Don gave his friend a boyish grin. "I can work with that." And nodding to Mac, he left with a big smile on his face, his crystal blue eyes sparkling in amusement, happy for his friend confirmation. So he had been right; Mac hadn't been alone last night. Now, he just needed to find someone who had spotted Mac with that famous girl who managed to bring this kind of smile to his friend. He grinned, it was going to be fun. Shouldn't be that difficult. But Don's smile faded quickly as he neared the lift.

Right in front of him appeared a pissed off Chief Sinclair, who didn't even bother to say hi as he stepped out of the lift, and headed straight for Mac's office. His red, bull eyes darted angry flames to whoever dared to hinder his walk towards his destination, and several lab tech skipped aside quickly as soon as they crossed his angry sight. Doesn't sound good, whispered Don's mind in dread.

And to act according to Don's fears, the Chief rushed inside the office and closed the glass door behind him. Don cringed as he saw Mac standing up, his whole body tensing at the Chief presence. Hopefully, the Chief wasn't there to snap at Mac he hoped as he stepped in the lift.

xxx

"Chief?" said Mac between ground teeth as his boss closed the glass door, his dark glare confirming it wasn't a friendly visit.

The Chief let out a big sigh as he turned toward Mac who was now standing behind his desk. "Mac," uttered the Chief of the Detectives. "How come you can't do things half way sometimes?" threw Sinclair, anger flushing behind his eyes.

Mac frowned not understanding what he was talking about. His hands went to his hips, revealing his rolled up sleeves of his dark navy shirt, and showing to his boss that if he had come for a fight, he was ready for it.

The Chief shook his head. "Damn it, Taylor! You got to be careful with guys like Fincher!"

Anger spread in Mac's eyes at the mention of the inefficient detective. So it's about that? His mind shot in anger. That little jerk had already made a fuss. "What? Don't tell me that ass got already on your back?" he grunted, his anger quickly flowing to his pulsing veins near his temples.

"Not him, Mac," said Sinclair his tone losing his harshness. "Only friends of mine told me about your showdown with him at the crime scene." The Chief turned toward the glass walls checking if the lab techs were watching them, but as their conversation had remained on a neutral tone he turned back and sighed again. "Mac, his father is a personal friend of the governor. If he wants your head and mine, they will have them in the next hour."

"They can try!" Mac voiced angrily, his right hand shaving the air on his side. "I don't give a damn about his father or the governor." He sighed deeply. "If I had to stop every time a politician had been on my back, I would have resigned a long time ago. Besides, Fincher doesn't deserve to be a detective!" he stated with flushed anger. "I know a lot of great and courageous men who gave their lives to protect this country." He narrowed his eyes staring at Sinclair. "Which he doesn't give a damn for, nor for the badge we both proudly wear!" He glared at the Chief, his eyes sparkling with furious anger. "I'm not gonna let an ass like that rule my crime scene, and mess with evidence. As long as he stays in line, I won't go after him. But if he messes again with a crime scene or any member of my team. I swear he'll be out in no time!" Mac glared at the Chief, daring him to say otherwise. "That's all I can promise you, Chief."

The Chief nodded with a small sigh, raising his hand toward Mac. "I'm not here to call on your work or judge you, Mac. Just to warn you. This guy has a solid backfire to lash on you if he wants to."

"Then, let him come!" said Mac as his right palm shaved the air angrily. "I won't get this Lab or this city being ruled by immoral cops who wants to play the detective because daddy wants them to appear clean before they go into politics!"

His lips tight, the Chief nodded, abandoning the idea of changing Mac's mind. He had dealt with the Head of the Crime Lab in several occasion; and he knew that when the guy had made up his mind, it was easier to change the course of the Colorado river than Mac Taylor. He turned toward the door with a deep sigh. "Just watch your back. That's all I'm saying," he said as he opened the door. "His father can make your life really miserable."

Mac shook his head, swallowing back his anger. The Chief wasn't responsible for Fincher's actions. "Thanks for the heads up," he said, his tone softening.

