A/N: For those who have not been to Southern California, here are just a few points of interest. We do not use words like 'gnarly' - even the surfers! Also, to my knowledge In'N'Out Burger is a fastfood restaurant only available in CA, Arizona and Nevada... my apologies to the rest of the nation that is missing this gift. You'll have to try them some day - it'll be great, I promise!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008; 10:05 PM
Ryan scanned the sparse crowd at the bottom of the escalator looking for his brunette 'friend'. Hopefully that photo in the file does her enough justice or I will never get out of this place. I am so tired. He glanced at his digital watch, for once thankful that it could display two different time zones. No wonder! It is after one in the morning in Miami. If her place is far…
Ryan was interrupted from his thoughts by a shy and yet pleasant Hi Ry from his left side. He turned his head quickly and stopped dead in his tracks.
'Jess? Hi. Thanks for meeting me here so late.' His eyes questioned hers. Is he here? Were you followed?
I do not know. It is really hard to say. Her blue eyes answered back as she waved him in the direction of the baggage carousel and moved to walk close to his side.
'How was your flight, Ryan?' Jess was mortified by this show of familiarity with a complete stranger. She knew it was necessary until they were safely ensconced in her car, but it bothered her nonetheless.
'Long, but smooth; I am always thankful for a ride without turbulence. It is the only thing that makes me think it will be safe to go up there again.' He tilted his head slightly to smile at her, realizing as he did that he was not the only uncomfortable person in this situation.
Jess sighed slightly. 'I completely agree. Well, I know that you have had a long day, as have I, so we will just grab your bags and get out of here.' Then, as if suddenly remembering her manners, 'Ry, did you eat anything on the plane or have dinner in Miami? The fridge is probably pretty empty at home or if it is not, then it should be.'
'Gosh, no one has called me Ry in years. It is nice to hear again. I could definitely eat and then sleep. Is there a drive-thru between here and your place?' How awkward is this? Talking to Jess as if I have known her for years is absurd. Remember, Ryan, this is an assignment so get over yourself and act the part!
She mentally noted the spots along the way and then listed them off for Ryan. After deciding on In'n'Out and grabbing his bags – Ryan, with determination, refusing to let her carry anything, they walked in silence out to the parking lot.
The night air was cool and felt much like Miami's against his skin. As he loaded his bags into the rear of the car, he accidentally wondered aloud if anyone surfed in this place.
'Ryan, you do know that San Diego is on the Pacific Ocean, right?' Had Jess not felt so completely out of place she might have laughed at him.
'Well, yeah, but…' He hated feeling so inept in this new social setting. 'I… ummm… I…'
'It is okay if your knowledge of my fine city is minimal.' She giggled slightly. He liked what it did to her face. 'We do, in fact, have surfing. My understanding is that it can be pretty… gnarly.' She was teasing; he enjoyed the break in the tension. 'Ironically, we also have electricity, indoor plumbing and the Internet.'
'Okay, funny girl, point taken. I would guess that your Miami trivia is not so fine if I were to test you right now either!'
'Hop in, Ryan. I will have you fed and sleeping like a baby before you know it.' She started the car.
10:45 PM; One Block Behind Jess Mitchell's House
Jacob had almost fallen asleep when his bugs from Jess' house suddenly kicked in. He pulled his binoculars out of the glove compartment and directed them across the empty lot just as lights started coming on in the living room.
Welcome
to my home, Ryan. You are neater than you were in college, J.
I am quite impressed. Never did take a lot to do that, Mr.
Wolfe! Ha. Let me show you around the place. I
would guess that this is the living room. And that would be the
television. Always the funny man, right? Come on. Help
yourself to anything in the kitchen, but like I told you on the way
home, there is not a lot in there. We will have to go shopping
tomorrow.
There was silence for a moment. He was surprised at her free attitude in returning to her home. She knew he had been watching her. Nothing had been changed about the house in her absence; no one had come to the house until today. Bath store bags were the only things she had brought in then.
The wire came back to life.
I know that you are tired, Ry. Let me show you to your room and bathroom. There are brand new towels in the bathroom and the sheets are clean, of course.
Jacob could not help thinking to himself that whoever Ryan Wolfe was Jess was awfully familiar with him.
Thanks, J. You always were a hostess, even when you did not even fold your clothes!
Silence again. He had to strain to hear the next words.
I am glad you are here, Ry. After all that has happened this past week, I could never have come home without knowing that someone else would be here with me.
Another pause.
Thank
you. Jess, you know I am always available for my buddy. I am
glad that I could be there to hold you up, kiddo.
She
cleared her throat. Like I said thanks. Do you
need anything else before I head off to my room for bed? Nope.
If I need it, I will find it myself. Good night, Jess. Night,
Ryan.
Jacob soaked in the following silence. This man, whoever he was, knew about Jess' adventures of the past week. I will have to listen carefully tomorrow morning. More details will be necessary before I can find out who he is. Waiting… it is the hardest part.
Thursday, March 26, 2008; 6:15 AM
'Good morning, sweetheart.' Ryan laughed at himself. This is all so absurd. 'Did you sleep at all, Jess? I heard you pacing in your room last night.'
'Ry, good morning to you too. I was just thinking. It was nothing to worry about. Would you like some coffee?' She lifted the pot in his direction with the question.
'Absolutely.' He took a cup off the shelf. He took a sip immediately after she poured and he almost gagged.
'Oops, I should have warned you; I have switched to café cubano since college.'
'My gosh, I thought only Delko could make coffee this strong!' He started drinking his coffee again slowly. 'Luckily, I have built up my tolerance to this caffeine jolt every morning in Miami with the schedule that H keeps us on. It will help with the time change.'
Thank goodness he is smiling. She laughed silently at his name dropping. They both realized that they were being watched and heard. No matter how it disturbed her to have a stranger beside her, she was thankful for it. And for whatever reason, she trusted him… she trusted the man that Horatio Caine had sent.