A/N Still doesn't belong to me.

When Leonard opened the door of his hotel room for Penny, she immediately gave him a big hug and teared up, said, "I really screwed up Leonard, I have badly hurt the custody case."

Leonard, who had been planning to ask her where she was all day and if she was okay, just hugged her back and then helped her off with her coat and took her over to the couch and sat down next to her. "Why don't you just tell me what happened?"

For the third time that day, Penny told the whole story, starting with the meeting at lunch, including what Henry had said. Leonard was stunned but managed to keep himself calm. He knew Penny needed him to be there for her.

When she finished, he asked her, "All you sure you're all right? Can I get you anything?"

Penny, more under control, said, "Do you have any wine?"

"Yeah, let me get a glass."

"I'm going to straighten up a little."

"All right."

After Penny returned and took a sip of her wine, Leonard spoke up, "I don't think you should be beating up on yourself. I agreed with your decision to meet with her and as Henry said, you were just trying to help and It would have happened whether you were there or not."

He took her hand in his, "Penny, it's completely natural you are feeling worried and depressed. You saw someone get killed for God's sake. Why don't you just try to forget it for a while. We can discuss it tomorrow. I just realized, you haven't had anything to eat. Can I order you something?"

Penny realized what he said was true and she was hungry. "Maybe just a salad."

As Leonard got up to call Room Service, Penny grabbed his hand and pulled him back down. "Leonard, can I stay here tonight? I don't feel up to driving home." After a hesitation, "I really want to be with you."

"Of course, Penny, I can sleep on the couch." He got up and ordered the food. When he returned to the couch, Penny asked, "Can I change into one of your t-shirts and maybe some boxer's? I really would like to get out of these clothes."

"Sure, I think I have a shirt you used to…" He stopped and she saw him blush a little, then he went on, "I'll get it and some shorts for you."

After Penny changed and the food arrived, Leonard watched as Penny dug into her salad. He knew he had to be careful. Penny was vulnerable and the last thing they needed was to have sex now. But he had to admit, she looked adorable.

After she finished her salad, Penny stated that it was silly to not discuss what had happened. So, they spent the time thinking of questions they should ask Henry and being honest about the possible affects it could have on the trial. They also spent time discussing how they should break the news to her family. They also wondered if they should call the gang, but decided they would wait until they had talked to Henry.

Then, suddenly, it had gotten late, and Leonard said they should probably get some sleep. Penny realized she wasn't ready to be away from Leonard. She asked, "Could you just hold me for a while?"

Leonard wasn't about to refuse, and they sat side by side on the couch, their hands intertwined and Penny laid her body against his. Afterwards, neither of them could say when it changed, when the consoling and touching became something more. Perhaps, they changed position to get comfortable and certain parts of the body came in contact, maybe it was just what they both wanted, or maybe having confronted death, Penny sought an affirmation of life. In any case, suddenly, they were locked in a passionate embrace and kiss, their hands roaming each other's bodies. Then, their clothes were gone and they were in bed. Then, it changed again. Leonard still managed to realize she was vulnerable and wanted her to know she was loved. That it was more than sex. He licked and touched her in all the places he knew so well, while Penny met him touch for touch and kiss for kiss. Together their passion grew until they both fell into bliss.

When they finally broke apart, Penny fell onto her back, struggling to get her breath. Concerned for Leonard, she looked to see if he needed his inhaler. Although he was breathing hard as well, he seemed okay. She laid back down to try to come to grips with what had just happened.

Then, it all came clear to her. Suddenly the fears she had felt, the excuses she had made, all seemed meaningless. She now saw what had evaded her before, what had been right in front of her face. The underlying reason she had been afraid to commit. She was afraid she would lose part of herself. That she would no longer be the same Penny. In fact, she realized, that was what she thought she had to do, to give up part of herself in order to commit herself to Leonard. Now she realized, she had it all backwards. She wouldn't lose anything, she would gain everything. Together in love, they were more than each of them apart.

Suddenly, she felt her heart beating so hard, she was afraid it would burst out of her chest. She looked at Leonard and felt such a feeling of peace and joy that she could finally give him what he deserved.