Sinclair looked at Mac with a pout. "See you tonight at the Mayor's cocktail." And with a small sigh, the Chief of the Detectives left.

Mac turned, his sight staring at the shining towers. He had never cared about his career, or hell, he would have never become a cop at first. His fists tightened at his sides, but the fact that Sinclair had come all the way down to tell him to watch his back was meaningful enough. Fincher was dangerous, then. Not physically, but politically. He sighed, feeling his tension starting to crawl up to his neck, first signs of a headache. He hated this kind of political game, but sure enough he wasn't going to let that jerk messes with his job or even with Stella. Never. If Fincher wanted to play with him, then he would be ready to welcome him. The hell, he had fought Dumbrock and many others and was still there. And it wasn't that jerk that was going to scare him.

His lips tight, he looked at his reflexion in the window. No, the real thing that scared the hell out of him, was that guy trying to get to him through Stella or his team. He cringed at the fought. He had seen Fincher's eyes; the cold stare of a snake ready to strike if he had turned his back to him. He was no man to face in a fair fight. He smirked, that guy probably didn't know the meaning of that word, fair. No, he would probably try to get back to him. And with politics, things could get really messy and public in no time. He sighed and headed to the door. Hopefully, it would be all that the guy would try. Fincher's selfish revenge directed towards him, Mac hoped he would forget about his team, and especially Stella. He grabbed his jacket and slipped in it as he stepped out of his office, heading for the morgue. But somehow he had the gut feeling he would hear more from this guy.

"Mac," called Sheldon's voice from behind him.

As he stopped dead in his track and turned, Mac could see that his friend had a serious look on his face. With a frown, he waited for him to talk.

"Sid called; he wanted to know if you would come to the autopsy today?" he asked.

"I was on my way to see him. Want to come?"

Sheldon nodded as he followed Mac's pace toward the lift. A small smile grazed the former ME's lips as he glanced at Mac.

Mac frowned as he felt Sheldon's gaze on him. "Something else, Sheldon?"

Sheldon grinned mischievously. "I think Sid was a little nervous about you coming over."

Mac smiled, knowing that if the Chief ME wanted to see him, it could only mean two things; he had either found something about his case, but if it had been really important Sid would have called him directly. So it had to be the second solution. A small grin played over Mac's lips. Knowing Sid, his friend had probably found a good excuse to use the new lab room, and wanted his approval to test it. He chuckled lightly. Kids. Every member of his team was just acting like kids at one point or another. He smiled broadly as the lift opened. Though it was a good thing; it kept the team and the lab in a good, playful mood, and with their job, they needed it.

Slowly, his thoughts drifted back to his partner who had always managed to participate vigorously at this playful mood. He wondered about tonight, and if she would wear that beautiful black dress he had seen her with once. The one that revealed her back and was suggesting a lot, which had turned him on in a few seconds the first time he had seen her with. He frowned, though he had to admit he had never seen her wear that dress again, and he wondered why. His eyes shone with amusement. Whatever she chose, he knew that she would be the most beautiful woman from all the assembly. For a moment, he pictured himself holding her firmly in his arms for a passionate dance, followed by a kiss. He smiled, but it was shortened, as his mind got back to reality; the smell of embodying body assaulting his nose.

With regret, his thoughts abandoned the beautiful image of Stella pressed against him in her black dress. As he looked up, he saw Sid coming toward him, and Sheldon heading toward his friend.

"Hey, Mac," greeted Sid with a broad smile. "I found some strange things on your latest vic." He quickly glanced at Sheldon as the three headed to the large, grey wall encasing bodies. With a quick move, Sid pulled on a drawer. "Well, I just finish this one," he said, with a serious look. "And it wasn't the easiest."

Mac frowned and looked at Sid waiting for his friend to continue as the body was pulled from the wall and appeared in the middle of their group. Sheldon bent slightly over the blue sheet beside Sid and Mac glared at the white face unveiled by the Chief ME. A firm stare plastered on his face, Mac watched as Sid pulled the sheet down to the vic's hips, revealing the characteristic Y on his chest.

