Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for the characters that I create.

"I see I ain't the only one stuck with paperwork." Danny says walking into the room

"Its unavoidable, Messer. And I see I wasn't the only one avoiding it." Vanessa says as he sits across from her in the break room.

"So how was the vacation?"

"Aren't you supposed to be doing paperwork?" Vanessa says looking at the case file in front of her.

"That can wait. So how was it?"

"It was okay. Just so you know paint dries very slowly. Now tell me why you really came here." Vanessa says turning a page. "It's about Lindsay isn't it?"

"Do you know what's been bothering her lately?"

"I already told you that I didn't know. Just leave it at that. Lindsay will come around soon enough…either that or realize how annoying you really are."

"Gee thanks. You sure know how to compliment someone."

"I know. It's a gift."

"I wonder if it's returnable." Danny says with a smirk.

"Funny, Messer."

"I better let you get back to your paperwork." Danny says heading for the door.

"Danny."

"Yeah?" Danny says turning around.

"I was serious before …she will come around just give her some time to work through whatever demons she has. That is if you are willing to wait."

"You know me …I'm a very patient man." Danny says walking out of the room. Vanessa smiles.

"Lindsay what are you hiding?" Vanessa says to herself.

"Talking to yourself?" Vanessa turns to look at the person standing in the doorway.

"Oh hey Adam. Did you need something?"

"I was wondering if I could ask you something thats kind of important." Adam says nervously.

"Sure shoot."

"Its personal I don't want anyone to hear." Adam says. Vanessa raises an eyebrow.

"Look how about we go out for some coffee or something and you can tell me what's up."

"Uh sure."

"Good I need to get my coat from my office. I'll meet you in the lobby." Vanessa says getting up.

"Ok."

Vanessa walks down the hall to her small office. She walks to her desk and is about to grab her coat when someone from behind clears his throat. Vanessa turns around suddenly.

"Jeez, Flack. You want to give me a heart attack."

"I haven't seen you in awhile." Flack says

"So you decide to take up residence in my office until I come for my coat?"

"Wouldn't have to if you weren't avoiding me." Flack says crossing his arms in front of him.

"I'm not avoiding you...we'll talk about this later...I have to go meet someone for lunch. Bye." Vanessa says as she exits the room.

"Didn't think I see the day." Danny says coming up behind Flack.

"What are you talking about?"

"When Flack would have to resort to stalking to see a girl."

"Speaking of a girl. How's it going with Lindsay?" Flack asks with a smirk.

"She'll come around, Flack."

"Vanessa only said that so you could leave her alone." Flack says walking out of the room. Danny frowns.

"Montana'll come around."

Coffee Shop

"So, Adam, what's up?"

"Well its like this…I was wondering if you…"

"If I could what?" Vanessa asks

"I was wondering if you could help me with something or rather someone."

"O...kay."

"I wanted to ask out Stacy, but I don't know where to take her or what to do. Since you two are friends I was hoping you could help me figure out what she likes, but if you can't I'll understand. I'm sorry I took too much of your time. You must want to get back to your paper work." Adam says getting up.

"Whoa hold up. Calm down and sit for a moment." Vanessa waits for him to sit before she continues. "I'd be happy to help you out."

"Thanks." Adam says smiling.

"Sure, no problem," Vanessa says, "Contrary to what you might think a date doesn't have to be overly extravagant. You can never go wrong with dinner. Keep it simple." Vanessa says taking a sip of her coffee.

"Where do you think I should take her for dinner?"

"I have on good authority that she likes Italian food. Take her to that nice little Italian restaurant a few blocks from here. I'm sure she'll like it."

"Thanks for you help, Vanessa."

"Your welcome." Vanessa says as they get up. They pay for their coffee and head back the short distance to the NYPD building.

"Try not to be so nervous. Just be yourself and everything will turn out fine."

"I'll try. I hope Don doesn't mind that I stole you away for a few minutes."

"I'm sure he won't." Vanessa says as they enter the building. They run into Lindsay in the hallway

"There you are."

"Yes here I am. Way to state the obvious, Lindsay."

"I need your help." Lindsay says.

"I'll talk to you later." Adam says heading into one of the labs.

"What is it?"

"Sheldon was called in for a court hearing and can't help me with the case."

"Sure, let me see the case file." Vanessa says. Lindsay looks at her in disbelief.

"That's it? No 'do it yourself' or 'bite me'?"

"I'm in a good mood today so sue me. Now about the case."

"Rodney Willis, age 40, founder of Willis Publishing Company." Lindsay says as they head towards one of the layout rooms.

"Where was he found?"

"At an apartment. The lease was under his name." Lindsay says.

"Married?"

"Wife's name Laurel." Lindsay says looking down at the case file before putting it aside to take out their evidence.

"Dibs on the fingerprints." Vanessa says just as Lindsay was about to take them.

"What are you six?"

"Hey I called it."

"Fine you can take the prints for all the good it'll do you. They probably belong to the victim."

"Keep telling yourself that, Lin Lin."

"I think that vacation did you some good." Lindsay says.

"I think so too." Vanessa says smiling.

That's all for now. Tell me what you guys think of it so far. Please review. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to tell me. I will update soon.

Until next time,

Ancient 85 ­­­­­­