She got up on one elbow and looked down at him, and feeling a sense of euphoria, said, "Leonard."

He turned and looked at her, a slight quizzical look on his face, "What?"

"I love you."

She saw his eyes widen and, as her heart beat even faster, saw the utter joy on his face.

She hurried on, reaching out to caress his face, "I love your smile, your nerdy glasses. I love your cute tushie and how smart you are. I love how you treat your friends and how you befriended Sheldon. I love how you and Sara are. I have had sex with a lot of men, but I have only made love with you. I can't imagine or want a life without us... together."

Leonard looked up at her, he had never been so happy. He reached up and put his hand on hers, "I love you, too, Penny. I never stopped loving you. I have loved you in some way from the moment I saw you."

Penny felt a rush of joy and happiness. She leaned down and kissed him on the lips. It was a tender kiss, an expression of what they were each feeling.

Then, they laid back and Penny put her head on his chest and snuggled up to him, as Leonard spooned his arm around her. They both knew they were where they wanted to be, where they needed to be, where they belonged.

The next morning, Penny awakened first. She looked over at Leonard and found herself smiling happily. Then the events of the previous day rushed into her mind. But somehow, they were not as strong as they had been. She realized it was because she now knew that whatever happened, she and Leonard would face them together. That he would be at her side.

She then realized there was a lot to be done. First, she had to tell her family. She wondered if they should tell them they were intimate. She smiled, realizing they would probably know. Then they needed to get with Henry to see when he wanted to meet and discuss what happened. They probably would need to tell him about her and Leonard. If he had been right about the detectives, they might have been followed. Then, she had another moment of worry. Would this hurt the case? She put that quickly behind her. She was never going to apologize for what had happened or feel guilty about it.

She should also call Cherie and Doug and find out how Doreen was.

Then, another thought hit her. Was what happened in the news? What was being said about it?

Just then Leonard awoke. He was disoriented for a moment, then looked over at her. His face broke out into a beautiful smile that made her heart melt. He said, "Good morning."

She smiled back and said, "Good Morning." Then moved over and covered him and gave him a passionate kiss. But then, the mood was broken when nature called. She very unromantically said, "I have to pee."

She then got up and went to the bathroom.

When she came out, she was disappointed to see that Leonard was up and had his shorts back on. He moved past her and went into the bathroom.

She noticed it was already nine o'clock and reluctantly decided they probably should get going. Her parents were probably wondering when they were coming. Just then Leonard came back out and saw her standing there naked. She quickly said, "I am going to take a shower. We should probably get out to the farm."

Leonard nodded, but then perked up. "It would be faster if we showered together."

Penny wasn't sure about the time, but wasn't about to refuse the offer.

While they didn't have sex in the shower, they made sure every part of their partner's body was nice and clean.

She then used a new toothbrush that Leonard had and got ready to leave. But then Penny remembered her thought about the news. "Leonard, we should check to see if anything is in the local news. We can check the Omaha World Herald website."

Leonard started up his laptop and located the site. There was indeed a story. Thankfully, it was not on the equivalent of the first page, having apparently being superseded by National and State news, but was prominent on the local news page. Penny looked over his shoulder and read it as he did also.

Police, responding to a 911 call from a house on 42nd street in Omaha, were confronted with a badly beaten young woman, later identified as Doreen Mason, who lives at that address. The apparent assailant, Jack Graham, also of Omaha, who had reportedly been formerly romantically involved with the victim, was found dead at the scene. A young woman, who gave her name as Juanita Juarez, was taken into custody and is currently been held, pending determination of charges. It has been discovered that her real name is Maria Gonzales, formally of New York, where she spent time in prison for a similar crime.

A fourth individual found at the scene, Penelope Prentis of rural Omaha, was questioned and released.

All three of the women are employees of The Gentlemen's Club. Jack Graham was currently unemployed.

The latest news on the condition of the victim is that there is a good chance she will survive but is still in intensive care.

When they finished, Leonard smiled ruefully and said, "It could have been worse."