"So what's strange, Sid?" asked finally Mac as he couldn't see anything particular with the body, and knowing that his friend wanted to make his entrance. The vic's lips were blue, clear signs of oxygen deprivation, which was expected if he had drowned. But so far, Mac couldn't see something strange.

Sid's brows creased. "Well it's the thing Mac. Mr. John Doe, here, drowned."

Mac waited for more explanations, his brows rose in wonder. Until then, nothing was strange with that, though the man had no id on him when they had found him.

"Hm, it appears he was in perfect shape," said Sid. "I haven't found any defense wound or bruise conclusive with him being held under water. But his lungs are full of water."

Mac shook his head and glanced at Sheldon, who was at a loss like him. Obviously, Sid was keeping the best for the end. Then, Mac offered a slight smile to the Chief ME. "C'mon Sid. What did you find to put this in a strange case?"

Sid grinned, and put his glasses on, happy he had been able for once to be the one with all the answers. "Alright, I found a small mark on the top of his right foot." He smiled mischievously as Mac slipped his hands in a pair of white gloves and took a magnifier.

Mac's brows creased as he started to probe the specified area, searching for a mark. After a moment, he looked back with a deep frown. "Needle?" he asked although he already knew the answer.

Sid nodded, knowing what Mac was already thinking. "Before you draw any conclusion," he added. "This one died two weeks ago."

"Two weeks?"

"Yes, that's why I haven't found a lot of things. I sent his clothes, well what remained of it, to the lab; but anything on his body has been washed away a long time ago. Sorry Mac. I know you want to catch this one quickly."

Mac sook his head with a pout. "You took samples?"

"His blood," said Sid as he handed a small vial filled with a red liquid to Mac. "The only thing that can't be washed away by water. Though, with the time, I'm not sure you'll find anything there. Two weeks is a long time, and any poison will have disaggregate by now." Sid took his glasses off and let them drop over his chest.

Mac sighed. "Unless we get lucky," he stated bitterly.

Sid pouted, and Mac turned to leave the morgue, but stopped quickly when Sid raked his throat behind him. "Hm, Mac?"

Mac grinned already knowing what the ME wanted, and turned toward his friend a deadpan face. "Yes?," he said the most innocently.

"Huh, I got a new body few hours ago and it has all the appearance of contamination by a chemical." He frowned, his voice trailing off as he watched Mac's serious face. "Well, I was hoping you'd let me use the new lab room to be safe. You know, in any case there's a pathogen agent or something deadly that could spread to..."

Mac's smile creased his face. "Of course, Sid." And before his friend could answer anything else, Mac was resuming his walk to the lift.

The ME looked surprise but a weak smile quickly spread over his lips like a kid discovering that Christmas was coming sooner than expected.

Sheldon smiled as he stepped next to Sid and friendly patted his shoulder. "Have fun, Sid," he said with a grin, as he followed his boss.

Sid put his glasses around his neck. "I didn't think it would be that easy," he whispered with a smirk.

Sheldon stepped inside the lift and glanced at Mac. His friend had plastered a serious face but Sheldon knew better. And before they reached their level, he could see that Mac's expression had relaxed into an amused smile. Of course the Chief ME tiptoeing to ask for the new lab room was an amusing moment.

As the doors opened, Mac caught a small movement of golden hair passing a corner. Turning to Sheldon, he handed his friend the vial. "I'll be right back."

With a quick pace Mac headed toward the corridor where he assumed Stella had just vanished. It was almost eleven, and none had the time to see each other and knowing the screwed up days they had until now he didn't want to lose any occasions to see her and remind her of their new bound. But as he turned, he was only met by an empty corridor. He frowned, not happy for having missed an opportunity to talk to her, even if it was for a few minutes. Taking a small breath, he chose to head to his office. At least, he would drop his jacket there. But as he entered his office by the back door, he was greeted by a pair of gleaming emeralds waiting inside.

"Hey," he said softly, his face instantly offering her a gentle smile. He closed the glass door behind him, ensuring that their words would remain between them.

Stella smiled genuinely as he brushed her left arm on his way to hang his jacket. His cologne softly invaded her senses, and her face lighted even more as her brain drifted to this morning and the tender moment they had shared. "I came to check on you," she finally whispered with a grin.

He chuckled lightly. "Glad you came, though I'm fine, Stell. Haven't had to swim this morning," he joked.

Slowly, he rolled up his sleeves as she observed him quietly. As he was done she finally spoke. "Good." She shook her head and pointed at his jacket hanging loosely. "Did you take your medication too?"

He smiled, and pulling from his jacket a grey tablet, he took two pills from it. His brows rose with a sheepish grin. "Was about to."

Stella watched him as he swallowed the pills with a small grin and drank from a small bottle of water on his desk. She had to admit she had wondered if he would remember to take them, and if he would follow her advice. But seeing his behavior it was like he was ready to give her the moon if she was asking for it. An idea to keep in mind, she smiled inwardly."I heard Sinclair came by this morning."

Mac let out a small sigh and sat on the couch, not looking forward for the turn of the conversation, though he knew she was only asking because she was worried about him. His lips tight, he looked up at her, wondering if she was going to sit with him. But then, her eyes shone with tenderness and she sat quietly next to him. A small smile played over his lips feeling her close proximity.

"Nothing really important I have ever dealt with," he said, avoiding the question and Fincher at the same time. "How did you do this morning? Got some hard evidence on your case?" he asked quickly, though he was interested too, to learn if her case was going forward.

She shook her head as her sight seemed lost on the dark carpet. But then, as Mac shifted beside her, their hips came softly in contact, allowing their bodies to share their warmth. She raised her emeralds and met a genuine, turquoise stare.

"Nothing for the moment," she finally admitted. "The suspect we interviewed yesterday had a strong alibi. He was acting in a play at the time of death." She sighed. "As for the two others; O'nessy and King, they weren't present at the time of Parker's death, both working too. So to sum up: I have nothing." She grunted. "I got no motive and no killer, really nothing. What about you?"

He nodded. "Same. All our suspects are cleared after the interviews, though the one Danny and Don went to see yesterday, Trent, is missing. We're looking for him right now, but if he's our murderer, he's gonna keep a low profile, and he'll be hard to find." He sighed deeply.

"And your wounds?" she probed gently, as she had seen him hiding a wince the moment he had stepped inside his office. "Still hurt?"

He glanced at her with a gentle smile and grabbed her right hand. Softly he kept it between his, his thumb gently rubbing her soft skin. "I'm okay, don't worry," he finally said after a moment, his green, ocean eyes meeting hers. "It's still a bit sore, and painful sometimes, but it's healing well." He offered her a boyish smile. "Well, you saw it this morning when you put that new dressing on it, right?" His hands gently squeezed hers. "I'm really doing fine, especially since I have someone like you to take care of me, and reminds me to take my pills," he teased, his face shining with a broad grin.

As his warmth invaded her hand, her gleaming emeralds connected with his ocean pools with delight. "Let's keep it that way then, okay?"

With a small nod, he offered her a tender smile and was about to speak when his office phone rang. Mac broke their warm contact with regret, his face creased in a small pout, as he stood up.

Gently, she stepped behind him, and her hand patted his shoulder, lingering over the back of his shirt and feeling his muscles relaxing under her touch. "See you later, Mac," she said as she opened the door to leave.

His hand on the phone, Mac sent her the most charming and loving smile he could muster, his mouth forming the three words he couldn't pronounce as the door was open.

Her eyes sparkled, her lips mouthing the same loving words as she turned and left his office.

With a boyish, happy grin, Mac put the phone to his ear. Whatever would happen now, his day would be great anyway.

"Taylor," he said.

"Mac? Huh, it's Adam. I got news for you..."

Mac frowned, hoping that maybe this time his case would get on the road.

...TBC


A/N: Well, back with the cases. So I hope you liked it, I'll try to update sooner this week. Again, don't forget to let me know what you've thought of this. And have all a great week.

Darkness closing in, coming up soon.