"Yeah, I guess. I bet Doug's not very happy that they decided to mention where we all worked."

"Probably not," but then he smirked, "Who knows, maybe it will be good for business."

"If it is, that will just strengthen the idea that it is a place where dangerous people work."

"Well, at least it made it clear that the police didn't think you were involved. Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, I suppose we better take both vehicles?"

"I'll follow you."

When they arrived at the farm, Susan and Wyatt came out to meet them, Susan giving Penny a hug. "Welcome home. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Mom."

Wyatt meanwhile had greeted Leonard and Susan turned to Leonard, "Hi, Leonard. Thanks for taking care of her."

Leonard smiled and said, Good Morning, Susan, your welcome, but I'm sorry you had to wait."

Susan answered, "It was tough, but we knew she was okay with you."

Then Wyatt spoke up, "It's kind of chilly out here, maybe we should go in the house."

Bridget was waiting for them in the kitchen. She also gave Penny a hug.

They sat down at the table and Susan asked, "Can I get anyone anything?"

Leonard and Penny asked if she had coffee ready and she gave them each a cup. After they took a sip, Susan could wait no longer. "Okay, now spill it all, don't leave out anything."

Penny again told her story. She did cut back a little on how Doreen looked and didn't spend much time on the actual killing. She also decided it wasn't important they knew she threw up.

Everyone was stunned. Finally, Bridget got out, "Oh my God, Penny, how awful. I don't know how you are doing so well, I would be a wreck."

Penny smiled ruefully, "It's amazing what you can get through if you have to. But I am not all that calm."

Susan spoke up, "That poor girl, is she going to be all right?"

"The newspaper said it looked like she would live, but is in intensive care."

Then Penny covered her mouth, "I just realized something, if it is in the paper, it is probably on TV too. Sara…"

Susan reassured her, "Sara has been playing in her room all morning on the computer. I doubt if she checks the news. I'll tell you what. Why don't you guys take her out to the horses about one and we'll check out the news broadcast."

Penny continued, "That sounds good. I suppose we are going to have to tell her something though."

Susan answered, "All she knows now is that you were with Leonard last night."

When Penny looked quizzically at her, she continued, "She asked me where you were and before I thought, I told her."

Penny shrugged, "Well, Leonard has stayed here so I doubt she would think anything about it."

Wyatt asked, "How about the police, are you sure you are in the clear?"

Penny answered, "Henry seems to think so. Not sure if they are going to charge Juanita though."

Wyatt then continued, "I suppose we should let Sara know you are home. She has really missed you both."

Wyatt went over by the stairs and called up, "Sara, Leonard and Mommy are home."

Immediately they heard footsteps on the stairs and Sara burst into the room and ran over and had her Mother pick her up for a hug. "Hi, Mommy, Hi Leonard. I missed you. Are you going to be here so we can go out to the horses?"

Penny answered, "Yes, Honey, we'll go out in just a few minutes," as she put Sara back on the floor.

Sara asked, "Did you and Leonard have fun on your sleep over?"

When the other three adults saw the blushes on Leonard's and Penny's faces, they caught each other's eyes and shared the same thought, 'Well, that answers that question."

Penny managed to say, "Yes, we had a good time."

After they spent their time with the horses, they returned to the farm and found that there had been something on the news. They had shown older pictures of Doreen, Jack, and Juanita. Doreen was still in intensive care and no charges had been pressed against Juanita yet. There had been no mention of Penny.

Leaving Sara with Leonard, Penny went up to her room to make her calls. She called Cherie first.

Cherie answered and then attacked, "What the hell is going on? Doug said the Club would not be open last night and that you and Juanita were involved with the Police? I tried to reach you, but your phone has been off. I called your folks and they didn't know where you were either."

Penny told her story, apologizing for not getting to her sooner. She also decided to omit that she had spent the night with Leonard until they talked to Henry.

Like everyone, Cherie was stunned. She asked if there was anything she could do and if Penny had told Leonard yet. Penny said thanks for the offer, but she was okay for now. She told Cherie she had talked to Leonard and he was with her at the farm.

Cherie continued, "Is this going to hurt the custody case? It doesn't sound like you did anything wrong."

"I don't know. I'm sure it won't help. I'll be talking to Henry in the next couple days; I'll let you know what he says."

"Okay, I'll let you go. But if you need anything, be sure and call me."

"I will, Cherie. Talk to you later."

She then called Doug. He answered and said, "How are you doing today, Penny?"

"I'm doing okay, Doug. The last I have heard, Doreen was still in intensive care, but was expected to live. Have you heard anything more?"

"I have had someone checking periodically. She is out of intensive care, but probably faces more surgery. The good news is the damage to her face wasn't as bad as it looked. It was mostly bruising and swelling. Her nose is broken, but there was no permanent damage to the other bones of her face. She seems to be out of any danger of dying."

"Oh, I am so glad. Have you heard more about Juan…Maria?"

"No, I just talked to my lawyer, but he has not heard anything."

"How about work? Have you decided what you are going to do?"

We will still be closed tonight. I have managed to get some temporary replacements until I have time to replace everyone. Will you be able to work tomorrow? Oh, and don't worry, I am planning to pay you for the two nights we are closed."

"I really appreciate that Doug. I just want to say how great you have been about all this. Keeping track of Doreen and helping Maria. As to work, I'll be ready."

"Thanks for the kind words, Penny, but you know how I feel about all of you. I talked to Doreen's parents, they are on their way from Ohio to visit her. Evidently she has been estranged from them for some time."

"Maybe something good will come out of this and will help get them back together. Thanks again, Doug, and I will see you tomorrow night."

"Goodbye, Penny. Hang in there."

Her last call was to Henry. After he also checked on how she was and she told him what she knew about Doreen and Maria, and what was in the news, all of which he had already known, he told her he would meet with her and Leonard the next day. Sally would call them with a time. Once more giving her a small pep talk, he said goodbye and hung up.

The rest of day was gratefully normal. After putting Sara to bed, Penny and Leonard spent some time making out in the living room, before he reluctantly said good night and headed back to the hotel. Penny's bed suddenly felt lonely again.

Marilyn Forest was not happy. She disliked getting chewed out by a client, especially when she didn't feel her operative did anything wrong. She was doing exactly what she needed to do and was just unlucky when it backfired on her. Tiffany had followed Prentis to the diner. She then made the correct decision to go inside and see who she was meeting with. She had waited a few minutes so as not to be seen following her, and then headed inside, planning to have a coffee and see if she recognized the person Prentis was meeting. If not, see if she could get a photo. But, just as she opened the door, Prentis and another woman had rushed out, practically knocking her down. They quickly got into a car that had been parked near the door and sped off, with no chance of her getting to her car.

She had then called in and had been instructed to wait there for Prentis to return for her truck. Marilyn then called her other operative at the hotel, but was told Leonard had not been seen.

At least waiting at the truck had paid off, when Tiffany followed Prentis to Leonard's hotel and their replacement operatives confirmed they spent the night.

Although she agreed with the client that it would have been of value to have been at the crime scene, they did now know what happened during the time she was out of their sight. She had sent the news information and what other small additional information they had gathered at the police station to that pompous lawyer Hampton. At least he had left them on the case.

Steven Hankin sat at his desk, ready for another night's work at the NY Police Department. He usually spent his time answering routine calls, sorting and filing reports. As usual though, the first thing he did was get on the department computer and see if there had been any activity on the files of one Maria Gonzales, social security number ending in 1546. He had done that every night since Daniels had got him the job two years before. Expecting the usual no activity, he was stunned to see that a request for her fingerprints had come from the police department of Omaha, Nebraska. Now, alert and excited, he called up the request. It appeared Maria, under the name Juanita Juarez, was being held pending charges.

He printed a copy and sat back thinking, 'This should be a big feather in my cap and get me in good with Daniels'. He wasn't exactly sure why Daniels was so interested in this Maria's whereabouts, but knew it was not out of any concern for her.

A/N Thanks as usual for all your reviews. You guys really give me a lot to think about. And thanks to all my readers for staying with me.